Chain O-ring WD-40 exposure effects study and results

[klm4755]

Enclosed is a study to examine the effects of Chain link O-ring exposure to various solvent, cleaners, and lubrications. Many “home grown” solutions exist as to the best method to clean and lube an O-ring type chain. Most popular is the usage of WD-40. The intent of this study is to determine if WD-40 and other commonly used chemicals are detrimental to the chains o-ring and it’s function. The study will consist of 4 parts:
1. Test set-up and controls
2. Short term continuous exposure results. Short term will be defined as 24 hours
3. Long term continuous exposure results. Long term evaluations will occur at regular intervals (monthly?) till a conclusion can be reached.
4. Study conclusion.

Part 1


Start all projects by reviewing relevant data related to the mod/topic


The source of the O-rings. DID master link from a 520 type chain.


extract the 8x O-rings for the study


set up an exam area. Did consider weighing the O-rings, but sold my gram scale when completed college......Hehehe Good times!


Evaluate, measure and record the dimensions. This case inner diameter with an adjustable ball gage. Dimensions are use to check for O-ring swelling.


check dia of ball gage. Inner dia = .227 inch


outer diameter =.356 inch


thickness = .073 inch


record dimensions


macro view of O-ring


O-ring side view


The 7x Fluids to evaluate


The container list: 1. WD-40, 2. Kerosine, 3. Gasoline, 4. LPS-3, 5. DOT 4 brake fluid, 6. PJ1 Chain lube, 7. Gumout carb cleaner


adding the fluids to the cavities


ready for O-ring insertion


Mark date and install O-rings


wrap-up container and store in garage.

Part 2
After 24 hours the O-rings were removed and examined visually for signs of distress. Quick comparison of all O-rings with the control O-ring some signs of swelling.
Each O-ring was squeezed and released to evaluate the elasticity and for signs of brittleness.


O-rings after 24 hours


removing the WD-40 exposed O-ring


WD-40 exposed O-ring ready to dry and evaluate


WD-40 exposed O-ring optical enhanced examination. Looks A-ok


measure thickness of WD-40 exposed O-ring


measure outer diameter of WD-40 exposed O-ring


WD-40 on left air exposed control on right


detail results of review on form


Repeat steps for Kerosene (Kerosene on left, air on right)


Repeat steps for Gasoline (Gasoline on left, air on right)


squeeze test for elasticity evaluation


Repeat steps for LPS-3 (LPS-3 on left, air on right)


Repeat steps for Brake Fluid (Brake fluid on left, air on right)


Repeat steps for PJ1chain lube (PJ1on left, air on right)


last sample....Grandama is still looking for her pill box....hehehe


Repeat steps for carb cleaner (carb cleaner on left, air on right)



Table of results
Conclusion of short term exposure:
1. Carb cleaner and Gasoline samples swelled to significant sizes. Definitely not recommended to use these fluids to clean an O-ring type chain. The carb cleaner exposed O-ring increased in diameter by 29%! The gasoline exposed O-ring increased in diameter by 11%.
2. WD-40, and Kerosene seem to have negligible to no effect on the O-rings (+/-1%)
3. Brake fluid, and PJ1 chain lube seem to have a negligible to small effect on the O-ring’s size.


Ready to ride
Keithm

[Klay]

Interesting. I think I'll stick with kerosene for chain-cleaning.

[JDLuke]

What's next? Going to determine once and for all which oil is best, putting an end to all those threads?

Nice work!

[deaconjones]

Ahhh,,,,Science!

[Boon Booni]

Nice..

I'm surprised brake fluid didn't destroy the o-rings..

[fallzboater]

You could actually test elasticity and/or tensile strength with some wire and weights. Might be intersting.

I love your digital mic!

[VStromTom]

Oh yea! Well, well, well.......WD-40 doesn't work, plus if you smell it or touch it your manhood will come off in your hand next time you whiz.

But, nice report and good work.

[Mista Vern]

Very cool - thanks!

[Wallowa]

Rubber or silicon o-ring or ??? material? All o-rings are not created alike..maybe I missed it in your test...

[klm4755]

Originally Posted by Wallowa

Rubber or silicon o-ring or ??? material? All o-rings are not created alike..maybe I missed it in your test...

Wallowa,
The O-rings were from manufacture DID and were from spare master links (what I had available). I do not know their material composition. I assume some type of rubber compound and that all vendors O-rings would be fairly material consistant. If you can tell me a (simple) way to test the spare O-ring to determine it's compound let me know and/or perhaps other members will chime in.
Keithm

[Wallowa]

Originally Posted by klm4755

Wallowa,
The O-rings were from manufacture DID and were from spare master links (what I had available). I do not know their material composition. I assume some type of rubber compound and that all vendors O-rings would be fairly material consistant. If you can tell me a (simple) way to test the spare O-ring to determine it's compound let me know and/or perhaps other members will chime in.
Keithm

No I don't but a number of years [20] ago the o-rings I used to use in my profession went to silicon from rubber...silicon lasts a lot longer and less UV damage..that is why I asked..just curiosity..you are correct I will bet that all o-ring chain manuf use the same material and I will also bet it is silicon..

Good job on test...but you have WAY too much spare time!

[FriedDuck]

Nice work! Here's the stuff/technique I use on my chains. Works like a charm.

I've never had problems with WD40, but feared that some of it might slip past an errant o-ring and work it's magic on the grease within.

I'm looking forward to the long-term test. Some of those o-rings are going to be begging for mercy!

Jeff

[Doghouse_Riley]

You forgot to test with ATF.

[DaFoole]

Nice work. But what about olive oil???

[Dirtgeek]

awesome! you get an

A+

al