PART II WD-40 O-ring exposure effect results

[klm4755]

Enclosed is the results of the O-ring experiment. The original plan was to assess the O-rings at specific long term intervals. However, to continue with this plan required me to continuously attend the containers. Some of the fluids needed topping off every few days and I did not see myself diligent enough to maintaining the containers over months. So, after 15x days of exposure, I’ll be measuring the failure load of each O-ring for the final evaluation.

O-rings after 15 days

removing the WD-40 exposed O-ring

All O-rings removed and labeled

The failure loads test fixture

50 lbs capacity digital scale

test set up, fill bucket with weights till failure

test weights = 10 lbs 12 oz

first O-ring in test the 15x day exposed carb cleaner specimen, add zip tie

attach to scale hook

attach zip tie to bucket with S hook

empty weight = 6 oz

slowly add weight and O-ring deflects and strains

add all weight = 11 lbs 2 oz

deflected shape with 11 lbs 2 oz

measure deflection, although not used

slowly pull with hand, reading digital values till failure

carb cleaner failure load = 14.4 lbs

Final results for all soaked O-rings
Results of study:
All the chemical had an effect on the strength levels. Based on the reduction in strength after 15 day continuous exposure, it appears WD-40 reduced and had a detrimental effect on the the strength of the O-ring (20% reduction after 15x days). Whereas, the Kerosene reduced the strength level by 12%. More rigorous investigation is required, however based on these results I’ll be using Kerosene to clean my X ring chain.

ready to ride!
Keithm

[larryboy]

Based on those results I'll be using nothing to clean my chains...just like now.


Seriously..nice work!!!

[teeedubya]

Reminds me of some college physics experiments.

[markk53]

Just like Mythbusters would'a done... good on ya.

[duck]

1) Why does the tensile strength of an O-ring matter? Granted it's an elastic material but I think your test is a stretch. (Pun intended.)

2) How come you didn't soak one in beer, one in bacon grease and one in mother's milk? This is ADV you know.

[xtphreak]

Originally Posted by duck

1) Why does the tensile strength of an O-ring matter? Granted it's an elastic material but I think your test is a stretch. (Pun intended.)

2) How come you didn't soak one in beer, one in bacon grease and one in mother's milk? This is ADV you know.

ok

what would you think should be tested?

compression?
hardness/softness?
abrasion resistance?

how would you set up a repeatable / measurable test for each?

this at least gives a representative data set for changes in the elastomer based on a control set and with multiple degrading fluids

[xtphreak]

Originally Posted by klm4755

Enclosed is the results of the O-ring experiment. The original plan was to assess the O-rings at specific long term intervals. However, to continue with this plan required me to continuously attend the containers. Some of the fluids needed topping off every few days and I did not see myself diligent enough to maintaining the containers over months. So, after 15x days of exposure, I’ll be measuring the failure load of each O-ring for the final evaluation.

O-rings after 15 days

removing the WD-40 exposed O-ring

All O-rings removed and labeled

The failure loads test fixture

50 lbs capacity digital scale
test set up, fill bucket with weights till failure

test weights = 10 lbs 12 oz

first O-ring in test the 15x day exposed carb cleaner specimen, add zip tie

attach to scale hook

attach zip tie to bucket with S hook
empty weight = 6 oz

slowly add weight and O-ring deflects and strains

add all weight = 11 lbs 2 oz

deflected shape with 11 lbs 2 oz

measure deflection, although not used

slowly pull with hand, reading digital values till failure

carb cleaner failure load = 14.4 lbs

Final results for all soaked O-rings
Results of study:
All the chemical had an effect on the strength levels. Based on the reduction in strength after 15 day continuous exposure, it appears WD-40 reduced and had a detrimental effect on the the strength of the O-ring (20% reduction after 15x days). Whereas, the Kerosene reduced the strength level by 12%. More rigorous investigation is required, however based on these results I’ll be using Kerosene to clean my X ring chain.

ready to ride!
Keithm

which is what RK / Yamaha / Kawasaki say to use ... maybe the manufacturer actually does know best???

now consider that when I clean a chain with Kerosene, I wipe it clean afterwards, removing most of the kerosene, then I lube it, which no doubt displaces even more kerosene.

Same if I use WD-40 (sprayed on a rag, NOT on the chain).

Bottom line, kerosene (or WD-40) doesn't sit on the o-ring more than a few minutes, not days.

great test

thanks for the effort

[duck]

Originally Posted by xtphreak

ok

what would you think should be tested?

compression?
hardness/softness?
abrasion resistance?

how would you set up a repeatable / measurable test for each?

this at least gives a representative data set for changes in the elastomer based on a control set and with multiple degrading fluids

I was just being hyperctrical for kicks. I suppose this test is as good as any but focusing on hardness and compression would be ideal. Or running 8 bikes 100,000 miles over ten years.

[p_s]

It's interesting work. To be fair, you should run each test at least 3 times(and preferably much more) to see how much variation there is in the o-rings themselves or the experimental technique. I know that's three times as much work ... but maybe that's three times as good if you enjoy this sort of thing.

[DirtyDog]

Yep, REPLICATION is required for statistically significant results. But I'm sure you know that.

I'd like to see a similar test with various lubes. I'm sure the differences would be much less, but interesting, I'm sure.

[DaFoole]

Christ!! Even a guy with this much free time doesn't have THAT much free time....... Thanks for your work and thanks for the info!

[anonny]

Your a genius! Glad you didn't do it all for me as 1 bike is belt drive 1 is shaft drive and the rest get cheap non o ring chains. Great read though.

[Hardleft]

Amazingly good post. Thanks for putting in all of this work and sharing it with us.

[Crisis management]

Great test and good indicative results, thanks for taking so much time to do this so thoroughly!
So now it's clean with kerosene.....

[30Bones]

People really care that much about chain lube? I use whatever I have on hand and even then I am bad about chain maintenance and have had 2 failures. Maybe I should steup up my regimin some.