How to initially oil new roller chain on equipment

[sixdogs]

I'm going to replace my #50 roller chain on a PTO snowblower. After it's on, a cover bolts on over it. What is the initial way to oil it before installation? I know after it's installed I'll spray with chain lube but what about before installation?

Do I soak in oil first? What kind? Motor oil? Chainsaw oil? No oil? Maybe just spray as it's initially running?

Any advice helpful. I haven't changed a roller chain in a long time and those were easy access where I could just keep soaking with chain lube in a spray can. This one is different because it's behind a cover and a hassle to access.

 

[Roadworthy]

For the old British bikes the common practice was to put grease into a pan and melt it in an oven. Put your new chain into the grease so it could penetrate. Remove chain from grease and wipe off excess grease. An O ring chain would be cool but wouldn't fit many of the older bikes - the links are too wide.

 

[hosspuller]

A chain lasts longest running submerged in oil. Is the chain compartment sealed ? Can you tolerate a bit of oil leakage if not? Otherwise soak the chain in oil, then install it.

 

[sixdogs]

A chain lasts longest running submerged in oil. Is the chain compartment sealed ? Can you tolerate a bit of oil leakage if not? Otherwise soak the chain in oil, then install it.

Chain compartment not sealed but not easily accessible either.

What oil would you soak chain in prior to installation? Later I can spray chain lube on it at service intervals and that should be enough.

 

[oosik]

Initially most roller chain should come with adequate lube. If you want to add extra - use spray motorcycle chain lube. Spray both inside and outside surfaces.

 

[BleedingOrange]

My snowblower has a hole in the cover, were I can put the tip of the oil can in, and lube it, while it is slowly turning, at the lowest speed possible. Can you perhaps drill a hole in your cover, so you can do the same ?

 

[Paystar]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just put it on and lube it.

My blower has the exposed chain, I bought it new in 2013. It is used almost daily with the snow we get here in the winter and I have never had to adjust or replace yet.

All I have ever done is spray it with motorcycle chain lube, chainsaw bar oil, Krown, Fluid Film or whatever else was in arms reach every time I get done blowing.

 

[RjCorazza]

I would soak it in engine oil, install, then keep lubed with chain lubricant. Previous mention of drilling an access hole for lubing is a very good idea.
My chain is exposed, so I just spray with chain lube prior to each use.

 

[sixdogs]

My snowblower has a hole in the cover, were I can put the tip of the oil can in, and lube it, while it is slowly turning, at the lowest speed possible. Can you perhaps drill a hole in your cover, so you can do the same ?

Duh--why didn't I think of that?. Drill a hole.
I'll prelube with ag chain lube and stick a nozzle down the drilled hole every now and then.

Great answers from all. Thank you.

 

[JJT]

I have a 10 year old spare chain in the shop, waiting for a failure. It's in a greased bag, so I'm guessing it's pre-lubed.

As for chain lube, I hit the original 25 year old snowblower chain with tacky bar oil 3 - 4 times a season, simply dripping an ounce or two on the chain as I hand turn the auger. It's worked well for me.

 

[ruffdog]

Initially most roller chain should come with adequate lube. If you want to add extra - use spray motorcycle chain lube. Spray both inside and outside surfaces.

Some chain lubes are only for o-ring chains and some are for non-o-ring chains. Be sure to get the correct lube type.

Chain & Cable Fluid Spray | Lubriplate Lubricants Co.

 

[hosspuller]

Chain compartment not sealed but not easily accessible either.

What oil would you soak chain in prior to installation? Later I can spray chain lube on it at service intervals and that should be enough.

I would use motor oil. There might be something better. But, It's common and easily available. Timing chains run in motor oil for the life of the engine.

 

[ericm979]

I would use motor oil. There might be something better. But, It's common and easily available. Timing chains run in motor oil for the life of the engine.

Yes but they're in a fully sealed compartment (no dirt) which has been engineered to give a constant supply of oil to the chain. Equipment chains don't get that, they get dirt and infrequent lube. Chain lube is made for those conditions. If the chain moves fast, motor oil will get flung off. Chain lube is tacky (street bike lube more than dirt bike lube) so it stays on the chain.

 

[Paystar]

I have a 10 year old spare chain in the shop, waiting for a failure. It's in a greased bag, so I'm guessing it's pre-lubed.

As for chain lube, I hit the original 25 year old snowblower chain with tacky bar oil 3 - 4 times a season, simply dripping an ounce or two on the chain as I hand turn the auger. It's worked well for me.

There's why you and I have never had a problem in all these years.....we both have a brand new spare chain on the shelf. LOL

 

[CalG]

motor oil flings off in a very short time.

Bar and chain oil has "tackifiers" added to keep the lube on when the chain goes around the corners.

Motorcycle wax type chain lubes are the best. They penetrate into the rollers where the lube is needed, then the solvents evaporate, leaving a waxy film.

My Favorite!

 

[Paystar]

motor oil flings off in a very short time.

Bar and chain oil has "tackifiers" added to keep the lube on when the chain goes around the corners.

Motorcycle wax type chain lubes are the best. They penetrate into the rollers where the lube is needed, then the solvents evaporate, leaving a waxy film.

My Favorite!

That's what I always used to use on my dirt bikes. Maxima Chain Wax.
But then I watched some you tube tests like the one Fort Nine did testing chain lubes and I fell on the side of no lube at all on o-ring chains.

They last longer with no dirt stuck to them.

 

[CalG]

That's what I always used to use on my dirt bikes. Maxima Chain Wax.
But then I watched some you tube tests like the one Fort Nine did testing chain lubes and I fell on the side of no lube at all on o-ring chains.

They last longer with no dirt stuck to them.

right!

o-ring chains are "sealed for life". Any additional lube only sticks on surfaces where it does no good.

But the OP did not mention O-ring chains< and Wax is better than grease. IMO.

 

[sixdogs]

I'm the OP and have always used Deere Chain Lube. It seems to build up and sticks well. Have used for years and never a problem. I would never use motor oil. It just drips off the chain.

 

[Little Red Tractor]

I think that there have been some pretty clever solutions--I really like the "drill a hole" option.

 

[tracdoc]

Good points and tricks raised here! Agree w OP that using motor oil for the most part is not very effective, as it flings off quite quickly, even at lower speeds.
From the world of high speed chains where I liked to play, like motorcycle roadracing and karting, one of the most favored lubes out there is a ceramic based lube made in Holland, called “XERAMIC” It is compatible with traditional links as well as O-ring links, and it lasts a long time, even at speed. Very little throw-off, and no gumminess. It’s available at motorcycle shops and online
I have also used the MAXIMA and that’s good, too.

Xeramic Chain Lube

Xeramic Chain Spray 500ml can An advanced chain spray wih long-life properties, based on a ceramic material. This unique material is composed of synthetic elements, enriched with ceremaic material and special additives that result in superior lubrication. Xeramic Synthetic Chain Spray does not...

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