Chainlube buildup inside the Crank housing

[Jay]

Hey there,

First of all I would just like to thank everyone on this forum that has helped me get a better understanding of this bike over the last few months. I've been commuting daily on my FZR for the last 8 months and the advice on this forum has saved me on a number of occasions. So big ups and keep up the good work.

I just thought I would post a problem that I first noticed about 3 weeks ago. When I did my first oil change a few weeks back I noticed a few drops of sticky black liquid on the side of the oil filter. It was pretty hard to wipe off and didn't resemble anything like oil so I thought I might have been tar seal off the road or something since it has been very hot around here lately. A week later I noticed a larger clump on the filter and also splater marks on the EXUP, fuel overflow, kickstand switch wire and large dripping clumps on the inside of the left hand fairing. There wasn't anything leaking out after the bike had stopped and there was no residue on the driveway so I opened up the crank housing to find 7 months worth of Motul chainlube all built up on the side of the case. This was obviously melting with heat from the chain and slowly dripping out onto the stuff below (thank god it wasn't going on the rear tyre).

Now for those that are having similar issues, those big bulk cans of degreaser from Super Cheap Auto don't exactly melt it off like butter. I had to get a nail in there and spend almost fifteen minutes scraping the shit off. I then degreased the front sprocket and all the internals that were caked in lube. Well 700km later the problem came back and after taking off the crank housing again and giving it another clean I thought it would be apropriate to post on these forums about it.

So my question is can anything be done about this or is it just a mater of pulling it off and cleaning it with every lube? im taking this would be a pretty common issue with all bikes. At the moment I'm doing a full degrease and lube of the chain every 5-600km with a few light touch ups in between. I don't over lube the chain and Motul gave me no problems for the first 6 months of daily commuting. It only started when I was nearing the end of the can. Ive since brought a new, full can of Motul lube. Will let you all know if the problem is still present after the next degrease and lube up.

Cheers guys,

[deadbirds]

might be dirt getting into the oli somwhere..

[dave]

That's a fairly interesting problem. Can't say I have heard of it before...
I think the recommended greasing interval is 500k using 30w-50 oil, with de-greasing less often.

I have tried a few different chain lubes and mostly they make a mess of the back wheel once you have been for a ride and it has flung off everywhere.
I have ended up up using the Belray spray lube. http://belray.com/consumer/product.fsp?pid=1296
The Super Clear is the one I use and it comes out like a white wax..


Do not confuse with the one containing molyphos as the cans are similar but it makes a hell of a mess

My son has ended up with a good supply of chain lubes for his dirt bike through my testing.

[Jay]

Yes I have heard Bell Ray is pretty good stuff.
Motul is really good, its clear and if you apply it to a warm chain then leave it for a few hours it wont splater off at all but it only stays clear for a few hundred k's depending where you ride it. At 30 NZ bucks a can its pretty expensive but the last can went for 6 months so you could say its worth the money. I'm monitoring the problem now. Giving the bike a good once over every ride and checking for tell tale signs

[dontz125]

When are you lubing your chain? You are supposed to lube it AFTER a ride, while the chain is warm, and let the lube soak in and thicken.

Spraying lube onto a cold chain first thing in the morning, then going for a ride, results in chain lube spattered all over the place...

[rodeobob]

What he said ^^^^^^^^^^^^



Also if you are running an O-ring chain you really do not need much lube at all. Your only lubricating the mating face where the rollers go on the sprockets.

Some dirt bike guys do not lube theres at all. Just a bit of WD40 or similar after washing to stop rust. Lube makes dust stick and turn to grinding paste.





Bob.

[FastFizza]

I might also add that the lube should be applied sparingly to the INSIDE of the chain, not sprayed on the top/outside like most people do (generalising). Also, I worked at Wellington Motorcycles for the last 7years and by far the best chain lube we (collectively as a shop) had ever come across/used is PJ-1 Black Label. About the same cost as the Motul stuff from the sounds of it, but ive used the Motul as well and id HIGHLY recommend you at least buy a can of PJ-1 next time and try it. Looks like this >