Can You PRESSURE WASH A Chain?

[@MotoJitsu]

BE SURE TO FOLLOW MIKE ON INSTAGRAM :) instagram.com/motorcyclemecha/

[@Nameless_Gh0st]

Well, it's definitely clean, but it looks like a good way to fuck up the o-rings in the chain.

[@danielkoerner7127]

Got 25,000 miles out of my last VStrom chain by only spray lubing it every other tankful of gas. This is overkill IMHO. Today's o-ring chains don't need this extreme level of cleaning.

[@Kevin97587]

Exactly.. I used to clean and brush and do all kinds of stuff to keep my chain as clean as possible, result? the rubber seals usually broke down really fast usually within 10.000km. Stopped cleaning and just lube every 500-1000km, the chain doesnt look 'clean' but its in a good condition and lasts 5x longer. And the money I save on cleaners is better spend elsewhere..

[@smoke05s]

@@Kevin97587 what cleaners did you use? Share with us so we know what to avoid.

[@Kevin97587]

@@smoke05s Muc off chain cleaner

[@Geo_Okami]

Absolutely agree, some people like to make science out of simple 2min job🤦‍♂️

[@danielkoerner7127]

@@smoke05s DuPont “Chainsaver” from Amazon for @10 bucks a can.

[@r4pid1337]

I'd also be careful with overspraying the lube onto the rear brake disc. Especially for those SuMo riders that pop an occasional wheelie outside of traffic. This can really take you by surprise. I always use brake cleaner after lubing up the chain.

[@gothops154]

1:15 that little brush we all bought from CycleGear 😂

[@Jedanzivottattoo]

why everyone spray chain spray without something to protect that the spray cover all the tire. then after that tire will spin a lot more and possibly cause accident

[@Calimero1232]

Just get some automatic oiler and forget the chain cleaning completely... the bearings in your wheel, central shock levers and rear arm will thank you for avoiding all that unnecessary pressurized water.

[@mariabutler3356]

This. The new type chains don't need to be cleaned. In fact you risk damaging the sealings with those hard nylon brushes pushing dirt in. I don't use an automatic oiler as it uses thinner oil and making it messy and I don't ride that much so I do it manually every 500km or so

[@SamuraiThePunisher]

It's too expensive!

[@bruceparr1678]

I have 1984 MZ that I bought new. I never cleaned the non O ring chain that it came with. I replaced the chain once at around 130'000km. It was still in pretty good condition. I never used chain lube but applied grease every few thousand km as per the manual. I guess the full chain enclosure makes the difference.

[@roscoe4092]

You followed your manuals instructions, I think that’s the most important thing regardless of what bike /chain type you have

[@akquicksilver]

For many years I have hosed my chains with engine degreaser, brushed them, and power washed on a center stand or rear stand. I fire up the bike and put it in first and let it spin for a couple minutes, then I apply the lube. I have used many different lubes including 90W gear oil, but my favorite for the last couple of years is Amsoil chain lube. Been running the last 7 years on my FZ09 with the original chain and sprocket and they both look new.

[@MotoJitsu]

:)

[@gtyrkicksin216]

Kiss those o-rings (and any other seal he's hitting with that pressure washer) goodbye. Makes sense if he's a mechanic though. Job security

[@reggaerarify]

Super cool to see Mike's pretty detailed perspective as a mechanic on something that seems as simple as chain maintenance. Thanks!

[@mikael5677]

Michael Neeves from MCN likes to wipe off the chain with wd40 and a rag after every long ride or so, so that's what i'm trying

[@iskinmind7020]

You just had a bucketload of water pressurized under rubber seals with that washer and halved that chain's lifespan. Good luck with it. This should be labelled "how not to clean your chain".

[@redfox1642]

That’s funny how many don’t agree with pressure washing the chain but fail to state wether that has caused “verified by personal experience” a chain failure while riding. It’s hard to prove whether that may cause some serious infrastructure deficiencies to the linkages because to find out you would have to pull it apart rendering it unusable. And for that reason I agree with MotoJitsu’s statement... “then don’t doit!”

[@Roy_Godiksen]

I don't have access to a hose or compressed air. But, i bought a manual pump waterspraying bottle and i use a rag or high quality paper to dry the chain. No problem, it just takes a little bit longer. 💖💖💖👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@africanwidow]

Hi. I use my small-mini leaf blower - that I also use for drying the bike after washing. Works great for getting water out of everywhere. $20-30.

[@MotoJitsu]

Great tip!

[@heightskings6693]

My friend and shop owner or Suspension Matters does it this way ... dudes been racing and fixing bikes all his life .. he does it this way , does a great job , just the upkeep after is important because the power washer knocks all existing dirt so you have to lube it thoroughly

[@Tom-gx4yd]

SAE 90 Gearbox oil it will tell you in the owners manual, a bottle will last you along time apply every 2-3 hundred miles like he said

[@braverabbit]

Kerosene is the cleaner to use. Don't get why folks use these other products to clean chains when chain companies recommend kerosene for cleaning.

[@johnh1001]

Good Day All : Spray wash your chains if you want , it's your bike . If you choose to do so , you will have a nice clean chain . Have a nice day .

[@walther89]

wd40 -> let it soak -> little brushy brush -> clean it with rag, a brand new already -> lube it, and good to go -> clean excess oil if needed pressure washer isnt good, can damage rubber in chain, + all dose water and shit is messy

[@XtreeM_FaiL]

How on else you get water inside the seal if not with pressure washer?

[@mickstick2830]

does it really work with WD40?

[@XtreeM_FaiL]

@@mickstick2830 WD40 and similar things work great against grease. Bit expensive tho.

[@raleeuw]

A brush with diesel is better,high pressure for the the orings🤔

[@haraldhochmann]

Diesel is not recommended at all, it is to agressive to the O-rings and they loose flexibility and their intention. At the end it shortens the chain life.

[@forthcoming-d8694]

I use everything Motul (starting with the Spray & finish with the Paste) on my 2019 CB1000-R. Without the brush & power wash ! I spray then Rinse well with a hard cloth then spread the Paste on it. MOTUL is all in 1 and both the Spray & Paste do wonders for the Chain/sprocket 😎

[@jesparon]

I watched your previous video and found it quite easy cleaning snd lubing the chain. Thanks heaps.

[@sascha294]

Just read any motorcycle chain maintenance manual and you'll see what's wrong with this video. You don't need a pro.

[@TracyTsVideos]

I just use diesel or gasoline with a old paint brush. Then wrens with with more gas or diesel. Plus to gasoline, it evaporates so the chain will be dry to lubricate. Then I lubricate with 90 weight rear end oil. Good heavy weight and sticky to stay put.

[@HighCalip]

bro stop using gasoline you will swell your o-rings. use kerosene

[@janhypermotard6839]

Like a pro???

[@JBehnen]

Please note how he uses the compressed air from the top, to spray the water right down on the chain again. That's proven to be the best technique...

[@tonyjones8149]

Spanking clean and likely pulls smootherrrrr 💨

[@robans]

Clean and lube the chain every other gas tank? I bought my bike to ride it and not to clean it. Or maybe your bikes have 100 liter tanks.

[@jasonmulikita]

Very helpful! And thanks for the additional information from the pro!

[@karlooo79]

Nice and clean. Is there a nail? Something flashy is there on inside of tire

[@HighGrade_FireBlade]

Yeah. EK definitely doesn’t know what they’re talking about when they say don’t pressure wash their sealed chains.

[@jgschossmann]

Thanks for the tips. So much faster to spray off the much with water after as opposed to paper towels.

[@MotoJitsu]

You are so welcome!

[@sun6v546]

Very good job , Mate ......... except for the card board to protect lub on the tyre while spraying .

[@benhutchison2538]

I always here don't use high pressure water. Can damage o rings.

[@kilo255]

Where can I order the wheel chock and rear tire lift? Thanks

[@MotoJitsu]

MotoJitsu.com/gear has a link to Revzilla

[@DARc_69]

Using pressured water over modern oring chain?? Worst advice I have ever seen and this should NOT has your "recommendation" MotoJitsu 😬😱

[@MotoJitsu]

Then don't do it.

[@PDPIE1029]

A pressure washer loose most of its power just after a foot. I could stick my hand in front of that and it wouldn’t hurt at all. It’s not going to do anything to the rings. “They can last to 20,000 miles”. He wouldn’t know that if his method didn’t work.

[@DARc_69]

@@MotoJitsu Just to clarify - a admire your channel and advices but this cleaning procedure raised many doubts also on your side as we can hear... from your questions. Chain is just one of questionable steps and execution (as spraying lubricant all over the tire or pressure watter pointed at rear wheel seals on spindle). But OK you are right. We can simply not follow this particular advices and I am glad those are not yours as I trust your experience a lot in all other aspects. Cheers.

[@MotoJitsu]

It's ok...Mike knows what he's doing and he said in the video, just don't get too close. Everyone's an expert online and knows more than anyone else and therefore must tell everyone. Plus, if you don't want to use a pressure washer, don't. I don't even have one lol

[@themarvelousvintage76]

I do exactly the same beside using power wash because I dont have it but take out kerosene with air compressor

[@XtreeM_FaiL]

Compressed air is even worse than pressure washer.

[@chrispulham4779]

90 gear oil and kerosene the best. No .top brushing as you are forcing the shit back into the chain. Use compressed air on the bottom of the chain then wipe and oil.

[@austink641]

One tooth paste might be slightly better than another, but what matters is that you brush.

[@Yama-kid187]

No. You just pressurewashed all the grease out of your rear wheel bearings and definately sprayed lube all over the rear tyre. I'd fire you if you were my mechanic please don't ride thaf till youve regreased the rear bearings and got the lube off the tyre

[@williamwintemberg]

If you want to get in a long discussion or debate, just bring up chain cleaning and lubrication. OMG!

[@marcus2132]

Wish motorcyclemecha had a youtube channel

[@MotoJitsu]

sooon MotoJitsu.com for my App, books, merch, affiliate links, etc.

[@8tavian999]

106 dislikes are from shaftdrive moto riders! hi hi

[@pauldavies9360]

I disagree with alot of people here. I think a pressure washer is FINE just don't be stupid and keep the nozzle of the washer a good 8 inches away from the chain.

[@rcarvalho4027]

Lubing the tire is a terrible idea

[@anderdotro]

don't pressure wash your chain, it's a good way to get rid of the o rings. then you need a new chain.

[@ssaiyan6001]

I use kerosene to clean and gear oil for lubricating the chains works fine

[@realaveragegamer3053]

Reguardless of the job, it's funny to see all the experts in the comments. Is this guy over doing it? yeah, is he cleaning it to a good standard, yeah.

[@ryanpark2049]

I'm not pressure washing anything on my bike man. Although I did get the hose wrapped around the kickstand on my bike while cleaning this past weekend and dropped her on concrete. I'm extremely upset that it happened, and it tore my plastic fairing. Idk, just be careful cause it is a pretty sad feeling whatever you do

[@earlgallup5223]

Just don't get too close

[@avinashbakash]

He did his job so passionately ❤️

[@painter08]

Thanks!

[@MotoJitsu]

No problem!

[@MarekVarcholak]

Now thats chain cleaning and lubricating. Definitely will try it next time on my bike. Thanks for the video.

[@MotoJitsu]

You bet

[@rubadubdubb]

Holy crap that cotter pin is all kinds of wrong lol

[@karlelarcosa723]

Can a 95 octane gas clean a chain?

[@burrito-town]

Power washer???? This is one of the stranger chain maintenance tutorials I've seen. I de-grease with kerosene and then lube up with Motul chain paste. The de-greasing step usually requires a good half gallon of kerosene. It seems like a lot, but any less and I'm left with a chain that is not clean.

[@grodt88]

don't lube the tire guys

[@roscoe4092]

I’m very cautious on the pressure washer part

[@MrDingus64]

Like, comment, share 👌

[@tonyjones8149]

Its just a chain Lube it Stop stressing over removing lube via pressure washing If in doubt be a man and buy another one. Its cheap as chips

[@mannyvenus]

Iwl, a simple yes or no would of done the job not 11 mins

[@haraldhochmann]

A pro is cleaning the chain with high pressure water? Aha .. every chain manufacturer warns insistently not to do this with O-ring chains to avoid entering water inside. Soso .. really a Pro?

[@Charlie_Toben]

At least 8 years Pro.

[@askomoisio]

Thats why he has non oring chain 😂😂😂 ofc do not use powerwasher on a o rong chain

[@dkaldossari1242]

do all bike cleaning and caring

[@MotoJitsu]

:)

[@ONEFAITHofJESUS]

Thank you ✅

[@MotoJitsu]

welcome

[@Brunoxtr]

Impressive. I was getting it wet first. Good tip

[@bp7178]

Damn bro, give the dude a microphone.

[@haraldhochmann]

Please no, he is talking nonsense ;)

[@nwatson4022]

Shaft drive mate! 😁

[@MotoJitsu]

:)

[@mtbrider619]

Lol thats a horrible way to do it...scratching your seals and using a pressure washer...Just get a rag with petrol from your tank and wipe it

[@Dr4g0nW00d]

after watching this i was like that was the thing that I needed to do this week see ya later

[@Dr4g0nW00d]

@@MotoJitsu any idea how to get rid of mogul white grease my entire rim is covered with it tried many decreaser so far even Ipone with Morgan Blue it was better

[@nickarnold8417]

@@Dr4g0nW00d Soak it in WD-40, wipe, more WD-40 ect. I used white lithium grease before I had my chain lube. You can also use goo-gone and wipe it off with Tube O' Towels wipes. Key word SOAK if its all dried up and solidified on your rim. Side note... Tub O' Towles are my favorite cleaning wipes. Hands, cars, grease, whatever.

[@Dr4g0nW00d]

@@nickarnold8417 going to use muc off again

[@MotoJitsu]

:)

[@andalusienrolfito3382]

sorry...👎

[@PerfectWoopy]

If u lube your chain, you lube it from the inside. If you lube it from the outside, the lube will fly off more easily. If u love your bike, don't use a powerwasher on it. Garden hose will do. To be honest, this was definitely not professional.

[@tomford5495]

I agree, powerwasher has too high pressure. Its also useful to cover wheel by a piece of cartoon when cleaning/lubing spray applied.

[@XtreeM_FaiL]

Chains don't need water ever.

[@Biggo1226]

@@XtreeM_FaiL so don't ride in drizzle or after rain?

[@opmike343]

I really think the pressure washer and compressed air is a bit much, especially when a solvent was just used. You're just increasing the chances of washing away the factory grease that 's down below the o-rings/x-rings. Also, a bit of cardboard will help keep the lubricant from splattering all over your wheels and even worse, the edge of the tire where traction is the most critical.

[@naijones67]

The technician said he wasn't getting too aggressive. I have a feeling these perspectives are probably like the engine break-in theories and arguments. I personally think that the 200 mile interval is the key, as stated. Additionally, he answered the cardboard thing. How long do you think it takes to burn anything off your tires anyway? A little overspray on the tire = instant disaster...nope! Rain training.

[@randombanditdad3754]

Or the wheel bearing tried that ended up front and rear wheel bearings using power washer on bike

[@alexanderstratienko2890]

Agreed. The chain may look clean after pressure washing but what happened to the lubricants sealed by the "O" or "X" rings? Pressure washing a sealed chain is discouraged by many manufacturers.

[@paullazarus790]

Agree...

[@trsskater]

Use a pressure washer to clean mold off the side of a house. Now back off a inch back and tell me if it can still remove the mold. Pressure washers aren't as dangerous as people pretend like they are. If you don't use common sense yes you will damage things. You are the one in control not the pressure washer.

[@allgasnobrakes919]

"Take Care of your bike and it will take care of YOU" That should be on a T-Shirt

[@JFish-xj8oj]

Love your channel but this is wayyyy too much action for an O-ring chain. I don’t even use a chain brush on my chains as it can force solvent beyond the o-rings which will soften and degrade the internally sealed grease. The pressure washer made me cringe. That is a big no anywhere where rubber is acting as a grease barrier, including wheel bearings, brake caliper pistons, etc. the compressed air exacerbated that effect by forcing what was left of the internal grease solvent and water out of the tubes. Best maintenance for chain life is to wipe it by hand with a rag soaked in kerosene, remove any heavy built up this way, and apply a chain lube that uses PTFE like Teflon chain lube. This stuff works best at metal on metal protection and also has a solvent in the spray to remove grime and deliver new grease inside the tubes of the chain. While this video shows a thorough cleaning, it surely shortened the service life of that chain.

[@maxman1244]

Exactly! This video applies well to old vintage bikes running bog standard steel on steel roller chain... O and X ring chains will die a quick life with a pressure washer...

[@davidenete]

Power washer on an o-ring / x-ring chain?! Bye-bye any internal lubrication that might have been inside the ring. :(

[@XtreeM_FaiL]

Pressure washer is the easiest way to destroy your chains.

[@grampasundies]

My first thought too. Good way to contaminate O/X rings. No thanks.

[@Ricardo-kv5tk]

I don’t recommend using a power hose directly on the chain it can damage your o rings

[@MotoJitsu]

then don't do it.

[@haraldhochmann]

@@MotoJitsu.. and you promote this proven bullshit?

[@PDPIE1029]

If you’ve ever owned a power washer, the distance he was holding it at I could put my hand in front of it and it wouldn’t even sting. If you hold it point blank, yes. Use common sense.

[@Ricardo-kv5tk]

@@MotoJitsu obviously I don’t I’m telling you and anyone that’s going to do this from experience

[@XtreeM_FaiL]

Water does not even rinse the oil or grease off very well. Get your hands dirty and use a rag and some light oil to wipe them clean.

[@Otterplus]

Cleaning the chain every other tank of fuel seems a bit excessive, depending on fuel economy. My Sv would go about 250 miles at that rate when my Cbr500r would go 500. I stick to the 500 mile clean and lube schedule. Every 500 miles clean the chain, give the bike a wash, full once over while waiting on the chain to dry, then lube. Wait for the lube to dry (I’ve been using spray waxes), put all my washing things away, then pack it away.

[@PetrolJunkie]

Read and follow the instructions in the owners manual or after market chain manual. Some cleaners will damage the seals, some lubes are worse than running the chain dry because they turn into liquid sand paper. I still use the same technique my dad taught me. Dawn dish soap to clean, dry it, put a small dab of gear oil on a rag and hand wipe the chain down. The dish soap, dawn specifically because other brands are not the same, is an environmental friendly degreaser and will not harm seals. It’s regularly used to clean up oil spills in environmentally sensitive locations. The gear oil is thick enough not to sling off, will stay on in the rain, thin enough to do it’s job in all weather conditions, and doesn’t turn into liquid sand paper because it’s not made to hold onto dirt. All you need is a very thin coat. One wipe with a rag wet with oil is all you need. On my off road bikes I like to use paraffin wax applied as a liquid on a clean and dry chain. It repels mud and water. I have a custom chopper show bike, original chain with about 10k on it, the chrome still shines. Yes, it’s a chrome plated chain. 😂

[@angrydinosaur8plus9]

Dawn dish soap… it won’t harm literal seals in the ocean😄

[@catchingwildmeats]

@@angrydinosaur8plus9 that’s what I heard seals in the ocean. I went back to read it and he’s talking about the damn chain. Lol.

[@SKIDOOSH]

Dude must be trying to increase chain sales. Those harsh solvents dry the O-rings and the pressure washer blasts out the grease from between the O-rings that we want to preserve. The pressure also pushes dirt into the O-rings that he just loosened up from scrubbing it. Something like Ivory soap and water and an old T-shirt is all that's needed to clean it. Gear oil is the best lube , just use the same T-shirt to wipe it on to keep the O-rings happy.

[@peteg8887]

I couldn't agree more. I cringed at this video, honestly. Not only does the pressure washer blast out the grease and damage the orings, it also blasts dirt in to crevices that you can't get out. In my opinion, this is not the way to maintain your very precious, and very important chain.

[@Buckarooskiczek]

Kerosine. Watched Ryan F9 do a comparison of chain cleaners about six months ago and guess what performed best? I would NEVER pressure wash an oring chain.

[@SKIDOOSH]

Let's also consider the pressure method is flushing grease and solvent into a public drain...hence the superior T-shirt method of wiping and disposing.

[@sigourauwerx6988]

I like the idea of chain cleaning tips but this "dirty" chain was more clean than my chain is when I call it clean since i'm an all weather / terrain rider 😏. I d like to see you try with mine 😅. after soaking grease starts clogging in the front sprocket and rear bridge, spilling on the tire and rim,... 😌

[@krishampton7060]

Definitely wouldn’t recommend high pressure water or compressed air over chains. Is two ways of forcing water in to the rollers and eventually getting tight spots

[@lau5067]

Don't see anything wrong with using high pressure water as long as you don't move the nozzle close to mechanical parts such as the chain. Now the air compressor, that gave me anxiety.

[@XtreeM_FaiL]

@@lau5067 Everything is good as long as you don't screw up.

[@gixxerofsweden9409]

I'm just using chaincleaner with a rag and my chain looks brand new everytime even though it's 4 years old 😉👌 Then I use motul c2+ chainwax as lube, it sticks perfectly ( I got white rims )

[@alanbrown5593]

A piece of cardboard cut to fit, and placed behind the chain (in front of wheel) stops any overspray on to wheel/tyre. You can also use paraffin (kerosene in US) to clean the chain. As for lubrication, I can recommend the Scottoiler (other makes are available) or just buy a shaft drive 😉 A quick way to find the tight spot on your chain, draw on a piece of paper/card parallel lines approximately 1cm apart, tape it to swinging arm (behind chain) as you rotate the back wheel, watch the chain move up/down slightly (in front of the paper/card) , highest point is the tightest part of chain. Then check alignment, and tension for correct free play.

[@zach3270]

Nice video, I usually use kerosene but this looks like a cleaner option. Also your mechanic seems like a really nice guy! Ride safe.

[@wgolden3]

Dude is the Bob Ross of chain cleaning. "Let's paint some happy links right here."

[@zioalecpov1815]

1:07 and just beat the devil out of it

[@TrueSpeak-TS]

Nice

[@TrueSpeak-TS]

@@zioalecpov1815 😅

[@user-jr1cs6ob3m]

I stopped watching once the power washer came out.

[@jackle3002]

Should use the compressed air on the bottom chain section. You're doubling your work by spraying moisture from top chain section onto the bottom.

[@Digidi4]

how to chain your clean like a bro

[@sycomotorider9460]

So pretty much just clean it like everyone's ever been told how to and every other video on how to clean your chain..... wasted time and pointless video imo

[@cycle_Therapy]

Pros know not to do this! He's just pushing the grease in the wheel bearing and orings out...

[@crazyrebl]

I poor gas on mine light it on fire and ghost rider that shit. I use the blood of a dead road island red rooster to lube it. Works better if done after midnight.On a full moon.

[@Tenktory]

I believe this is a compilation of things you should avoid when servicing your chain. It doesn't have to sparkle like jewelry, which is clearly the guy's goal. It must be free from dirt and properly lubricated. BTW, several off-road bikes can be seen in the back. Maybe this approach makes sense when your chain is stuck with mud and sand after every ride. But not for a normal riding on asphalt.

[@sherrygalloway4295]

I’m surprised you would endorse this guy🤔, I love all your other videos…but not this one! Lots of bad advice on this one!

[@LopsidedAdventures]

I use dry lube for my chain, that way dirt and dust don't tend to cling to it. Learned that from my mountain biking days.

[@ZVManning]

Nothin I use gets the rust off but I've seen kerosene take all that off. I've had rust on my chain since the first 500 miles because of the rain. Think I'ma look into kerosene this next clean. Cause nothing else works.

[@RokyR2011]

I love MotoJitsu videos but this one I strongly disagree 🧐. Bad practice all the way! Generaly I practiced this technique on my first bike, the result ? Less than 12.000km and the chain was busted😡. Lesson learned. From than on only lubing the chain every 500 to 700km and very rarely (once or max twice a year) cleaning with kerosine/petroleum, no pressure washer, only a towel. The result, 47.000 and 54.000 km with last two chain sets. Numbers speaks for themselves👍. Also spraying all over like in this video is a big NO GO for me. Being all said it looks to me this mechanic is cutting corners in favor for earning quick money. What's even stranger, this mechanic will earn a lot more money with his technique 🤫. Customers will get back 2times, 3times or 4times more frequently...for replacing chain kits. And again more money for the mechanic . Bad practice all the way. NO, NO and again NO ! Don't do it !

[@MotoJitsu]

Then don't do it.

[@sewminadilshan7223]

This dude doesnt know what hes doing

[@amerikanracer3301]

Yeah I did. Exactly the same thing. The bike won’t start after that. Thanks for this.

[@MotoJitsu]

Glad it helped