Chain
Yes All motorcycle chains currently being manufactured use Buna-N (Nitrile) rubber for their o-rings and x-rings and all these manufacturers recommend kerosene as a cleaner.
Here's the formulation of WD-40:
80% Stoddard Solvent (that is similar to kerosene)
20% light lubricating oil and a bit of fragrance.
Here's the compatibility of Stoddard Solvent with rubbers and plastics:
Good Compatibility (OK for both static and dynamic seals)
Buna-N (Nitrile)
Chemraz
Epichlorohydrin
Fluorocarbon
Fluorosilicone
Kalrez
Nitrile, hydrogenated
Polyacrylate
Teflon, virgin
Mixed Compatibility (OK for static seals, but not for dynamic seals)
Neoprene
Vamac
Fair Compatibility (OK for some static seals)
Polysulfide
Polyurethane, millable
Poor Compatibility
Butyl
Ethylene-Propylene
Hypalon
Natural rubber
Silicone
Styrene Butadiene
Consequently, WD-40 is safe and effective as a chain cleaner and corrosion inhibitor.
Link:
http://www.efunda.com/designstandard...dard%20Solvent
If you clean with a soft brush and WD-40, and plan to follow-up with a chain lube, you can reduce chain lube sling-off if you first remove the oil residue that WD-40 leaves. This residue seems to prevent some chain lube formulations from sticking well to the chain.,,,
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