Jose Rizal wrote:

TBGibb:


To interject some real data into the chain lubrication debate I devised the
following method for comparing two methods.


6. Otherwise treat both sections exactly the same oiling both with Quaker State
chain saw bar oil.


You might be able to get better results if you measure before putting
the oil on.


Conclusions:
It isn't worth it to soak a chain out in solvent. I've stopped doing so, but I
will be very careful to measure often.


How about just shaking in solvent just once, instead of 5-6 as you did?

For what purpose? Cleaning the chain thoroughly had no beneficial effect
that could be measured compared to no cleaning so why would you bother
trying any levels of superficial cleaning?

It will be interesting to see if washing in solvent just the once is as
effective as washing many times.

But based on the initial experiment "as effective as washing many times" is
the same as not at all effective.

I've never done such a careful evaluation as Tom did, but my impression in
comparing notes with others was that my chains and cassettes last just as
long with just re-oiling as those that are carefully cleaned periodically.