Cleaning out chain case lube

[TrueBlue]

I want to clean out & drain the chain case on my Vector. The Vectors & Apex have a drain plug which makes this easier than most of there other models. What I would like to do is drain the fluid out first & then add some sort of solvent to clean out the bottom of the chain case & drain. I know I can remove the reverse set-up & chain case cover but would rather clean it this way. Any idea's on which solvent to use without harming the rest of the parts in the chain case.

 

[cannondale27]

If I did this I would use Kerosene or even diesel.

 

[gitrdun]

My gut feeling tells me don't put anything in there that doesn't belong in there. Why not just double up on chaincase oil change. Whatever is stuck on the bottom, if anything, if it doesn't get flushed with oil, it's probably staying put and not hurting anything anyway.

 

[Mooseman]

I know some guys running transmission fluid in their racing sleds. That could be used as a "flush", run it a bit, then I'd drain it and refill with proper lube. It has high detergents good for cleaning stuff out but shouldn't bother anything with the little bit that's left in there.

 

[03RX1-ER-LE]

Do not put a solvent in there, the lower bearing and the driveshaft seals are rubber and will get damaged. Do like Mooseman said, flush with trans fluid then add gear oil.

 

[TrueBlue]

I know some guys running transmission fluid in their racing sleds. That could be used as a "flush", run it a bit, then I'd drain it and refill with proper lube. It has high detergents good for cleaning stuff out but shouldn't bother anything with the little bit that's left in there.

How much transmission fluid should I put in the chain case for flushing & how long should I leave it in before draining.
Thank's
Rich

 

[Mooseman]

I'd fill it as high as I can, put it on a stand, run it for a few minutes and drain.

Is there a particular reason why you want to flush it? It's not a usual thing to do.

 

[Sevey]

I will fill and dump 5w30 in the chain case several times before letting in drain real good and refill with Amsoil gear lube.

It cleans things out well.

MS

 

[SaskAttack]

Fill with usual oil, run on trackstand for a few minutes, drain. Any thing that doesn't come out from that would require taking cover off anyways.

 

[TrueBlue]

I'd fill it as high as I can, put it on a stand, run it for a few minutes and drain.

Is there a particular reason why you want to flush it? It's not a usual thing to do.

Just to get rid of any metal particles or sludge sitting in bottom of case. I figured by putting some thinner fluid's in there it would clean it out better than just changing lube.

 

[Mooseman]

Sludge only happens with engine oil if not changed regularly. Metal particles could be picked up by a magnet. I JB Welded a small rare earth magnet onto the dipstick. All I've ever seen is very fine black particles. Nothing scary. Only reason I would flush it would be water.

 

[CaptCaper]

Love it..kill them with Love...Ha. OP reminds me of me...

 

[Sasquatch]

I opened up my chaincase on my Warrior every second year and found nothing to speak of! So on my Apex I never have! I just drain and refill every year with a good synthetic chain case oil! I do agree the trans fluid would make a good flush!

 

[maim]

well i just did my chaincase bearings in my apex at 18000 km as the origional speedo bearing failed even with being re-packed every year by splitting the inner race in 1/2. while i was in there i decided to do the jackshaft bearing and all the chain case bearings. for the $100 it cost me for the bearings, it gives me peace of mind for next season when i do the annual chaincase oil change with the engine oil change. sled is supposed to be reading 20,000 km on it now but due to speedo hiccup it is reading 13000km.