IV - MAINTENANCE
22
CHAIN LUBRICATION
For best life drive chins should be lubricated every 8 hours, following this
schedule can extend your chain life by as much as 7 times. The manufacturer’s
recommendations (Renold Power Transmission Ltd) for chain lubricant and
application are as follows:
Lubricant should be a good quality non-detergent mineral oil (example 30 W).
Heavy oils and greases are NOT recommended as a lubricant. The following
table provides a guide for lubricant viscosity at various ambient temperatures:
Ambient Temperature
Lubricant Rating
Celsius
Fahrenheit
SAE
BS 4231
-5 to +5
23 to 41
20
46 to 68
5 to 40
41 to 104
30
100
40 to 50 104 to 122
40
150 to 220
For the majority of the above applications a SAE 30 weight oil would be
acceptable.
Oil should be applied periodically (every 8 hours) with a brush or oil can.
The goal is to keep the chain wet with oil and ensure penetration of the oil into
the chain joints. Applying lubrication by aerosol is also acceptable, but it is
important that the lubricant is approved for use on roller chain.
