Motorcycle chains are one of the most important pieces of equipment on your bike. Not only do they help to transfer power from the engine to the wheels, but their condition can also reduce fuel efficiency and affect performance.
And, making sure they are well oiled at all times is vital. Sadly, motorcycle owners can forget to re-stock traditional motorcycle SAE 30 or SAE 10 oil renowned for keeping motorcycle parts oiled even in the frigid winter seasons.
Supposedly, if you had Chainsaw oil which is not designed for use on motorcycle chains, can you use chainsaw oil to lubricate a motorcycle’s chain?
In general, chainsaw oil can be used on a motorcycle chain. The oil lubricants used on chainsaws and motorcycles are not rated, allowing motorcycle owners to successfully use regular lubricating oil in place for SAE 30 or SAE 10.
However, since chainsaw oil is thicker than standard motor oils, it will take more than one lubricant application to coat your chain thoroughly.
Additionally, chainsaw oil has a high viscosity and may not penetrate very deeply into the links of your chain. A common problem with using chainsaw oil on your motorcycle chain is that it can create lubrication gaps when used interchangeably, making it difficult to get your cycle to start using regular motor oils on their chains effectively.
Nevertheless, if you are careful with using and storing chainsaw lubricants, using it on a motorcycle chain should be fine.
You will still need to clean off excess oil afterward so as not to attract dust and dirt on the road, which could affect the performance of your motorcycle chain.
Is Chainsaw Lubricant The Same As Oil?
With many chainsaw and motorbike owners getting mixed up in differentiating weighted and none weighted oils, the question on whether they are the same remains an issue.
Overall, chainsaw lubricants and motor oils are similar in that both serve to protect your equipment from wear and tear of friction during use. Thus maintaining its performance.
However, this is where the similarities end, as you ought to know that there are subtle differences between weighted oil for motorcycles and their none weighted counterparts, including how they are made and viscosity.
What is Viscosity?
Simply put, viscosity measures a fluid’s resistance to flow over time given a certain pressure, which is usually denoted by centiPoise or cP (1cP = 1 mm2/s). The greater the viscosity of the oil, the greater its resistance to flow.
The Classification of Viscosity
Motor oils are classified into different levels of viscosity according to their function. This includes an SAE weight rating, which is usually denoted by an S followed by a number (e.g., 10W-40) or simply “w”. Standard motor oil will have a rating of 10w while thicker ones range from 40w and 60w etc.
Beyond this, you ought to know that there are different viscosities available for motorcycle chain and chainsaw lubricants including mineral oil, kerosene, and air tool oil among others. However, chainsaw lube is mostly one with SAE 90 weight rating though it can go up to 140 weight rating.
Still, there is greater flexibility on the use of lubricants as there is no rating system for chain saw bar and chain oil like there is with traditional automobile motor oils.
To keep your machine running smoothly during the summer months when temperatures are high, you can use SAE 30 weight motor oil which has been knowing as a light-duty engine Oil but will work just fine in most cases if that’s all they have available or offer 10W depending on where you live!
What Oil Do You Use To Lubricate A Motorcycle Chain?
Despite the greater flexibility on what oil to use on your motorcycle lube, a specific oil is best used to lubricate motorcycle chain links.
Motorcycle chain oil should be thicker than normal oil, giving your motorcycle chain more lubrication. This prevents your motorcycle chains from wearing down too fast while also protecting it from rust and corrosion effects of the weather.
What Kind Of Oil Do You Use To Lubricate A Chainsaw?
While motorcycles are no strangers to thick oils, you need to take into consideration the viscosity of the lubricant when using it on your chainsaw.
Thus, there are several kinds of chainsaw lubricants, including air tool oil, mineral spirit-based lubricants, and kerosene, which may not offer enough viscosity for effective chainsaw performance.
On this note, using SAE 10 or weight motor oils will work just.
There are many people who don’t realize that chain saws operate differently than traditional power tools. They also use different types of oil, which can lead you to believe the bar and blade must be greasy too (it’s not).
SAE 30 weight motor oil is appropriate for summertime use, while 10W-30 will do in winter when conditions become icy outside!
To lube your chains, stay safe during cold times; make sure they’re always clean by running them under hot water before applying new fluids
Conclusion:
Different oils serve different purposes and as such, you need to decide what kind of oil to use on your motorbike or chainsaw for optimal performance.
If you are likely going to use it for both, consider getting special purpose designed oils that will offer you excellent protection and performance for an affordable price tag.
