can I lube up my bicycle chain with small engine/"all purpose" motor oil?

I know that I'll shock some folks with this answer.

If you use 5W or 3W oil, mix it 3 parts oil to 1 part kerosene or diesel, then apply sparingly and WIPE THE CHAIN ALMOST dry after application it'll do fine. Here's why...

1. Motor oil "mix" is a high pressure lube which means it won't "disappear" quickly. The kero mix will allow it to seep into the chain where it is actually needed and it'll stay there;

2. It does a good job protecting moving parts from corrosion. Again, it is the parts of the chain you CAN'T see that require the lubrication and if you fail to wipe the outside of the chain dry dust and dirt will migrate into it and destroy everything.

The worst thing about this is that it DOES collect dirt and crud and builds up on everything no matter how careful you are so it'll take conscientious attention to keep clean. As a result it should only be used during seasons that are relatively dust-free and usually on the damp-to-wet side, like spring and winter.

Cleaning will REQUIRE the use of an aggressive degreaser prior to reapplication of the oil. Failing this step will cause extensive and excessive wear of the drive train.

I still recommend the use of DRY chain lube in the dry months and WET chain lube in the, well, wet months rather than motor oil mix.

You can but it is far from ideal. Engine oil is intended for use inside engines, at temperatures far higher than those found in a bicycle's drive train. A purpose-formulated chain lube will be more effective and less messy.

3-in-1 oil. Possibly spray on 'silicone' lube. 'Oil' lube will fly off if too much is left so make sure

your chain guard is in place or you'll be wearing it! The easiest option would be from a hardware

store that sells Chainsaw lubricant; if those chains use it it should be ideal for bicycle chains.

Motor oil is too heavy you want real bicycle chain oil.

Why not just...

Go

To

A

Bicycle

Shop

and buy a bottle of bicycle chain oil???

why? the right stuff is only like $5

you can;t afford that?

bike chain lube...

?

motor oil just makes a huge sticky mess

you do NOT want your chain sticky

wle

Go to jensonusa.com --Finish Line Ceramic wet lube and Boeshield T9 Squeeze bottle's real cheap---why use OTHER oil, bro?

It will be pretty messy, attract dirt. Get some chain lube.

Yes, that will work.

It's messy, so put down some newspaper. Don't use too much oil; too much will just drip off.

You can but grease is typically what's used to "oil" chains. Oil will fall off. Grease will stick.