On Cleaning and lubricating bicycle chain:
The entrapment of gunk between the bearing surfaces is
because air bubbles prevent the solvent from reaching ALL
the surfaces. Agitation will assist, but only partially. If
you use a canning jar with a plastic air nozzle in the lid,
and attach a air pump with vacuum side, inexpensive
inflator/deflator type, not lab quality. Elevate the chain
from the bottom of the jar on wire or some such solvent
proof rack, apply and release the VACUM several times. You
will see the millions of tiny bubbles froth forth. Each time
the solvent is penetrating deeper. I recommend letting the
gunk settle between sessions so that you can observe the
process, or you can change the solvent each time.
Dry the chain, place back in the now empty clean jar, and
reapply the vacuum. More solvent will come out.
Dry the chain again. Clean the jar again.
Put lubricant in the jar, and repeat the process. This time
the lubricant will penetrate deep into the bearing
surfaces, replacing the air which is pumped out. When no
more bubbles are produced by the vacuum, your chain is
ready for a wipe and use.
I cross posted this because the thread has been on all cycle
news groups. javaloop