O-ring, Oh O-ring, Where for doest thou go?

[hawaiianGS]

I decide to pull the cover and take a look at my front sprocket today, just to see what kind of shape it was in, and give a good cleaning. Luckily, it looks pretty good, however, what to my wondering eye should appear? A broken o-ring falling next to my beer.  Yeah, corny I know, but why not? Anyway, this little o-ring was laying in the casing, and I am not sure where it came from.

http://s1122.photobucket.com/albums/l522/hawaiianGS/?action=view&current=hawaiianride016.jpg
http://s1122.photobucket.com/albums/l522/hawaiianGS/?action=view&current=hawaiianride015.jpg

It has an o.d of 7/16" and an i.d. of 5/16".  Not sure how that translates to mm's.  It is broken and I am wondering where it may have come from. 

I can't believe how dirty and nasty it gets inside that casing.  Think I may have figured out where Jimmy Hoffa was buried! 
Thanks in advance.

[adidasguy]

The chain?
Maybe your bike got oo-koos?

[hawaiianGS]

Good call addidasguy. I didn't think chain, but it would make sense.  Thanks man.  By the way, great vids. Please keep them coming.

[sledge]

Has it split? Looks like its from an o-ring chain, they sit between the side plates and form a seal that keeps lube in and shite out. If they are starting to break up its time for a new one.....BUT......unless you know otherwise it could have been there for years and come off a previous chain so examine yours carefully for wear before shelling out for a new one.

[hawaiianGS]

Yeah sledge it's split.  I don't know the age of the chain, as I just purchased this bike a few weeks ago, but it looks a little rough.  Planned on getting a new one anyway just to cover myself.  I'll have to give it a look this afternoon and verify if it is a new break or something from a past chain.  Either way, a nice pretty new chain can't hurt.  Thanks for the quick replies. 

[adidasguy]

Feed you bike some spam and Zippy's chillie/rice.
I know that makes me happy. Should do the same for a bike.   

[hawaiianGS]

HAHA addidasguy, you're right! We already stopped and got some malasadas too! MMMMMM Zippy's