Did my first chain and sprocket change this afternoon and noticed a lot of gunk behind the front sprocket cover.  I was in a shared condo garage so all I could really do is scrape out most of it with a screwdriver and brush.  I was wondering If anyone has given the area a more through cleaning?  Is everything in there watertight?  Can I soak it all with degreaser and just hose it off a few times?  I'd like to get all that grit away from my new chain. 

Water tight, yes. But probably not high pressure. Also, make sure the degreaser is ok for nitrile rubber.

Just use some kerosene in a hand sprayer and a toothbrush.

Quote from: Twisted on May 28, 2011, 09:51:25 PM
Just use some kerosene in a hand sprayer and a toothbrush.

I just did the above process for the first time...after 11,000 miles....cleaned up nice!   I will do more often in the future thought

Cookie

I used a little bit of chain cleaner to clean behind the front sprocket cover. I don't know if that's the best thing to use. A screwdriver covered by a rag helped me clean underneath the shifter.

I use a brush and engine degreaser.I spray it off with a garden hose and nozzle but I turn the pressure down.

Quote from: ben2go on May 29, 2011, 06:29:57 PM
I use a brush and engine degreaser.I spray it off with a garden hose and nozzle but I turn the pressure down.

This is exactly what I was thinking of doing. Hope to find some time to do it next weekend.  Will post before and after pics.

Kerosene and a stiff brush will do it. Kerosene is an ingredient in a lot of good degreasers.