chain cleaning and oiling

[Citroen]

... does C2 sell the oil, it is not listed on the web site. ..

It is listed , but I cannot go beyond this page : oil and more , see the item on line 10.

Us foreigners can access the C2 US and Canada shop at: https://www2.concept2.com/VIA/index.jsp

The bottles of chain oil cost USD $2.00.

[grams]

My erg got stuck outside in a duststorm in death valley on our trip. And a couple of other 'blows' since. The chain was really cruddy. I have resorted to using a non-oily chain cleaner and lubricant from a bike shop til I get home, as trying to clean it with conventional methods right now is not an option. It sounds like I should take it off and use the 20-weight method when I get home.

What possible bad effects will the non-oily stuff have on my chain and gears? How can I clean the dust and grit out of the hub gears?

thanks,

grams

[johnlvs2run]

I doubt the non oily stuff will hurt much but the dust and grit won't be good.

I'd take everything out when you can, soak it in citrus cleaner, then 20 weight oil. In the meantime clean out the inside of the erg and the cogwheels. Hopefully you won't need to take them off. An old toothbrush is useful for cleaning in small places then buffing off with a dry cloth and repeating. Then wipe the oil from the chain and parts and put everything back in the erg.

It's a good idea to always cover the erg when it's not in use and especially when it's out in the elements.

[c2jonw]

Just back from a trip to the west coast.....Rowland, I'll double check, but the 3 In One oil I have seen around here is 20 weight, I think. Our oil is available as noted by Citroen, and sorry I don't know of any other specific sources for it.
Grams, brief exposure to some sand is probably not a big deal. Serious wear occurs when the interface between each pin and bushing gets starved of lubricant, creating a wearing that results in chain "stretch". This in turn leads to premature wear of the sprocket, eventually leading to skipping.
Clean it off as well as you can and get some oil on it for the short term. When you get home, remove the chain, clean it in a solvent and oil it. While the chain is out clean the sprocket with some solvent and a toothbrush. If you have access to compressed air give the inside of the frame and flywheel cover a few shots to clean them out. All of the bearings are sheilded and permanently greased, so there's nothing you have to do to them. Good Luck.......C2JonW