Before I discovered that the modern chain lubes actually work pretty well, I soaked chains in diesel fuel (I also owned a diesel car at the time). I would let them sit for weeks. Then, one at a time, I would remove them, attach a wire hanger, place the loose end in a gallon jug (like from window washer), raise the hanger so that about 6 inches of chain remained in the jug and let them drain for a couple of days, then clean the outside well with a towel before storing in plastic bags for future use. Lou Deeter, Orlando FL