How tight is too tight for a chain?
The chain should be tight enough that it only allows you to move it up and down about half an inch. If there is no slack in the chain then it is too tight. And if there is too much slack then you need to tighten that chain.
Is a tight bike chain bad?
When a motorcycle chain is too tight, it’ll put stress on several components of the bike and cause the sprockets to wear faster, make the engine work harder, and cause the suspension to be tight and uncomfortable. Ultimately, a tight chain on a motorcycle may break leaving you with no power.
Why is my chain tight then loose?
Re: tight then loose Chain Could be: bent crank, over stretched chain, misaligned chain, off center chainwheel, tweaked rear hub, bad freewheel. Most likely is an off center chainwheel: Remove the chain and check how far the chainwheel moves front to back, like you are truing a wheel with a hop in it.
What causes a stiff chain link?
The thing that causes most stiff links is compressing the sideplates too tightly together, a natural result of using a chain tool that presses in the chain pin under great force to install the chain. The safe way to free a stiff link is to use a chain tool and push on both ends of the pin causing the stiff link.
Is my chain to tight?
Well, there are a few tell-tale signs that your chain tension isn’t set correctly, such as: A ‘wurring’ sound as you accelerate. Knocking between gear changes. The chain looking under strain when you sit on the bike.
How much tension should a single speed chain have?
Chain Tension There should be approximately one half inch of movement in the chain up and down at a point half way between the front and rear sprockets. To change the tension loosen one of the axle-nuts and move the wheel forward or backward slightly and snug it up again.
How do I know if my bike chain is too small?
You should also see two slight bends at each jockey wheel of the rear derailleur. If the chain is too short, this shift is difficult to make and the derailleur cage is stretched out and almost parallel to the chainstay. If the chain is really short, then you might not even be able to shift into the largest cog.
Why does my BMX chain have a tight spot?
If you feel your BMX chain has a “tight spot,” the first thing you should check is the Sprocket. This tight spot on a BMX bike is usually caused by the bolts behind the Sprocket being loosened. A simple tightening of the bolts should fix a tight-spot.
How do I find a stiff chain link?
Find the Stiff Link You’ll know you have a stiff link if your chain skips every 3 or 4 rotations. If you have several stiff links you’ll feel it skip even more often. To find the link, shift down to your smallest rear sprocket and then run the chain backwards through the derailleur by rotating your crank.
What happens when you tighten your bike chain?
If your chain is tight enough to stay on and not hit the rear triangle of the frame then there is no real problem. On the other end of the spectrum, it’s very easy and very possible to over tighten your chain. Your chain is much more likely to snap when your chain is too tight. There will be no slack to take up when you begin to pedal hard.
What’s the best way to tighten a chain on a chain saw?
Set the eccentric so that the chain pulls taut at the tightest part of the cranks’ rotation. One at a time, loosen up each of the stack boltson each of the synch chainwheels, and tighten it back just finger tight. Spin the cranks slowly and watch for the chain to get to its tightest point.
What’s the best way to replace a chain?
Chain tools differ. If yours has two grooves for holding your chain be sure to rest the chain so that you’re pushing against the sturdier one, which is usually at the back of the tool (photo, right). This is important, because if you seat the chain on the middle groove and try to drive out the pin, you may break that part of the tool.
What should I do to tighten my timing chain?
Tighten the chain according to your car manual’s specifications. Some chains are tensioned by adjusting either the crankshaft gear or the camshaft gear, while others have an automatic tensioner. This will vary by make and model of your car. The important thing is to make sure that your timing belt is as tight as it should be.