Chain adjustment driving me crazy - it'll be a short trip.

[TheNose]

Okay, I'm still working on my buddy's old Harley. I'm trying to adjust the chain on it but am having problems. I can adjust it to have the correct slack, then turn the wheel and it changes. Depending on the wheel position, it is either way too loose or way to tight. I don't understand how it can be too tight and too loose just by rotating the wheel. Does anyone have any ideas. I'm thinking the chain may be stretched in some spots, but not in others.

By the way, don't ever buy a Harley. I test rode it and couldn't wait to get off of it. What a piece of .....

Terry

[Anonymous]

Nose Man,

Have you checked to see if the chain has some tight spots due to lack of lubrication? Chain stretch would not be a problem until it goes beyond spec. It sounds like a loss of flexibilty. Lossen the chain until it's real floppy and turn the wheel around looking for areas of the chain that don't move freely. You'll more than likley be replacing the chain.
Steve

[hoyterb]

Your chain is "too kinky"? LOL

[TheNose]

Your chain is "too kinky"? LOL

I wish I could say that about my wife.

Terry

[earlfor]

Re: Chain adjustment driving me crazy - it'll be a short tri

I only see two possibilities. Either the chain has some frozen links that will not flex around the small diameter of the countersprocket, or the rear sprocket where it fits into the rubber "doughnuts" in the wheel hub does not center on the axle. Although the doughnuts are supposedly all the same, they will only center the sprocket if reinstalled in the locations they were removed from.
I would remove the chain and check it for frozen links and put a pointer on the sprocket to see if it remains centered when rotated.

Earl

Okay, I'm still working on my buddy's old Harley. I'm trying to adjust the chain on it but am having problems. I can adjust it to have the correct slack, then turn the wheel and it changes. Depending on the wheel position, it is either way too loose or way to tight. I don't understand how it can be too tight and too loose just by rotating the wheel. Does anyone have any ideas. I'm thinking the chain may be stretched in some spots, but not in others.

By the way, don't ever buy a Harley. I test rode it and couldn't wait to get off of it. What a piece of .....

Terry

[Anonymous]

I think earlfor has it pinned. It's the chain (clean it good), or the cush drive. Maybe the bearing is going? Another more remore (and scarry) possibility is that the output shaft if bent. Same technique that earlfor suggested on the cush drive for measurement.

[Anonymous]

Sounds exactly like tight spots, or kinks, in the chain. Probably will need a new one.

[Anonymous]

My genoa salami logic say adjuts it wherever it is adjustable--oil the SH@# out of it--ride it around the blocka couple of times anf if it still doesnt losen up and can be adjusted correctly, use the proper technicl methods suggested.
Yes i usually have to do things over 2 and 3 times

[mcycle-nut]

Adjust it to the proper tension at the tightest point. Then sit on the bike, off any stand, and check the tension. It might be a little tight, so you'll have to adjust again. I don't think I've EVER seen a chain and sprocket assembly that DOESN'T have tight and loose spots, not even new. 8)

[TheNose]

Adjust it to the proper tension at the tightest point. Then sit on the bike, off any stand, and check the tension. It might be a little tight, so you'll have to adjust again. I don't think I've EVER seen a chain and sprocket assembly that DOESN'T have tight and loose spots, not even new. 8)

This is basically what I do. But, it has up to three inches of play when I rotate around to the loose spot. I have checked the run-out of the rear sprocket and it seems okay. I have moved every link and there are no kinks. Being a Harley, it's not easy to get to the small sprocket without dismanteling half the engine. I think I'll do what Scotty recommended and see what happens. The only problem with this is that it is such a poorly designed bike that I hate riding it. I fail to see the "Harley Mistique". It's more of a widow maker.

Terry

[Anonymous]

No comment.

Shaftie Nick

[SqDancerLynn1]

The chain is F##### Replace it

[Anonymous]

No comment.

Shaftie Nick

Just had to do it, er Mr. Smartypants?

[streetfighters]

Back on the chain gang?

The chain could be shot. The sprockets also wear unevenly due to drop-clutch burnouts and stoplight racing. Anyway, a new chain demands new sprockets. Have fun.
streetfighters.

[Anonymous]

Just had to do it, er Mr. Smartypants?

Do what, Simon? What did I do? I'm innocent! I didn't say or do anything! All I said was, "No comment." So, I made no comment because I didn't have a comment to make! You should admire my self-restraint instead, Simon!

So there!

The shafted one