First test run with new 7"driven and Comet belt... taking it easy around the sloppy yard track and I nailed it JUST ONCE around a turn and broke the master link.
JTSD - I feel your pain.
BTW... I have not had ANY issues at all with the chain, but made one adjustment for stretch a couple of weeks ago.
I got a package of #40 master links at NAPA for less than a buck a piece.
When installing the chain, I noticed a couple of nicks on the brand new pulley, so it seems I put one of the spacer washers on the wrong side of the driven pulley, crowding the chain. I have to take the bullet for this problem as an assembly error.
I took extra time to check the alignment and make sure the rear sprocket is aligned with the driven sprocket and also that the backing plate is aligned with the rear sprocket.
I used a 5/16 rod to check the backing plate to rear sprocket and had to tweak the motor a bit counterclockwise and made sure it was really tight. I used a framing square against the rear sprocket to check the alignment to the driven.
Next, I adjusted the chain and lubed it with some spray grease.
Then I carefully blocked up the rear carrier and did a wheels up test to 4000 RPM to see if everything was OK with the chain and new TC driven.
All checked out, so we ripped up the yard some more. Got helmet-cam footage of my son and I flinging sod all over the place.
>>> Just noticed the drive side of the belt is riding really high at high RPM... is that because the new belt is long WRT the jackshaft centers ?
First time I have seen my setup at speed.
Camera angle is off a bit at high RPM, but on the original photo I can see it is past the angled sheave.