chain keeps breaking???

[cfanger]

we have a used go kart and the chain it came with broke on first use...not surprising it was old and rusted...We replaced it with the same #41 chain, and it fit snug...it could not have been even a mm shorter... It broke after a couple miles of use?????
Are we doing something wrong??? Are the chains supposed to be a bit lose??? Or did we just have bad luck?
please help. thanks, Jeanne

 

[killawatt]

the chain is suppose to be a bit lose but not so lose that it flies off. but not so tight that it brakes as you put it basically it should have a little bit of play in it i recommend going the same length of the new chain you bought plus one length maybe even two but one should work

 

[devino246]

Go to Lowe's or another hardware store and buy a half link or offset link. Otherwise, you'll have to add 2 links.

 

[redsox985]

Use 40 chain, not 41 chain. 41 is a lighter weight chain and considerably weaker.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I'm gonna do a "ya what he said", but with a little more to say. First, two extra links will very likely be too loose, unless you've got a fair bit of adjustment available. Secondly, before adding links (an offset is your best bet), have a good look at the chain tensioning method your kart uses. Usually, the motor mount holes are slotted, allowin it to slide, tensioning the chain. Whatever method your kart uses, check to see if you have some more "loosening room", like sliding the engine towards the axle, for example. If so, just do that, and use the same length of chain. And yes, #40 chain is a much better bet.

Tension the chain so it has maybe 1/2" of up-and-down play in it. To wit, grab the chain halfway between the sprockets, and see if you can move it about 1/2" without too much effort. Too loose, it will probably come off a lot, and cause premature wear. Too tight causes a lot of strain on the chain causing wear and breakage, and can also wreak havoc on the shaft bearings upon which it acts.

 

[cfanger]

thanks for all the advice....gotta get it up and running for the kids again!