Chain keeps popping off

[TXST8tj]

I have been trying to drive my Carter Bros kart a bit, and it had been running fine for the few times i've been out with it. Starting yesterday, the chain started to pop off. I lost a whole link, so I went to Tractor Supply and picked up a repair kit. This evening, I replaced the link (creating a master link), but the chain keeps popping off.

The chain does have some stiff joints, but I have been trying to keep it well lubed.

Would a new chain prevent this from happening over and over?

 

[DS13]

How much play is in the chain?

 

[cumminsbayou4x4]

it is probilly to loose try taking links out of it or moving the motor up some

 

[DaiSan76]

You might want to check the alignment while you're at it. It doesn't take much for the chain to start popping off.

 

[TXST8tj]

It's the original chain. Wondering if it's just stretched out or something. When putting the new master link in, I can get it to just barely connect. I definitely could not remove a link.

I will check the alignment.

I think I might pick up a new chain. At least one of the links binds up, and I know that is not helping anything.

 

[qtband]

Remove the chain, spray it with PB Blaster and put it in a ziplock bag for a day. Then work the stiff joints free. While the chain is off, check both sprockets for worn, crooked or broken teeth. There are 4 nuts under the engine that you can loosen to adjust the chain tension by sliding the engine forward or back. If your Carter kart has a jackshaft mounted to the left rear of the kart and has a torque converter, you will need to loosen the 4 nuts under the jackshaft to adjust the chain.
When you re-install the chain, double check that the sprockets are aligned.
Hope this helps. Let us know!

 

[soggycrashed]

It could be stiffed up in places, so do what qtband said first.

Check the alignment an make sure the wheel bearing is still in-tact. Replace the bearing if they are.

 

[landuse]

It could be one of a few things. Loose chain, binding links or misalignment. Do what the guys have suggested and check them all

 

[TXST8tj]

We're up and running again. I picked up the new chain and installed it. It is running just fine now.

I counted out the links on original chain and the same amount of links for the new chain. Holding them side by side, I was able to see that the old chain was stretched out a significant amount.
The chain is nice and tight now (seems proper). We had a blast with it yesterday evening.

My son is going to freak when he sees HIS kart on Christmas.

 

[jamyers]

...My son is going to freak when he sees HIS kart on Christmas.

Of course you know, we'll be needing video!

 

[TXST8tj]

Shall be done!

Took one last night of the two of us on the red kart. He was having the best time..."faster, faster, faster."