Chain problams

[MurrayKarter]

Hi, I have a Murray go kart with a Grey-hound 6.5 hp engine. And the chain has been coming off pretty regularly. Mostly when I have it full throttle and taking a turn. My original thought was that maybe the chain is one size too big. But looking at the chain it doesn't seem possible to fit a smaller chain on it. Is there something that I might be missing?

 

[Russ2251]

Chain binding (lubrication)
Chain alignment
Chain too loose
Chain worn out
Sprockets worn
Sprockets bent

 

[KieranM]

if its none of the above, you are probally not running a chain at all lol

 

[MurrayKarter]

Well, I think it might be that the chain is binding, cause like I said before, when I take a corner at high RPM'S the chain comes off. The chain could also be to loose but it doesn't look like it could take a smaller chain. If is the chain binding, how do I fix it. Thanks

 

[MurrayKarter]

nobody?

 

[fowler]

if the chain looks too big but the sprocket cant take the next size down then the sprocket is worn
oh yeah and to lubricate the chain u can u can by chain oil or some say u came heat sump oil to boiling piont and put the chain in for a while

 

[MurrayKarter]

yea, ill post some pics so you guys can see what you think, but the sprocket looks like it still has good teeth.

 

[MurrayKarter]

Ok here are some pics, from what I see the sprocket looks fine but im new to go karts so. The pic with the chain on shows the chain with slack in it, but I tried bending it over as to simulate a link taken out but it wont stretch all the way. On other think I saw, is that the sprocket connected to the wheel is about the same width as a bicycle sprocket. Now that may be standered on go karts, like I said im new to go karts. sorry about the picture quility. So what do you guys think? Thanks

 

[MurrayKarter]

No suggestions?

 

[brendonv]

Try jacking up the engine. Put washers or a bit of wood or metal on the engine. Should only need about 2-3 washers for the chain to be the correct tightness.

 

[r97]

this is just sort of a guess but if you have a live axle make shure it has locking collers on it. i think if it deosent have locking collars whats happining is when you go a round a turn quikly the axle simple slides over a bit causeing your chain to misalieghn it. like i said just a guess, oh and if you ask me that sprocket looks a little worn, ovecourse im not necesarialy the one gto ask about that but goood luck

 

[MurrayKarter]

well thanks to everyone for all the suggestions, but I have found what it is. Sadly, all three welds in the back wheel frame broke, so when I take a corner, it allowed everything to shift when I turn. But luckily I know someone that can weld so it shouldn't be a problem. So "r97" you were right about the shifting part. And as far as the tension on the chain it wasn't that "I don't think". The bolt mounts on the frame of the kart are just slots, so I can just loosen the bolts, and then slide the motor forward or back (whatever it needs). Once again thanks for all the help, i'll probably be asken some more questions soon lol

 

[r97]

no prob, and good luck