Chain Problem -- Slipping or what???

[MikeinMadison]

Hi all
I have a Dingo frame with a 9hp Robin engine, 12 tooth clutch, and 60 tooth sprocket. (I'm aware I don't meet the 6:1 ratio) The chain "pops" if I gun it while turning, and even sometimes when I floor it going straight at low speed. It sounds like it's somehow slipping, but it's impossible to see it happening... It's funny, because I had this same problem when I had the same motor mated to a different clutch and sprocket... and didn't figure it out. Any thoughts anyone? The play in the chain is minimal -- perhaps 1/2" or so is all. There is one link that is a slightly stiff, but I can't imagine that would make it skip like this. Any thoughts? The sprocket and clutch appear to be lined up perfectly...

 

[mckutzy]

Check alignment with a straight edge first.
Take a good look at all the teeth on the sprockets. They may have some wear.
It maybe a time for a new chain. They do wear and stretch.
Tighten the tension a bit more.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Yes- A stiff link certainly can cause you such grief. Amongst that, and the other stuff mckutzy mentioned, look closely at the frame. A broken weld causing flex in the engine mount plate can cause all manner of he// with your chain, too. Make sure mount bolts are tight too.

 

[mckutzy]

Oh ya, forgot about the mounting. All this doesnt mean much if it isnt solidly mounted.

 

[MikeinMadison]

Thanks for the ideas. It's a new chain, clutch, and sprocket, but that one link is stiff. I reinforced the frame, and the motor bolts are tight, so I don't think it's flexing. I'll try a new chain...

 

[OzFab]

If it's a new chain it shouldn't have a stiff link, unless it's the link where you joined it. Lightly tap the pin in both directions & it should loosen up

 

[hackintoshMan]

Is it the correct chain?

 

[MikeinMadison]

Yeah, it's the right chain. #35. The master link is a little tight on one side, so it is stiff there. I'm going to tinker with it and see if that fixes it. I'll report back.

Anyone else have this problem? With the wheels up, no problem. But under load, turning, it "pops" and you can feel that there's a hitch in its giddy-up at that point. The sprockets look perfect from every angle...

 

[landuse]

+1 on checking the frame for flex and broken welds