Chain Questions

Squiddy202

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So my sister’s friend who is a mechanic for the big karts otherwise known as cars told me two things:
1. My oil shouldn’t really be black. When I changed it after the old owner I probably just washed crap down into the clean oil.
I can change my oil, especially with the hose the previous owner added to the engine.IMG_2004.jpeg
It is visible in the corner of that picture, I’m too lazy to go out to my boiling hot shed and get a better picture for a side tangent. Either way, I can and will change the oil. The real question is the chain.
They said it was too loose (it is) and I need a new one. I measured it and it seems to be 428 but it isn’t even 1/16” over a half. I noticed these bolts on my jackshaft:IMG_2033.jpeg
They go into slits on the underside. I am wondering if I slide that back while also sliding the engine back to keep the belt good if I will have fixed my problems.

P.S. My tape measure had markings smaller than 1/16” for like 3” at the beginning. I don’t know what they were but the chain was still at 1/2”.
 

Whitetrashrocker

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Look carefully at the chain links, maybe even clean then a bit. Every other or so link should have a chain size number on it.

If your JS can slide back to tention the chain thats how you tighten it. BUT your engine must slide with it. The spacing for the CVT belt must stay the same.
 

Squiddy202

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Look carefully at the chain links, maybe even clean then a bit. Every other or so link should have a chain size number on it.

If your JS can slide back to tention the chain thats how you tighten it. BUT your engine must slide with it. The spacing for the CVT belt must stay the same.
So at what point do I buy a new chain? I have what seems to be borderline perfect pitch, but how do I know when it isn’t ok?
 

Whitetrashrocker

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To check chain wear i like to pull the chain at the rear most point. Away from where the chain starts to engage and leave the sprocket.
It should be rather tight. If you can pull the chain up off the teeth its wore out.

Take the chain off and lay it on the ground. If it bends sideways like the one on the left, its wore out.

Screenshot_20260405_104952_Google.jpg
 

Squiddy202

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To check chain wear i like to pull the chain at the rear most point. Away from where the chain starts to engage and leave the sprocket.
It should be rather tight. If you can pull the chain up off the teeth its wore out.

Take the chain off and lay it on the ground. If it bends sideways like the one on the left, its wore out.

View attachment 162509
Thanks, will do. I’ve never seen that before!
 

Denny

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And yes the oil will get black. This is normal as the junk is suspended in it (carbon and bearing, block, piston and ring material). Your sister’s friend is a moron.
 

Squiddy202

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And yes the oil will get black. This is normal as the junk is suspended in it (carbon and bearing, block, piston and ring material). Your sister’s friend is a moron.
I mean to be fair it is dark black, pitch black and I haven’t changed it since I got it last fall. I think the time is the bigger thing.
 
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