Chain tensioner

[driftkart]

Im new to this karting world. ive got a kiwikart with a vfr400cc motor.

Having bit of trouble with the chain staying on properly and the old style tensioner was not working.

If i put a pic up up im wanting to see if any of you expereince people can give me ideas and advice etc

Cheers in advance.

 

[sideways]

Post up a pic of your current tensioner and your rear axle mounts and we'll see what you can do to improve it.

 

[driftkart]

Cool man ive done my best at pics haha, They of the current setup/Chain tensioner etc which is crap from what i do know..Hope ya get the idea

 

[driftkart]

Here's a link, Ive uploaded 6 pics hope they help

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/840/img1257an.jpg/

 

[fowler]

so whats the actual problem

is the chain wearing though too fast
is the chain not tracking properly
or is it just not staying tight

 

[used2jeep]

<pure guess> Just plain too tight. If I read the broken chain correctly.

 

[Orange Krate]

Maybe has somethng to do with that hack job of a slot on that bracket in the bottom left?

 

[driftkart]

so whats the actual problem

is the chain wearing though too fast
is the chain not tracking properly
or is it just not staying tight

Its wearing the tensioner to quick and not tracking right.

 

[driftkart]

Maybe has somethng to do with that hack job of a slot on that bracket in the bottom left?

That bracket is for the seat ...

 

[r_chez_08]

Do you even need a tensioner or is it the only means of keeping the chain tight?

 

[driftkart]

Do you even need a tensioner or is it the only means of keeping the chain tight?

Yup i do as it will hit the gearbox casing otherwise, Also to help keep chain tight.

 

[questseeker]

is it just the picture or are the gears not in line

 

[questseeker]

is the chain the same pitch

 

[driftkart]

is it just the picture or are the gears not in line

They are 99% inline.

Yup same pitch, Chain is 530 i think of the vrf400 bike the motor is out of.

 

[fowler]

install an idler gear rather than a peice of plastic

 

[questseeker]

do you have any pics of chain

 

[questseeker]

do you have any other pics of complete drive

 

[driftkart]

Update: i had a nice bracket all tig together. We used a skate board wheel lathed down with bearing etc for the new to chain to run along. Now the issue is the wheel is getting eating by the chain after couple ride's..

Any more ideas?

 

[cant kech me]

try getting the wheel as hot as possible without melting it, then dunking it in cold water, or will that make it worse? someone smart answer haha

 

[klicky96]

What you need to use is like a rubber-type idler pulley.
http://www.monsterscooterparts.com/doodle-bug-chain-tensioner.html
Fine an idler pulley like that and your problem is fixed. Trust me, they are more trusty than you think. I use them on all my karts than I need tensioner pulleys on. They don't ruin the chain and they have a bearing so they roll nice and smooth.