Chains!

[FULLSCALE]

Wondering if someone has tried this or not...

The kart I'm building is going to have a 125cc engine out of a Yamaha 3-wheeler. It used 428 chain. Can I use a #40 chain and sprocket on the kart?

I looked up some specs and here's what I found:

They are both 1/2" pitch
They are both 5/16" roller width
They both use a 0.284" wide sprocket

The roller diameter is what is different. #40 chain the roller is 5/16" (0.3125) and on the 428 chain the roller is 0.335".

If I can use this combo it'd be a lot simpler than getting a 428 chain and sprocket for the back end.

 

[Russ2251]

Compare handling capability. Usually referenced as lbs./sq. in.

 

[FULLSCALE]

Hmmm... not too sure where to find that.

 

[FULLSCALE]

Did some looking around...

I've come up with 3185lbs for the #40 and 4280lbs for the 428. Does that sound right?

 

[Russ2251]

Hmmm... not too sure where to find that.

This will help:

 

[redsox985]

The American National Standards Institute tested the 428 chain for tensile strength and found that it takes a weight of 3,125 pounds to break it. ANSI recommends that the load on the 428 chain never exceed 810 pounds in continuous use.

Read more: 428 Motorcycle Chain Specs | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7309371_428-motorcycle-chain-specs.html#ixzz1AsjTwO70

chain--pitch-----------------roller diameter-------tensile strength----working load
40----0.500 in (12.70 mm)--0.312 in (7.92 mm)--3,125 lb (1,417 kg)--810 lb (370 kg)

FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_chain#Chain_strength


From what I've found, they are the same in strength, but the specs are slightly off. I know that they are compatible, for I was going to use an XR100 motor, that ran 428. I bought 40 chain and it fit the drive sprocket like a glove, not to mention 40 is easier to find and cheaper.

 

[FULLSCALE]

Thanks guys. I'll give it a shot. I'll be making a nice heavy chain guard though as the chain won't be far away from me!

 

[redsox985]

I did that too. A must have to ensure safety. I used 1/8" plate because the chain and torque converter belt are inches from the seat back and if those go...look out.