Is it the chain or is it the sprocket.... or both?

[MizzMizz]

Hello! i just purchased my first kart http://syracuse.craigslist.org/snw/5713955395.html
and im having one consistent problem. it sounds like the chain is skipping teeth when i accelerate too hard or i go over decent bumps on terrain. (Unfortunately, i don't have any rear suspension)
i already had to replace the small sprocket because the one that was on it was REALLY chewed. i'm wondering what the problem could be. the sprocket has 10 teeth and the chain is a size 40 roller chain. my buddies (and my original sprocket that was really worn out) has 9 teeth and the teeth seem to be just a TAD longer. his doesnt slip like mine. maybe that has something to do with it?
any suggestions?

-Mike

 

[chancer]

Post pictures of the sprockets.
Maybe the chain is the wrong size.

Your buddies having 9 teeth has nothing to do with it.
Actually low count sprockets wear faster in the long run.

 

[MizzMizz]

Thanks, chance. ill post some as soo as possible. the karts are at my buddies house. how does one determine what chain size is best for his sprocket?

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Hey look! Another dingo!

You might have a wore out chain. You can temporarily adjust the engine forward to take up the slack.

Most likely 40 chain.

 

[firemanjim]

Thanks, chance. ill post some as soo as possible. the karts are at my buddies house. how does one determine what chain size is best for his sprocket?

There is no "best size" , only the correct size. Sprockets are designed for a specific size chain. The only sizes that can interact with each other is the #40 & #41 chain. Same pitch, different width sprocket. Still, it's best to use a #41 on a #41 sprocket and #40 on a #40 sprocket.
I'm willing to bet you have a drive clutch listed as for use with #40/#41 chain. Measure the thickness of that sprocket, and the driven sprocket. Should be the same. Which is it, 1/4" or 5/16" ?

 

[Hellion]

Nice Manco Dingo.

Interesting that the ad for your kart is still up. They usually disappear at any time so in the future (if the go-kart bug has bitten thee hard and thou cannot have just one), please save the photos and post here, or a screen shot of the entire page.

Here it is...

One thing is certain, those pool "noodles" have got to go.

 

[MizzMizz]

Haha, sure thing, man. And don't worry, they came off right away