New chain: what am I doing wrong? (pics)

[Peeb]

OK- I bought a go-kart used, then the chain broke after a few hours use. Since I didn't see what it looked like BEFORE it broke, I'm guessing now.

The auto parts store made me a new chain (old one was more damaged than just master link) and it appears to be either too short (to go on the outside of the tensioning spool), or too long (to go on the inside). There is also a "chunk" out of the spindle/spool thingie (pictured) in the chain path- where do you get those, and does the chain go under or over it? It is spring loaded- it pushes upwards and towards the rear of the kart (you can pull down and forward on it to move it)

Could you look and help me? Thanks!

 

[ted andkilde]

It "appears" to be assembled correctly, chain is too long. You should be able to shorten it with a grinder and a slender pin punch. Take your master link off, carefully grind the 1st pin flush with the face of the side plate and tap it out with the pin punch -- two half links should come away and leave you with an end similar to the one you started with. Not sure what you're missing on the tensioner.

t

 

[KieranM]

yea as ted said it looks too long, try shortening it as he said, i have used longer lengths of chain with out a tensioner, i dont really see the point of the tensioner on such a short length...

 

[devino246]

It "appears" to be assembled correctly, chain is too long. You should be able to shorten it with a grinder and a slender pin punch. Take your master link off, carefully grind the 1st pin flush with the face of the side plate and tap it out with the pin punch -- two half links should come away and leave you with an end similar to the one you started with. Not sure what you're missing on the tensioner.

t

No need for the grinder. Just tap the pin out.

You may need to get a half link/offset link.

 

[Peeb]

Thanks, guys! Here's another pic of the cart- since I bought it used, I have no clue of the make/model. Any guesses?

 

[KieranM]

No need for the grinder. Just tap the pin out.

the heads on the pins are flattened so if you don't file down/ grind down you cant get the pin out, if it was as simple as just tapping it out then you would have no hope running the chain.

 

[Blazkowiez]

Its a Thunderkart model SL-600 made in Roseland, LA. As far as the chain goes you want 1/4" of up and down play in proper adjustment. The tensioner on these karts tended to work poorly after years and years of operation and more often than not we would just remove them.

 

[Peeb]

Its a Thunderkart model SL-600 made in Roseland, LA. As far as the chain goes you want 1/4" of up and down play in proper adjustment. The tensioner on these karts tended to work poorly after years and years of operation and more often than not we would just remove them.

Awesome! Thanks so much.

 

[devino246]

the heads on the pins are flattened so if you don't file down/ grind down you cant get the pin out, if it was as simple as just tapping it out then you would have no hope running the chain.

Ive never ground the pins. It may be easier, but its possible to pound them out, at least with #35 that i use. Mabe its different with #40

 

[Peeb]

Success!

Just took the new chain back, had a link removed by the "chain dude", then came back home and it installed like a dream.

Kids are out (in 93 degree heat) zooming about in ecstasy!

Thanks to all!

 

[KieranM]

good to hear it all worked out for you, best of luck