Sprockets #40 vs #41

[subieguy121]

I have a clutch with a #41 sprocket and another #40 drive sprocket. They have the same number of teeth and the same OD but if i line up a few of the teeth and follow them around they eventually don't line up anymore. Why is this? shouldn't a #40 and #41 sprocket have the same pitch (1/2")?

My problem is, for my custom setup, I have 2 #40 sprockets and 2 #41 sprockets that all go together. I bought #41 chain because it was readily available but the #41 chain wont fit on the #40 sprocket.

By "Won't Fit" I mean the teeth and the rollers wont line up. The chain has no problem with the width of the sprocket. it will sit down on the sprocket but only for about 5 teeth until it no longer lines up. Why is this? does it have to do with the roller diameter? do i have some sh!tty sprockets? Or am i just missing something?
Will a #40 chain fit a #41/40 sprocket but a #41 chain will only fit a #41 sprocket?

Please help.

 

[Badot]

According to ANSI specs, #40 roller chain has .006" larger diameter rollers than #41, and a 1/16" larger width. I run ANSI spec #40 chain with an ANSI spec #41 rear sprocket and unknown spec #41 clutch with no problems.

When you put your #41 chain on your #40 sprocket, I assume the chain 'falls behind' the sprocket teeth? It may slide onto the sprocket a bit as the teeth are usually tapered, but it probably won't slide all the way down as far as they should be. If you try and actually use it like this it's liable to pop the side plates off your chain.

 

[porsche930dude]

im thinking one of your sprockets might actually be for 420 chain

 

[subieguy121]

The place i ordered them from listed them as #40 so i assume that's what they are. Can anybody add to what Badot said? will a #40 chain fit on a #40 sprocket and a #41 sprocket?

 

[Badot]

The place i ordered them from listed them as #40 so i assume that's what they are. Can anybody add to what Badot said? will a #40 chain fit on a #40 sprocket and a #41 sprocket?

Yes, it should. As I said, I run a #40 chain on #41 sprockets, and obviously a #40 chain should work on a #40 sprocket.

 

[porsche930dude]

the 40 chain will fit on a 41 sprocket and the 41 chain will fit on a 40 sprocket but only if you shave the edges down a bit because a 40 sprocket is wider.