Chain getting stuck in Clutch Cover

Mopedamauter79 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2door

Not all but a high percentage of the kit supplied #415 chains are poorly made and prone to binding. Some even have a twist to them if you lay them on a flat surface and look at them. Ace Hardware, Tractor Supply, Grainger, all carry #41 industrial chain which is the perfect replacement for the #415 kit chain.
As for the sprocket teeth needing filing/grinding, I've never encountered this but some have. The engine drive sprocket's teeth might be a little rough and could benefit from a light dressing to take off the burrs.
Norm was refering to a modification that I do to all engines. ( Chain Noise )There is a small area inside the clutch actuator cover where the chain rubs. I've never had one bind there but a loose chain certainly could bunch up at that spot. You can relieve the area with a Dremel tool and a sanding drum to get clearance for the chain. This also helps reduce chain/clutch noise. Its easy to see; remove the clutch actuator cover and the area in question is on the inside front. Every engine I've inspected showed signs of chain contact there. It only takes removal of about 1/16" material to keep the chain from touching.
Above all make sure your chain tension/alignment is correct. A too loose or tight chain and side pull is the biggest cause of chain/sprocket problems along with improper installation of the rear sprocket.
Tom

I can try tightening it and if that dont work I may just give up on the engine all togther. I'm sick of the problem after problems I have with it. The engine works great but the overall kit has given me nothing but headace's and wasted time and energy.

For where it's getting caught it's right where on of the bolts would go to keep cover on. You have 2 at top and 2 at the bottom. The 1 on the top that's closer to the exaust is where the chain rides up into. I can take a pic if needed.

**2door** · #12 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 09:54 PM

Souds like a loose chain. Look at your chain with the bike setting and push it forward, engine off, clutch engaged. Measure the slack in the chain at the top and make it so there is 1/2" to 3/4" slack, no more, no less than that. If your chain tension is correct then look closely at the alignment from the front (engine) sprocket to the rear one including the tensioner wheel. Everything MUST be in line. If you don't have the correct tension or alignment then you've found the problem. Fix it and be on your way.
Tom

Mopedamauter79 · #13 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 10:03 PM

I shall give it a try but at this point I'm thinking of sooner or later removing the kit and selling it and going electric. Less headace and quiter with no viberations.

ADDICTED MOTORBICYCLES · #14 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 07:25 AM

I have the #41 chain. I gotta say, it's a beast! Fits like it was meant to be, and there is no way you're snappin that thing! lol. I'm very impressed with #41 chain. Available at some small engine shops, tractor sales shops, or some auto shops...(I got mine 10' box at princess auto) I have a spare #41, for my 44t sprocket, and the one on there now, for my 48t sprocket. Well worth the twenty bucks or so.

Mopedamauter79 · #15 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 06:34 PM

Here is where the problem is I think. Very little clearance for the chain so it's getting stuck right above where the bolt hole is for cover.

**2door** · #16 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 10:54 PM

Moped,
Remove the chain, lay it out on a flat surface and inspect it for rollers that do not roll or twists. Everything looks normal in your photo and no reason is apparent for your chain to bind at that point except for a chain that is not following the curvature of the sprocket. I assume you have checked your tension as described previously? Check that chain and replace it with #41 if you find any binding or twists in it. Get back to us here. We'll get you going. We wouldn't want to loose you to the electric crowd.

Tom

Mopedamauter79 · #17 (**permalink**) 09-16-2009, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2door

Moped,
Remove the chain, lay it out on a flat surface and inspect it for rollers that do not roll or twists. Everything looks normal in your photo and no reason is apparent for your chain to bind at that point except for a chain that is not following the curvature of the sprocket. I assume you have checked your tension as described previously? Check that chain and replace it with #41 if you find any binding or twists in it. Get back to us here. We'll get you going. We wouldn't want to loose you to the electric crowd.

Tom

I don't even know where to get a #41 and I don't have the mean's to shorten the chain to match oringal chain. I was lucky when I got that new chain that's on there now as the store shortened it for me.

I moved the chain tensioner up more and I will try it out tomorow but I'm having my doughts that it will not get stuck.

**2door** · #18 (**permalink**) 09-16-2009, 09:49 PM

Be optimistic, Moped.
Are there any bicycle shops near you? They should be able to shorten the chain and if not how about a motorcycle shop. I know they could do it. I'm not familiar with sources for #41 chain in Canada but look for an industrial supplier. In the states we have places like Grainger, Tractor Supply and even Ace Hardware carries the #41 chain and master links. It is a very common item and I'm certain a little Internet search will award you with aa source for that size chain. Good luck. Keep us posted.
Tom

Mopedamauter79 · #19 (**permalink**) 09-16-2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2door

Be optimistic, Moped.
Are there any bicycle shops near you? They should be able to shorten the chain and if not how about a motorcycle shop. I know they could do it. I'm not familiar with sources for #41 chain in Canada but look for an industrial supplier. In the states we have places like Grainger, Tractor Supply and even Ace Hardware carries the #41 chain and master links. It is a very common item and I'm certain a little Internet search will award you with aa source for that size chain. Good luck. Keep us posted.
Tom

How much do they go for ? I spend $70 on this new chain..

I'm guessing and tractor supply store would be location outside the city and I do not drive so that would be an issuse.

Brvnkaerv · #20 (**permalink**) 09-17-2009, 05:08 PM

I found my new chain at a bike shop. As it turns out, some of these kid's stunt banana-bikes... The ones with the foot pegs on the front wheel, use the 415 chain. It was still made in China, but it was of a better steel, and coated with a light cosmoline. I have found it superior to the kit-chain. Brvnkaerv