sprocket idler

GoldenMotor.com

EZDUZIT

New Member
Jul 21, 2014
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Long Beach
Doing my first mild restoration on a kustom kruiser, can I use small metal(2 inch max. OD)chain sprockets instead of those plastic-nylon chain tensioners? Has anyone tried this?
 

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Greg58

Well-Known Member
May 1, 2011
5,353
2,575
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Newnan,Georgia
I have seen a sprocket used as a tensioner wheel here on the forum, the trick is finding a sprocket that works with your chain. Most industrial idler sprockets are wider and are for a #40 chain, the chain rollers and pin placement are the same. You would have to turn or grind down the teeth so the chain would fit. The #41 chain will be the easiest to get the sprocket turned down to fit.

ain Number
*Pitch
*Roller Diameter
Betwwen Inner Plates
*Pin Diameter
*Average Tensile
*Lbs. per foot
__#40 (#425) 1/2 .312 5/16 .156 3,700 .41
__#41 1/2 .306 1/4 .141 2,000 .27
__#410 (#43) 1/2 .306 1/8 .141 1,600 .19
__#415 (#42) 1/2 .306 3/16 .141 1,600 .26
__#415H (#42H) 1/2 .306 3/16 .141 1,600 .26
__#420 1/2 .306 1/4 .156 3,700 .38
__#425 (#40) 1/2 .312 5/16 .156 3,700 .41
__#428 1/2 .335 5/16 .177 4,200 .44
__#428H 1/2 .335 5/16 .177 4,200 .44
__#520 5/8 .400 1/4 .200 6,100 .64
__#520H 5/8 .400 1/4 .200 6,100 .68
__#520-2 5/8 .400 1/4 .200 12,200 1.26
__#525 5/8 .400 5/16 .200 6,100 .65
__#530 (50) 5/8 .400 3/8 .200 6,100
 
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F_Rod81

Dealer
Jan 1, 2011
1,031
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Denver, CO
I'm not a fan of the notorious chain tensioner and don't use them. Cutting the chain to the proper length and fitting the motor without a tensioner will greatly reduce chance of failure. It will also help achieve better alignment and performance because of less drag. For those that have no choice but to use a tensioner, I'd say use a soft idler wheel like hard rubber or polyurethane; it will be much smoother and quieter. I have tried a "cog idler" at one point and it came off as fast as it went on. Just my opinion!
 

culvercityclassic

Well-Known Member
Sep 27, 2009
3,115
177
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Culver City, Ca
This is my contact for sprockets. Never use to run them now it's hard not too. Adjusted this chain 3 times since building this bike, ride it every day. It just works for me, it also gives you an option for chain clearance. Notice this was added with no welding.

http://www.ombwarehouse.com/Tensioner-idler-sprockets/
 

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miked826

New Member
Aug 6, 2011
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Los Angeles

culvercityclassic

Well-Known Member
Sep 27, 2009
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Culver City, Ca
It does make a difference if you are looking for chain clearance. Place it on a screw driver and hook up the chain, try it in both positions. I like the top mount myself.
 

PoorBoy

New Member
May 31, 2014
44
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CA
CCC,

I am going to have to sort of, kind of duplicate what you have done here. I have spent too much time attempting to get all 3 chanins in proper tension with no tensioners. Shifting components back and forth, changing reat bike chain cogs, spacers, etc. I be ready for the funny farm soon!

Question, is that mini tierod from OMB too that goes to the coaster brake arm or from some other use?

Tell you what, I have the utmost respect for all the custom builders. Building a Dyno/HF 79cc is not relatively simple like a basic CG. The amount of hours involved and custom work and gaining just some additional knowledge in completing one demands respect from the amazing builders here. I have learned to get some knowledge but also seek their wisdom.

Tom
 

culvercityclassic

Well-Known Member
Sep 27, 2009
3,115
177
63
Culver City, Ca
I made the custom tie rod heim joint what ever rod for this bike and now use it on all my builds, it just works so good.

I can say this... The chains will drive you Crazy....
 

F_Rod81

Dealer
Jan 1, 2011
1,031
2
0
Denver, CO
You could always fab up or buy some horizontal rear exit dropouts to make things easier. My most recent build has them from the factory, but others like Jeff and Andy have fabricated some nice ones.