Chain keeps breaking?

rdrunner2010 · #1 10-12-2009, 10:59 AM

Hi again guys, I have another question and everyone was so helpful last time I figured I'd ask. Most of our issues with the bike are fixed, and we even threw on a rear rim brake. I managed to ride it around a lot, and it seems fine when running under engine power. But as soon as the clutch is pulled in, there are popping noises every few seconds, and I assume this is attributed to my chain problems. I have posted a pic of the chain breaks, and it is the same exact links every time, the inside link facing towards the spokes. I think this is because the chain running from the sprocket isn't perfectly alligned with the engine sprocket (pic attached), but to fix this we're going to have to move the engine to the left, and the muffler will probably hit the pedals because there isn't much space left (pic attached). Can anyone help me with this problem? Thanks in advance!

Bikeguy Joe · #2 10-12-2009, 11:20 AM

There are a couple of things to try first. Can you flip the sprocket? Will it dish in towards the spokes, or is it already that way?
Also, you can, if you have the ability, dish the wheel with the spokes a little and it may be enough.

Possibly, remove the rag joint from between the spokes and the sprocket, and substitute a piece of heavy rubber or leather, just much thinner.

It's pretty hard to "move the engine over".

rdrunner2010 · #3 10-12-2009, 11:24 AM

I already removed the rubber spacer holding the sprocket to the spokes, the only one left is one the inside, and it looks like flipping the sprocket will bring me too close and the chain will touch the spokes. I'm not sure what dishing the wheel with the spokes is, but it sounds risky and complicated.

Bikeguy Joe · #4 10-12-2009, 11:25 AM

Turn the sprocket over, and re-install the rubber piece and you should be good to go.

Venice Motor Bikes · #5 10-12-2009, 11:58 AM

There are three things I will suggest...
First, bevel the sides of the sprocket teeth with a grinder or file so that the sprocket feeds into the chain without snagging it.
Second make sure the sprocket spins as perfectly straight as possible!!
Third, make sure the chain tensioner is feeding the chain straight down onto the sprocket, & then screw the tensioner into the frame so it doesn't move!

rdrunner2010 · #6 10-12-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikeguy Joe

Turn the sprocket over, and re-install the rubber piece and you should be good to go.

I'll try it, but it looks like that will give me less alignment between the sprockets than just removing the rubber spacer.

Junster · #7 10-12-2009, 03:46 PM

If the above suggestions don't help.. The ultimate fix would be to switch to a shift kit. From your pic the alignment is bad but not terrible. Look around the inside of the motor cover where the chain feeds. See if the chain has been hitting the aluminum. Maybe just reworking the sprocket teeth will be enough.

rdrunner2010 · #8 10-12-2009, 05:03 PM

Thanks everyone, I figured it was my allignment. Turns out that since me and my dad had to make custom mounts, they were adjustable, so we pried the engine over and locked the mounts down. So far all our problems have disappeared. Now maybe I can do some riding!

rdrunner2010 · #9 10-13-2009, 08:13 AM

I'm going to keep my fingers crossed, but it seems that since we shifted the engine over the popping noise is gone, and the chain hasn't locked up the wheel yet. But eventually I might get a freewheel kit if I can find a cheap enough one.

stv1jzgte · #10 10-13-2009, 08:14 AM

Guy's my chain gave up the ghost yesterday, i got a new 1 and its gigantic! i thought the old 1 was big and it was twice the size of a bmx chain.
problem now the chain pins hit the inside casing around the drive sprocket i know its been asked before but is there a way to space the sprocket out?