Small sprocket won't turn - Help!

reiola · #1 12-02-2009, 12:01 PM

Hi everyone, I'd first like to say that this forum is amazing and has proven to be a great source of knowledge. I've had to refer to it many times already during my first build.

Information to assist in the problem diagnosis:
Motor: Grubee Skyhawk 66cc
Bike: Schwinn Del Mar
Chain: 415 supplied with kit

Anyways, I am just about done, but am stuck installing my chain. I cannot get the chain over the small sprocket - which won't budge. I've been browsing the forum with the search but can't find anything that deals with the small sprocket being seized up, only clutch adjustments etc. I believe I have the clutch lever and cable assembly set up correctly, nice and tight, it is hard to pull the lever on the bars in, but it seems to be doing its job. I cannot get the small sprocket to turn to allow me to put my chain on, even with my handlebar lever in. Any ideas why? Is my clutch not disengaged if the sprocket won't turn? I read Norman's sticky about the clutch adjustment and I am not sure if it is the clutch causing this problem. Will an adjustment of the flower nut free up the sprocket? What exactly allows the small sprocket to move/not move? Thanks for your time.

**Norman** · #2 12-02-2009, 12:50 PM

If your are trying to put the chain on the front sprocket take the spark plug out of the cylinder.
Most engine kits come with a spark plug wrench that has a small socket on one end and the spark plug socket on the big end. Lay the chain on the top side of the sprocket(small sprocket) put the spark plug wrench on the nut that holds the small sprocket on turn the wrench counter clock wise and feed the chain through be careful not to snag your fingers in the sprocket and chain crank the chain on with the wrench. You might be able to get someone to help with this like either crank the wrench or feed the chain if you can problems. Its not hard to do with a little practice.
I didn't tell you but you need to remove the clutch arm cover to do it, put the chain on and to have access to the nut on the sprocket.
Plus your engine is going to be turning over as you crank the chain on that's the reason for the spark plug being removed(easy to crank) you can also disconnect the wires to the cdi if your worried about the ignition.

reiola · #3 12-02-2009, 03:21 PM

Thanks so much for the quick and detailed response Norman, I got it around and almost on! I'm fooling with the tension and breaking the chain to the correct length. I have regained momentum! I'll probably be back in 5 minutes with another issue

DonnnN · #4 12-02-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reiola

Thanks so much for the quick and detailed response Norman, I got it around and almost on! I'm fooling with the tension and breaking the chain to the correct length. I have regained momentum! I'll probably be back in 5 minutes with another issue

Good luck with the build and have fun!

reiola · #5 12-02-2009, 04:00 PM

So I got the chain all set up and the wheel aligned. I set it up so that it is in line and tight without the chain tensioner, but now my regular peddling chain is too loose for comfort. Is there anything wrong with using the tensioner on the peddling chain? My thinking is that if the tensioner fails while peddling the damage will be much less than if it were to fail at high speeds if it were on the engine chain. Any thoughts?

AaronF · #6 12-02-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reiola

So I got the chain all set up and the wheel aligned. I set it up so that it is in line and tight without the chain tensioner, but now my regular peddling chain is too loose for comfort. Is there anything wrong with using the tensioner on the peddling chain? My thinking is that if the tensioner fails while peddling the damage will be much less than if it were to fail at high speeds if it were on the engine chain. Any thoughts?

That is how I had mine setup with the stock tensioner on the pedal side chain it worked fine!

reiola · #7 12-02-2009, 09:46 PM

Alright, I will try to put the tensioner on the peddle chain tomorrow, thanks for the info AaronF! I will try to post pictures of the build/progress as well.

**Dan** · #8 12-04-2009, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reiola

So I got the chain all set up and the wheel aligned. I set it up so that it is in line and tight without the chain tensioner, but now my regular peddling chain is too loose for comfort. Is there anything wrong with using the tensioner on the peddling chain? My thinking is that if the tensioner fails while peddling the damage will be much less than if it were to fail at high speeds if it were on the engine chain. Any thoughts?

Howdy Reiola. The new engine chain is going to stretch. You need the tensioner on until it does. Or am I misunderstanding? Is late and I have been awake to long.

spit_fire · #9 12-05-2009, 12:09 AM

if your regular chain is to loose you can always use a chain breaker tool to take out segments of your chain to get it just right if its going threw a derailer you cant use a master link as it will jam in the derailer but if you got the litle tool wich is cheap like 5-10 bucks you can push the pin back threw the link to connect the chain again once you have the preffered lenght