Chain Length

Matt Kalevich · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 9:09 pm Post subject: Chain Length

I'm sure this has been answered many times, but it did not come up in immediate search.
Could someone explain to me in short how to determine chain length?
Engine is a Leopard. 10t front/80t rear.
Is there a standard formula to follow?
Any help is much appreciated!
Thanks,
-Matt
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Tony Kart Krypton/MY09 Leopard

Dan Haynes · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 9:22 pm Post subject:

Really depends on kart too. We had a Kosmic T11 with an 11/82 and a 110 chain but use a 106 with the same setup on our Arrow.

With a 10/80 I would think you would need it to be on the shorter side so I'm thinking about a 106 but that would be a guess. Do you have an old chain to compare?
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Blaise Haynes
#3 Arrow X1-CIK
TaG
Cook Racing Engines Parilla Leopard

Matt Kalevich · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 9:50 pm Post subject:

Will know more about current chain tomorrow when I remove it. Currently there is a 10t front/79t rear on it. Have major wear issues on both sprockets and they both had to be replaced. Wanting to place a fresh chain on along with the new sprockets.
Makes sense regarding different fits varying between different chassis.
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Tony Kart Krypton/MY09 Leopard

John Matthews · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:01 am Post subject:

Unless you're running o-ring chain you will need to buy a chain breaker and cut to length. O-ring chain comes with a specific length loop and you don't generally take it apart.

Just count the links on your current chain and make the new one the same if you like where the engine sits on your chassis. Your local kart shop should be able to sell you the chain tool and show you how to use it. Practice on your old chain until you can get the pin set correctly, in a year you won't even have to think twice about it.

Cheers,
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John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

Walt Gifford · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:28 am Post subject:

I try to use a standard length of chain right out of the box if possible, saves allot of work.

Gif Cool

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Nicholson Speedway class champion 2001
Yamaha KT100 Service Center
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Tim Salvino · Joined: 20 Nov 2010 Posts: 257

patrick slattery · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 5:36 pm Post subject:

Chain Breaking is my most dreaded task in Karting Evil or Very Mad

jeff grose · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 6:02 pm Post subject:

chain breaking is a piece of cake, just take an old chain, sit down and practice breaking it, then take the pieces and practice putting them back together, take your time, don't rush, all it takes is practice, hell I took all the pieces that I had stored in the toolbox (DID chain) and make a complete chain just for the hell of it (about 106 links) put it on the TAG kart just for an engine break-in period, did the break-in and then we went out for some full speed runs, chain worked great, trust me, I was surprised Cool

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jlgracing
#31 Gillard/PDBAmerica
IAME Leopards by P1 Engines
Tag Sr./FKCS/WKA
Driver: Jesse Grose
Remember: "No matter where you go,there you are"

John Matthews · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 11:30 am Post subject:

Chain loops are assembled in the first place, as long as you put the links back the same way it should be fine.

That said, if you mess it up you'll be sorry in a big hurry.

Being able to do it well quickly will pay off in getting to the main one day Wink

Cheers.
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John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

Ken Olson · Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:49 am Post subject: breaking a chain..

Give 520 "O-ring" chain a try.. Laughing

It's a bugger but doable..

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_4gYHgiwuaU/ULffCIxZA0I/AAAAAAAAAQY/bMYv_PYr-zc/s640/Carl%2520Edwards%2520weekend%2520ride.jpg
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Ken Olson
Pacific NW Tire Services
Major Racing's "Roll N Prep"
BRC Engineering 150RR

Ken Schilling · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 1344

Brian Degulis · Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 4:52 am Post subject:

If you don't have a chain breaker you can just grind of the pin and drive it out with a hammer and punch. @ $35 the chain breaker is worth having.

Brian

David Goldman · Joined: 25 Feb 2013 Posts: 5

Many are commenting that they can move their motor to accommodate the chain lengths, and I think that is good for the easier way out. However one thing to keep in mind is that when you move your engine to accommodate for a chain, you are changing the weight distribution of your kart slightly. With a kt that should mean hardly anything, but with a rotax that could change things more than you would expect. Something to keep in mind Wink

patrick slattery · Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 8:46 am Post subject:

Frankie Schaffier · Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 9:17 am Post subject: