Ok.... i have a 600F4i (20,500 kms on it, DID chain) Wear marks are still in the "new" range....

I was adjusting the chain today, and when i spin the wheel and check the slack it seems good..... but as i turn further it tightens up and has alot less play.... i just cleaned and relubed it also...

im thinking there is a bad link or something ? theres no rust or any signs of damage to the chain.... What can i do ? do i have to replace my chain and sprockets now ? Can i keep riding and hope it fixes itself ? ive put on 350kms since taking it out of storage....

thanks

Dave

 

ok.....

i checked each inner link and i am able to move every single one..... none are siezed....

i have a motion-pro chain alignment tool....indicates the chain is running straight....[/align]

 

It sounds like a sprocket may be slighty out of round or worn out of round. That will cause the chain to be tight in spots.

 

When you adjust the chain, you do it from the tightest point on the chain, either way you get an incredible amount of force happening as the tightest part/'s of the chain go over the sprockets. (No chain ever stretches evenly). At best you going to strectch the chain even more than it should, at worst your going to prematurely wear your chain & sprockets. And if its really tight, it can fail.

 

so then i should adjust the tighter spot to spec and the rest of the chain is a little loose ? or make the rest of the chain in spec and the tight spot too tight....

(with the rest of the chain in spec the tight spot has 3/4" of travel....roughly...

 

Yep, thats wot you gotta do, (adjust the chain at its tighest spot) make sure you check the chain all round, cause there will be more than one tight spot (that will be tighest).

 

thanks again for your help..... so it sounds like this is normal ? someone else suggested that the pins inside the chain could have water on them and are wearing them out and thats why i have tight spots....

When i do get a new chain, does a pre-stretched chain help avoid this ? or does it happen no matter what...

 

When you start getting tight spots, it's a sign that the chain is on it's last leg. Better start saving for chain and sprockets.

 

Chains and sprockets are cheap. Be safe and just get all new stuff, failure of a link can cost you a lot more than the price of new chain and sprockets. Especially since your left leg is right there next to the chain.

 

yea i just ordered all that ish from the sprocket center..... just gotta wait till it gets here...... ill adjust the chain to that the tight spot is within spec.... its supposed to rain the next few days anyway so ill only get another 200 kms on it by the time the new stuff comes...

thanks guys.....

now i gotta look up a how to on putting this stuff on...