Primary chain keeps slackening up

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KB65
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Primary chain keeps slackening up

#1

Post by KB65 »

Had to adjust my Primary chain - ( Tin Primary ) twice last summer
Now while I have the bike in pieces again I am wondering if I have done something wrong that the chain keeps slackening up :?:
I have read prior posts on a chain tensioner.....maybe I should install one to make up for some slack?
Any suggestions on what style to order...don't really want to weld a bracket onto the frame
john HD
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Re: Primary Chain

#2

Post by john HD »

kb

couple of thoughts before you modifiy.

chain getting enough oil?

not running it to tight?

using a good chain?

nothing bent, worn out or out of round?

if it was new when you installed it sometimes they take a couple of adjustments before settling in. after that they are usually trouble free unless they do not get enough oil.

john
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Re: Primary Chain

#3

Post by 51Hog »

I tried a couple of Diamond chains and another brand Tsubaki??
All of them required constant adjustment. Everything was lined up correctly and there was plenty of oil being dumped from the CC vent directly to the chain----
and my rear whitewall. Even tried new sprockets and new chain.
I went to a belt and never looked back.
Now it only takes me 5 minutes to adjust the rear chain.
KB65
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Re: Primary Chain

#4

Post by KB65 »

Ya...Changing to Belt has always been a thought....But a few things have held me back...Cash being one

The chain is getting oil from the breather tube....Although it may not be enough
The chain has a rusty brown looking oily dusty color to it....I thought it was Clutch dust?...mixed with oil....
Also just noticed today that the left Rear engine mount was loose.... :oops:
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Re: Primary Chain

#5

Post by Cotten »

KB65!

The most common cause for a chain going slack prematurely is to be too tight in the first place.
If the chain alternates from slack to tight to slack again, the chain has "stretched" from eccentric sprockets.

65s should get far more oil than previous models, however they also get more water!
Depending upon conditions, the source of the water can be condensate within the housing, but usually it is water drawn in by the vacuum.
It took the Factory several 'updates' to mitigate this problem: Be certain that seals are in place behind the solenoid, around the starter shaft, etc.

Good luck,

....Cotten
Last edited by Cotten on Tue Feb 16, 2010 12:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Primary Chain

#6

Post by Panacea »

If the chain turns brown it's not getting enough oil. I like the belt drive too but the chain is more reliable, (I've never had one break!)...Mike
john HD
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Re: Primary Chain

#7

Post by john HD »

dittos on mikes post.

brown = not enough oil.

john
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Re: Primary Chain

#8

Post by Cotten »

At risk of sounding like Mr. Shift by disagreeing,

Brown all over is rust. That's why I brought up water, particularly for a '65.
One hopes that the oil will prevent it, but often the climate, distribution of the oil, or even lack of duty allows it.

Otherwise, a dry chain gets hot enough to turn peacock colors. One of them is golden brown no doubt, but it doesn't come off on a rag.

...Cotten
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Re: Primary Chain

#9

Post by Panhead Ed »

belts are great no weekly adjusting..
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Re: Primary Chain

#10

Post by katto »

Panhead Ed wrote:belts are great no weekly adjusting..
Ya Ed; and if ya have a tank shift, one has to adjust it too and sometimes the rear macanical brake. I saved my overtime cash and got a new belt drive settup for my 48 Pan! Katto
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Re: Primary Chain

#11

Post by Cotten »

If you must adjust a primary chain weekly, your either riding hard twelve hours a day, seven days a week,.. or you've got other problems!

...Cotten
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Re: Primary Chain

#12

Post by Bosheff »

Belt is the only way to go unless yer pullin a hack....bosheff
Panhead Ed
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Re: Primary Chain

#13

Post by Panhead Ed »

Cotten wrote:If you must adjust a primary chain weekly, your either riding hard twelve hours a day, seven days a week,.. or you've got other problems!

...Cotten
Its just that we RIDE are pans here no show..... regular riding requiers regular adjusting or has it been that long for you ?
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Re: Primary Chain

#14

Post by Larry »

Chain oil should drip dark in color. If rust colored, you need more oil.
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Re: Primary Chain

#15

Post by Cotten »

Panhead Ed wrote: Its just that we RIDE are pans here no show..... regular riding requiers regular adjusting or has it been that long for you ?
I got my first Pan thirty-five years ago, and I've still got it, and it still runs.

The difference between me and you is I learned from my mistakes.

....Cotten
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