Chain sounding noise

[RoyC]

I think you need to do something about the tight chain ASAP as it is putting a lot of strain on the gearbox bearings etc.

I have emailed them and asked them to slacken off the chain before they ride it.
Thanks for all the advice.
I am now really concerned.

[Greybeard]

....I am now really concerned.

If the bike hasn't been ridden, (much) like that you should be ok; these machines are very resilient.

[KiwiGF]

On a swinging arm model according to the handbook the total free movement of the rear chain should be 1 1/4 inches which reduces quite a bit when off the stand.

Thanks for this info, I think I will fit a new chain when the bike comes back.
What chain do I order ? The handbook states - Chain size and pitches :- Front = 1/2" x .305" 67 and Rear = 5/8" x 3/8" 98. whatever that means !!!!!!

As you know there are two chains in the drive chain, the (front) one in the primary chain case (to the gearbox) and the (rear) one to the rear wheel, so I think that's what the two sizes are, being referred to above (I think.....)

The cracking noise COULD also be coming from the primary chain, as a tight rear chain will usually pull the gearbox backwards and tighten the primary chain.

[RoyC]

[/quote]
The cracking noise COULD also be coming from the primary chain, as a tight rear chain will usually pull the gearbox backwards and tighten the primary chain.
[/quote]

I did check the primary chain through the filler hole and it did have slack in it.

[RoyC]

....I am now really concerned.

If the bike hasn't been ridden, (much) like that you should be ok; these machines are very resilient.

The bike hasn't been ridden at all.
I had an email from them, they got the message and will slacken it off for me. Pheew.

[coater87]

 Hi Roy,

 Your Primary chain is going to be a 426 size chain. They will all either state 426 size or cross reference back to 426. It says you need 67 pitches, order a chain with 70 or so because you just never know with old stuff what might have been changed over the years from stock.

 Pitches means links, do a quick google and you will understand in 2 minutes what it would take me 20 to type.

 Your drive chain will be 530 size chain and you need 98 pitches, again get it a little longer.

 I would not bother trying to fit anything but regular chain. They make o-ring, x-ring, all kinds of coatings, I would just concentrate on getting chain you know will fit. Regular chain.

 Lee

[ellis]

And buy yourself a tin of chain grease. Drop the chain in and heat the tin until it becomes liquid and sends off a bit of smoke into the air. Hook the chain out and hang it over the tin till it cools down. I find chain grease does not fling much off at all.

ELLIS

[JulianS]

Most decent dealers will supply you with the correct chains.

2 weeks age I bought primary and rear chains for my A10 from C and D Autos. Next day delivery and fitted perfectly.

[bikerboy]

On the primary chain do not go for 70 links go for the proper amount.

67 indicates a half link which I am fairly certain an a10 has so if you order 70 links you will not get a half link with it unless you order it on top of ordering a chain.

You will also need a chain buster (or a grinder) if you need to shorten the chain

[RoyC]

And buy yourself a tin of chain grease. Drop the chain in and heat the tin until it becomes liquid and sends off a bit of smoke into the air. Hook the chain out and hang it over the tin till it cools down. I find chain grease does not fling much off at all.

ELLIS

All the chain grease on ebay is in aerosol tins, how do you boil this after spraying the new chain ?

[JulianS]

Comes in a tin like this item. Heat the tin and submerge chain in it. Being careful not to get hot grease on yourself and avoid upsetting it in the kitchen.

Pull on the new rear chain by linking it to the old. Keep the old rear chain one for when you remove new one for lubricating. It is a nightmare getting a rear chain on with the chaincase otherwise.

I used to use such lub but have been using sprayon for a number of years it being much easier.

All a matter of personal choice.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PUTOLINE-CHAIN-WAX-1KG-BOILING-TIN-FOR-NON-O-RING-CHAINS-MOTORCYCLE-MX-ENDURO-/121884077581?epid=2032067339&hash=item1c60db6e0d:g:-bQAAOSw--1WseV2

[RoyC]

Comes in a tin like this item. Heat the tin and submerge chain in it. Being careful not to get hot grease on yourself and avoid upsetting it in the kitchen.

Pull on the new rear chain by linking it to the old. Keep the old rear chain one for when you remove new one for lubricating. It is a nightmare getting a rear chain on with the chaincase otherwise.

I used to use such lub but have been using sprayon for a number of years it being much easier.

All a matter of personal choice.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PUTOLINE-CHAIN-WAX-1KG-BOILING-TIN-FOR-NON-O-RING-CHAINS-MOTORCYCLE-MX-ENDURO-/121884077581?epid=2032067339&hash=item1c60db6e0d:g:-bQAAOSw--1WseV2

Thanks for that Julian, just ordered one.
I suppose that it can be used again & again until all gone.
I cant order a chain at the moment, phone out of order 

[JulianS]

It will last a long time, as will your chain, properly lubricated, in the rear chaincase.

[Black Sheep]

Here was me thinking the days of boiling a chain in Lynklyfe were ancient history. Frankly, these days I can't be bothered, especially after the odd spill. I now apply semi-fluid grease with a narrow paintbrush. It doesn't fling and does a pretty good job of lubricating the chain. Applying it takes less than 2 minutes, unlike the boiling saga. The other handy hint is to make sure the engine breather points at the gearbox sprocket or chain. That can help keep the chain lubricated on long journeys at least.   

[JulianS]

Spills - once upset the tin on shed floor took ages to clean it up! Then change to spray on.