Chain adjustment

[BertBert]

Can anyone tell me how much slack there should be in the clubsport chain and where to measure it? It is obvious how to adjust it, but how do you make sure that the sprocket is in line?

Thanks
Bert

[RobC]

I have about 1/2" of total movement half way between the sprockets. To check alignment I use the back of a hacksaw blade. Put it against the flat on the front sprocket and adjust the rear so its sits flush against the rear sprocket. Hope that makes sense.

[BertBert]

thanks Rob. Mine probably has double that amount of movement. Looks like it needs adjusting.
Bert

[Laurence7]

Hi Bert
Rob's advice about the use of the hacksaw blade is good, but remember that in addition to the axle sprocket 'pointing' straight towards the engine sprocket, you also need to make sure that the two sprockets are in the same plane. To check this, you'll need to remove the chain, and place the hacksaw blade on the side of the engine sprocket teeth. If the blade doesn't then line up with the axle sprocket, you'll need to add/remove spacer shim each side of the differential support bearings, to move the axle sprocket a little to the left or right. There seem to be two thicknesses of shims, with the thinner one providing fine adjustment, so you should be able get the alignement pretty much spot-on.
Regarding chain tension, I’d go along with Rob’s advise, but once you’ve adjusted it, it’s worth checking how it ‘feels’ by slowly rotating the axle – if it runs smoothly its good, if it feels a bit ‘lumpy’, it’s too tight. If the chain is too slack, you’ll be putting severe snatch loads into the frame when you drop the clutch on the start line – this will crack the frame in the region of the left hand engine mounts(!)
Hope this helps.
Laurence