chaine tension

[brebett]

Hi, I have an avenger 2005. The rear chains seems very loose. They almos tought each other with the tensioner almost at the top. When I put 1/2 link they get very tight. Can I leave them tight and they will lenghten and be ok. I always use my argo on low gear. Never go fast. I don't have tracks ( unfortunately). So like they are there too loose and 1/2 link too tight.
Thank you for your help.

[North Country Tough]

Thats usually the problem Brebett,I have half linked chains and they seem super tight but loosen up a bit,the true answer is to replace the chain,but this is a catch 22 situation,if the machine has a bunch of hours on it or lubeing of the chains has been intermittant then replace the chain and the sprockets ,when a chain wears the center to center distance increases and wear to the sprocket increases and the new chain throws everything off a bit,my rule of thumb has been half link it and down the road a while its time to do the do and bearing up and sprocket and chain it and life returns to normal.Cheers NCT

[Rock Doctor]

Hey Tough
Can you explain your rule of thumb again? You lost me there.
TKS

RD

[Rory_mcw]

I never half link, for all the price of chain I just replace on the whole machine, no point in changing parts here and there.

That's just my thoughts, cheers

[North Country Tough]

Hey Tough
Can you explain your rule of thumb again? You lost me there.
TKS

RD

Quite simple there Kyle if I am to lazy or cash strapped to replace both the sprocket and chain at what appears to be the end of their usable life I half link it,call it done and chances are a bearing or outer seal will come up and then when I pull axles I will change up everything.so rule of thumb is do what you need too now do what you should do when the urge takes hold,and good to hear from you Doc need someone to double check my thought process after all Iam approaching geezerhood.LMAO Cheers NCT

[brebett]

Thank you every body. I made up my mind and ordered 2 new chains. The sprokets seems to be in good shape so I'll go just with the chain.

[Rock Doctor]

Quite simple there Kyle if I am to lazy or cash strapped to replace both the sprocket and chain at what appears to be the end of their usable life I half link it,call it done and chances are a bearing or outer seal will come up and then when I pull axles I will change up everything.so rule of thumb is do what you need too now do what you should do when the urge takes hold,and good to hear from you Doc need someone to double check my thought process after all Iam approaching geezerhood.LMAO Cheers NCT

Got ya now, must be a punctuation thing on your earlier post, it still confusing me, lol.

Thank you every body. I made up my mind and ordered 2 new chains. The sprokets seems to be in good shape so I'll go just with the chain.

If you need to, you can swap sprockets from one side of the machine to the other, this will load the other side of the sprocket teeth, extending sprocket life.

RD

[Slimpickin]

I'm for changing the chain when it gets loose. I've never changed a sprocket and I think if you use half links or badly stretched chain you will wreck the sprockets.
The biggest problem I have is getting shjt chain and paying big price for supposidly good chain. The difference being, good chain lasted me three hundred hrs and this supossidly good chain lasted 25 hrs and it was jumping the sprockets under hard load in reverse.
A new supplier it will be and I just have to figure out the good stuff from the shjt. Trouble is it all smells the same.

[chris davison]

Stay with Diamond chain and get it on Ebay.

[Bazooo guy]

The trick is to replace the chain before it destroys the sprocket.
Keep them lubed and adjusted properly.
If you need to remove a link to install a half link ....the chain is probably stretched and should be replaced.

[chris davison]

Almost forgot mid span movement for horzontal roller chain is 4-6% of the distance between the sprocket centers. So a chain that is 24" center to center of the sprockets has a 1" center span movement or 1/2" sag. CHAIN CANT STREACH IT WEARS. Measure chain sag with a straight edge. To little and eff. is reduced as wear is increased. Remember the 1/2 link is the weakest point dont use them if possible. I think its 3% longer and a chain is considered worn out.

[brebett]

I just received the chains. I've change the front and got them from the dealer and some have more than 250 hours on them and no problem. The 2 back one I'm changing had over 600hrs on them so they were good.They cost $89.20 cnd each. I never go fast, 95% of time I'm on low gear. With over 600hrs I have never changed a sproket yet. Just a couple bearings. So so far good machine.

[chris davison]

I just saw 10' of #50 diamond chain on ebay for $69.99 or best offer new in box. Thats how I got my chains 30' of #80 for $80

[CREEPFACE]

My 1/2 cent... the argo manual does ref half link. as an option.. so it seems like the half link could be ok , to get the maximum life out of the chain and sprocklet.. plus swapping sides with the sprockets....... great idea . the price of good chain can really break the bank... escpecially at xmas time...LOL... soo has anyone documented the hours that they got out of their chains when a half link was used?

[Bazooo guy]

Heres a quote from the argo manual

Roller chain “stretch” results from wear to the chain pins and bushings because of the loss of lubricant.
To prevent sprocket damage and unnecessary breakdowns, replace the chains when:
• the chain tensioner can no longer take up the chain slack.
• the chain is rubbing on a frame cross member.
• the chain is seized due to rust and lack of lubrication.
• the chain climbs the sprocket teeth, especially noticeable when turning.

I would only use a half link if the chain and sprockets are new.