Too much slack in front chain?? '02 Conquest 8x8

[flybikedave]

I just bought an '02 Conquest 8x8 with tracks for use setting beaver traps/snares on south Louisiana creeks. Doing some maintenance and have excess slack in both front chains, which have no tensioner. Can't find anything on this in the service/parts/operators manuals and was hoping you guys could teach me what to do.

[Mike]

You will have to replace the chains.

[Deedeelin1]

b

[msafi65]

the two that go up and down on either side of the transmission are adjustable by raising the rear of the powerpack. you need to loosten two 15/16" nuts on the clutch side of the transmission ,then adjust with the two 9/16"bolts at lower rear of transmission frame. There is a manual on this site that has pics. good luck , lots of help on this site.

[Noel Woods]

You will have to replace the chains.

If its the front drive chains, replacing them is the usual option. If you feel daring you could make up a simple chain adjuster such as a snap-idle type. UHMW cutoffs are pretty cheap on EBAY and with some threaded rod and nuts a simple adjuster should be easy enough. You will have to monitor chain tension regularly, but its wise to do that anyway.

Let this be your guide:

http://youtu.be/MV9ChifQSZc

[flybikedave]

Thanks guys. It is the front axle chain, not idler, and I assumed replacement was the only option, but was hoping I was wrong. With only 170 hours, I was hoping to get more use from them. Anyway, they are the shortest chains and most affordable. There seems to be no wear on the sprockets yet so I may try a makeshift tensioner out with scrap Teflon pads to get me through the season. Thanks again.

[fredfox]

Get some 1/2 links.

[flybikedave]

Get some 1/2 links.

Half links would seem a good fit. Didn't know they were available. And WHERE? I read what size chain is on this '02 Conquest, but already forgot?

[JohnF]

As a chain wears its pitch changes and it works to change the pitch of the sprockets to match.

[fredfox]

Half links would seem a good fit. Didn't know they were available. And WHERE? I read what size chain is on this '02 Conquest, but already forgot?

McMaster-Carr

[JoeMeg]

"1/2" links

McMaster-Carr

[ARGOJIM]

Thanks guys. It is the front axle chain, not idler, and I assumed replacement was the only option, but was hoping I was wrong. With only 170 hours, I was hoping to get more use from them. Anyway, they are the shortest chains and most affordable. There seems to be no wear on the sprockets yet so I may try a makeshift tensioner out with scrap Teflon pads to get me through the season. Thanks again.

170 with tracks in near average 75 percent or more wear, get new chains. As JohnF wrote more less, simply chains stretch.
1/2 links will eat the sprocket and you'll be doing them also, you'll probably do that next time anyhow of they aren't sharp now.

Look at the chain specs your buying, some have 150 hour life some 400ish hour life.

[Dan67]

Replace the front chains. Get a good quality chain off ebay, cheaper then buying new from a dealer. Look for Diamond or Tsubaki. Do not use a chain made china. Brand new front chains are very tight and a pain to install. Make sure you lube the chains with good quality lube. Dry chains wear out much faster.