Loose chains - 1999 Vanguard

[Jerry In Maine]

After replacing all bearings and seals I decided I may as well replace the chains. Just put on a rear chain and it seems they're pretty loose. Tensioner has new friction pads and are all the way up but chain lays across top frame crossmember and bottom touches the hull.

Manual says they need 2.5" slack and I guess I have about that...but they do seem pretty loose. When I got the Argo old chains had rubbed holes in the tub under the sprockets. Those holes have been welded up but looks like it might happen again if they stay this loose.

Do they tension under load when running? Installation seems pretty simple but could I be doing anything wrong that might cause excess slack?

[ARGOJIM]

How many links in your chain?

[Jerry In Maine]

43 on the rear chain. Middle is loose too, it has 37. front chain fits fine.

[Jerry In Maine]

I have this figured out I think...I was putting new chains on the way the old chains came off, with the tensioner block extended and pressing the TOP of the chain. Couldn't figure it out because the tensioner was fully extended upward and not doing any good. Service manual didn't show a good pic of how the chain was routed via the tensioners. Turns out the tensioner presses against the BOTTOM of the chain. Chain now fits but is tight...I imagine they'll loosen soon after a couple miles of travel. So to make the story short, chains were on wrong when I got the Argo. No telling how long they've been that way.

[Jerry In Maine]

new middle chains are drum tight! barely got them on...is this normal?

[ARGOJIM]

Glad you got it figured out, middles tight is normal and will wear in, though it is possible you missed the last notch on the adjuster. Give it a descent ride and recheck.