drive chain pitch

[gbryanton]

Hello i am new to this forum and am working on a old 1980 s argo and i am replacing the drive chains and am having a slight problem connecting the links together with a master link.I am just a little shy getting the chain connected,hate to use a offset link as that would make the chain a little too slack and i don't see any way to get any extra slack if someone could shout out any help would be very much appreciated.Thanks in advance

[Mike]

Welcome to the site. You can put a zip tie around the ends of the chain and then use a pair of pliers to pull the ends together as you tighten the zip tie. That should hold the ends together while you put the master link on. If you just cant get the master link on, use a half link and run the machine for about 30 minutes or so. That should stretch the chain enough for you to go back and remove the half link.

[eddieb1965]

Do you have the manual adjusters with the nylon roller? If so you should be able to take up the slack even with the offset link.If you have ratchet adjusters,you need to get the adjuster in the lowest position on the ratchet and hold it there while you install the masterlink.I think the old roller adjusters went on top of the chain,the newer ratchets the slider block goes under the bottom of the bottom side chain.If you are talking idler chains,then you must raise and lower the trans.power pack.

[gbryanton]

Thanks for the shout out and i forgot to mention that it was the chain that goes to the front wheel on the right hand side.I will try running in the new chain for a bit with the offset link and then should be able to rejoin after a little stretch work out that mike suggested.Again thanks for the help.