Front chain tensioners

[Dan Grover]

Anybody ever try to rivet the plastic chain tensioner block to the bottom of the chain tensioner bracket? It would make sense to tension the chain from the top instead of the bottom. Since we drive forward most of the time the tension is on the bottom of the chain. Just an idea!

[jpswift1]

I am actually in the process of making new teflon sliders for my Attex tensioners from an old cutting board that I picked up for $1 from my local Goodwill thrift store. Thanks for bringing this up. On my 6 chain Attex frame (which is a 1971), I have a idler sprocket that pushes down on the top of the front chains. On the back ones I have the slider that I am making that pushes up from the bottom. It could be a different set up on the 4 chain frames. I will take a look at see what I can find out.

[LarryW]

On my 6 chain Attex frame, I have a idler sprocket that pushes down on the top of the front chains. On the back ones I have the slider that I am making that pushes up from the bottom. It could be a different set up on the 4 chain frames. I will take a look at see what I can find out.

Hey jpswift, Both of mine (6 chains) have the idle sprocket on top of front chains but pushes it up. they where like that when I got them. Are they backwards? Guess it dont matter though. On the rear it is also on top and it dont move.

Dan- I agree with your theory, seems like it be alot better and less stress on idler/tensioner to have it on the slack side. Unless you drive in reverse alot

Larry

[George]

Hey jpswift, Both of mine (6 chains) have the idle sprocket on top of front chains but pushes it up. they where like that when I got them. Are they backwards? Guess it dont matter though. On the rear it is also on top and it dont move.

Dan- I agree with your theory, seems like it be alot better and less stress on idler/tensioner to have it on the slack side. Unless you drive in reverse alot

Larry

Larry,

When I got my Colt, the idle sprocket was pushing the chain down. On the parts machine, it was pushing the chain up. The parts machine also had holes in the belly pan where the chains came through. I have to assume that the sprocket should be pushing down on the chains.

George

[George]

Larry,

When I got my Colt, the idle sprocket was pushing the chain down. On the parts machine, it was pushing the chain up. The parts machine also had holes in the belly pan where the chains came through. I have to assume that the sprocket should be pushing down on the chains.

George

Larry,

My '72 manual says sprocket on top of chain (4 chains), my 1st generation manual (6 chains) shows the sprocket under the chain.


George

[LarryW]

The parts machine also had holes in the belly pan where the chains came through.

Hey George,
I would have to admit that both of my floor pans have holes where the chain has hit it. So I agree, mine are backwards.
Larry

[jpswift1]

Hey guys I think this can be a very helpful thread for us guys restoring old Attexes. I just wanted to clear up which ways, according to the manual (if anyone happens to have one) the idlers are supposed to go. Maybe all of the helpful 6x6World members can all fill this in.



1969-1970 Attex models with the Baker Hill transmission-
The idlers on the front chains push ___________ .
The idlers in the rear chains push ___________ .


1971+ Attex 6 CHAIN MODELS with the T-20 transmission-
The idlers on the front chains push ___________ .
The idlers in the rear chains push ___________ .


Attex 4 CHAIN MODELS with the T-20 Transmission-
The idlers on the front chains push ___________ .
The idlers in the rear chains push ___________ .

[George]

Hey guys I think this can be a very helpful thread for us guys restoring old Attexes. I just wanted to clear up which ways, according to the manual (if anyone happens to have one) the idlers are supposed to go.

Maybe these'll help.

[jpswift1]

Thanks for posting up that 1st generation manual for us George! Now I can correctly route the chains for my Attex racer.

[George]

Thanks for posting up that 1st generation manual for us George! Now I can correctly route the chains for my Attex racer.

Glad to help!

[jpswift1]

I see you also added the 6 chain manual too......excellent!

[Dan Grover]

Front chain

I should of said I have a super chief with 4 chains. In order to mount the slider block under the tensioner bracket there would have to be enough slack in the chain to allow for the block to fit. Maybe Attex tensioned from the bottom to keep the chains off the body. I still think its worth a try and enoungh tension could be put from the top to keep the chain off the belly pan. Considering Attex has not made a new machine since the early 80's, there should be a decent amount of chain slack.

[LarryW]

Well I am glad you attached the manual because that is how mine is. I thought you guys where talking the chain runs under the idler sprocket. Must be if your chains are to worn, is when it is adjusted to high and will hit the floor pan.

I would also like to add when you are replacing all chains. You should adjust the center axle/trans first. It probably says that in the manual. But do it before you install the rear axle/trans one. With that rear chain removed, it makes it alot easier to get to the trans adjustment bolts with a ratchet/extention. You can still do it of coarse with that chain on but boy it was so much easier once I figured it out.