sprocket chain tensioners

[john swenson]

is it better to have the tensioner sprocket on the pull side of the chain, so the chain is pulled tight against the sprocket, or on the '' slack side '' so there is a tight pull between the drive and driven sprockets ? i'm mostly talking going forward cause that is usually the predominant direction. if it's on the '' slack side '' seems like the chain must be kept tight so it doesn't jump the idler sprocket teeth. john boy va.

[msafi65]

More efficient and less wear on tensioner if chain pulls straight in primary drive position. If pulling over a tensioner it loads the tensioner under pull.

[john swenson]

thanks 65, just did some research on the web and found the same. have it on the slack side. j.b. va.