Sprocket/chain wear in 30 minute race

Doug Ring

OK all you GSS/MyChron Cup vets -

Last weekend was my first 30 minute race, and my post-race cleanup shows that my aluminum sprocket was very close to self-destructing. So, other than a chain oiler as used in road racing (if that's allowed in the GSS races), how do you lube and protect your chain and sprockets?

Mike Moya · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 213

Hi Doug, if you need to use al gears, then perfect alignment with the chassis and sprocket are critical, as well as a chain in excellent condition(oiled up the week before).F. Tranberg and C. Ledyard use plastic sprockets in their Rotax karts down there and have had good results in the longer heats. Hook up with one of them and they'll help you out.Bye
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Jeff Payne · Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 1:01 pm Post subject:

Doug, when I run at master weight of 400 +lbs, I find I need to use axle collars. Since that takes care of the problem, I'm assuming that I must be getting a bit of axle travel with just the bearing screws. This does stiffen up your rear, in Colorado that's no usually a problem.

Are you using a square to align your sprocket. I take a 3 foot metal square edge, lay it over the sprocket, and align it up with the front sprocket. Quick and easy.

Debbie Kuntze · Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 1:21 pm Post subject:

Besides making sure your alignment is correct, try using chain lube. Comes in either a spray or thick goo that pours out of a spout (Burris or Hi-Rev) are the brands we use. Now this is for road racing regulare 100's but we have used them and no chain oilers for years and on reed engines to boot.

The lube is messy, but just just apply prior to each time of going out on the track (make sure to coat all of the chain), and you shouldn't have a problem. We have chains and alum. sprockets that are YEARS old. Wink

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Doug Ring · Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2004 6:35 pm Post subject:

Jeff -

I already use collars to locate the axle, and use a straightedge to align the sprockets, so I don't think that is the issue.

Deb -

We've been using the Motul "off road" (read: heavy) chain lube for years with great results. Lube chain and drive sprocket bearing every break.

At this point, I'm hoping that going to the plastic sprockets and a heavy (soaking) lube before race day may help to prevent this. May find out this weekend - perhaps practice a full race distance.

Mike Moya · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 213

Hi Doug, just one more point if you try the plastics. Use a new chain when you convert. A chain that has been stretched by an alum gear will prematurely wear a plastic gear. But once you start with a new chain, you can reuse it on all subsequent plastic gear changes. Bel-ray Superclean has been the chain lube that seems to complement the composite sprockets use. Bye.
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John Kwong · Joined: 17 Nov 2002 Posts: 145

Besides regular chain maintenance and Motul chain spray (clear stuff)

We use white lithium grease. We lay a bead on the inner circle of the sprocket on both sides before our long main events. This way the lube spreads out over the duration of the long race due to centrifugal force.

Don't use too much as it is a waste and just flies off.