Chain too loose or too tight?

[Mike Young]

I just took a look at my kart after racing friday night and both of my spockets look like crap. They are ground down to a sharp point at the ends. The question is, do I have it set too tight or too loose? Also, I don't know if this helps but if I roll my rear tires back and put tension on the chain (between top of sprockets) I still have the ability to pull the chain away from the sprocket toward the back of the kart. Also, how long to chains usually last and when should I replace it? Thanks for any info.

[Russ McGrane]

If your chain is not new, I would start with replacing it. A worn chain will really wear a sprocket (especially an aluminum one)

[Ronnie Swyers]

Mike,
Everyone has an opinion...so here is mine
I set my chain so that the bottom (closest to the ground) had about 1.5 inches of free play,it should have a slight drupe in it. It may seem like allot to some people, but I can't see (in 3 years) where it has hurt anything. I also lube the chain every other time on track or a little bit every time out.
Check and make sure the sprocket are lined up well, and that your 2 piece rear sprocket is tightened evenly. As far as how often a chain should be replaced, I have 4 or 5 that I use on various ratio's and I'll replace mine starting in the second season depending on how much I used that one certain chain. If you only have one chain...It's $20, I'd replace it every year.
Racingron www.RSwyers.com