Chain Length

Justin Martin · Joined: 27 Mar 2012 Posts: 328

Hey Fellas!

Quick question; I have an 11-77 currently and need a new chain for an 11-79. What length would be best? And are therepreferences between blue vs gold?

I am currently at work so I can't even guesstimate, as I can't go home and count the links I currently have. So if anyone could provide insite I would really appreciate it!

PS, the only reason I am asking rather than figuring it out on my own is because I would like to orer it today, while I am at work so I can have it by this weekend (hopefully!)

Thanks everyone,
Justin

Ron Dodson · Joined: 27 Aug 2009 Posts: 51

http://www.cometkartsales.com/store/chains/tools.htm

Eric Alexander · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 121

And what Ron wants you to see on the Comet site is the #219 chain breaker. Get yourself one and then just buy the biggest chain since they all cost the same anyways. Then shorten the chain to fit the gearing.

Justin Martin · Joined: 27 Mar 2012 Posts: 328

Well I figured I would need a chain breaker just like anything else. But someone at the track told me the blue and golds came with certain lengths for gearing. Considering kart chains don't have to go around any from or tubing like other applications I figured it was a viable answer!

John Savage · Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2012 11:08 pm Post subject:

Adi RocK · Joined: 07 Feb 2009 Posts: 63 Location: Brunei,

is it really a high % of chain failing after using chain breaker?
Was thinking to use myself just because we have lots of short chains sitting in the box.

jeff grose · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 9:11 am Post subject:

you know just for poops and giggles I took all of the new chain link pieces I had in the tool box and put them all together (using chain tool) to make a complete chain, now we were gonna do an engine break in ( Tag) with that chain mounted, we completed the engine break in and I checked and lubed the chain every time the kart came in and it looked great, no binding, ran put probably 40 more hot laps with that chain with no issuses

I guess if the chain failed, I would have said "that was a silly thing to do" Embarassed

may practice more with that chain but will race with a new one, as usual
_________________
jlgracing
#31 Gillard/PDBAmerica
IAME Leopards by P1 Engines
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Eric Alexander · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 121

IMO, the only real issue with modifying a chain length is keeping track of older links. It makes sense that if you were to remove the same pin(s) over and over again you would compromise its bite. But for me a chain is a consumable and should be scheduled for replacement at a regular interval. Modifying a chain's length within that period has never been an issue.

Also, everytime you break the chain, just take your time. Be sure everything is aligned and slowly work the pin into place.

That said, I value John's opinion and in the big picture, a chain is very small purchase. So I can see how a top-line outfit would not bother and/or potentially risk compromising a chain.

Justin Martin · Joined: 27 Mar 2012 Posts: 328

Thanks everyone. Knowing from the moto and bicycle world it should be just fine IMO to use a chain breaker to reduce chain length.

I ordered a 112 link chain and I hope it is long enough that I can atleast cut it down a bit.

Thanks for the Input guys!

Tim Salvino · Joined: 20 Nov 2010 Posts: 257

Why not just slide the engine back?

james kent 22 · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 8:48 pm Post subject:

Exactly.. its karting this isnt formula 1 buy a chain and make adjustments to length as necessary

james kent 22 · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 8:49 pm Post subject:

Exactly.. its karting this isnt formula 1 buy a chain and make adjustments to length as necessary

Justin Martin · Joined: 27 Mar 2012 Posts: 328

I did. I just bought a long chaing and cut it down.

I just wasn't so sure. In the mountain bike and motocross world we always have to cut down chains mainly to get through frame components. Karting its so easy to replace a chain I wasn't sure if people bought pre length or still cut them Down to size.

Thanks all, I'm past this dumb question now lol