Drive Chains

Justin Jones · Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2002 9:03 am Post subject: Drive Chains

I am very new to karting. I am in the process of assembling my kart. A Birel chassis and a new Rotax 125 motor. I need to go pick up a drive chain for it. Does anyone have any suggestions or reference numbers I can use?

Thanks all.

Justin

Chuck McCue · Joined: 17 Jul 2001 Posts: 2944

We have had good luck with the Wipperman 219 Kart Chain on our Parilla Leopard TaG motors. These chains are made with thicker side plates and hold up very well. Second choice would be the DID/DHA.

CM www.racearsenal.com

Marshall Mauney · Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2002 3:37 pm Post subject: Drive Chains

quote:
Originally posted by JustinJones:
I need to go pick up a drive chain for it. Does anyone have any suggestions or reference numbers I can use?

As a quick suggestion, I'd call up either Mike at Sharkshifter or Chris at Pat's Acres. They both do lots of Rotaxes, and are very helpful with that sort of thing. There are other guys in town who I'm sure are equally helpful, but I can vouch for both Chris and Mike being able to get you what you need.

BTW, you'll probably also need a chain breaker to get it to the right length....

MM

Chad Stapleton · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 4403

get a good quality 219 "O" ring chain (DID Gold) and a can of good chain lube (to reduce sprocket wear)
Chain length will depend on your axle sprocket size and motor location so i suggest you get a "long (116 link) cheap non O ring chain to shorten to start with so you know exactly how many links you need to buy in the "good chain" .
You can always keep the cheap chain as an "emergency" spare.

Blake Newson · Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2002 10:03 pm Post subject: Drive Chains

Justin:
Try to choose the appropriate number of links as well. They typically are in the 108-114 link range. On my BRM kart, I need 114 links for my bigger rear sprockets (86-88) and 110 or 112 for my smaller (78-80) sprockets. Try to have an idea of what you will be running on your home track. You can also buy a chain breaker which will allow you to shorten the longer chains if necessary.

David Leflang · Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2002 6:01 pm Post subject: Drive Chains

Align your sprocket with the engine driver using a straight edge.
If you have problems with chains flying off or gears wearing out, re-check the alignment.
If the alignment is out, you may want to invest in a couple of aluminum axle collars to prevent the axle gear from moving.
Good luck