Is my chain sha**ed? (have done a search)

Here's the situation. When adjusting my chain last night, noticed that if i adjust the tight spot to 30mm play, the looser part of the chain has considerable more play, about 50mm+ . I cannot pull the chain away from the rear sprocket more than a few mm so looks OK in that respect. Keep it well lubed with Castrol chain wax.

didnt have time to measure the distance between 21 links etc, but there is plenty of adjustment left on the swing arm, so i assume the length isnt too long.

both sprockets look OK, although i dont know how long they have been on the bike.

In your experience, what is a safe difference between min and max play on the chain slack.

Service manual says "Drive chain slack (on side stand) should be between 20 - 30mm.

My diagnosis is ... you're chain is sha**ed.

Don't take my word for it tho (I've just forked out for an engine rebuild following a bout of "oil amnesia" ) ... I'm sure someone much better qualified will be along in a minute

Recommendation I believe, if correct, is to replace sprocket at same time as chain.

Please feel free to shoot me down in flames if any of the above information is incorrect It's the only way I'll learn

Pete

Cheers Pete

The tightest point has to be 20-30mm, but chains never wear evenly so there will be some difference. Does the manual mean that it should be in the range 20-30mm at all points then? 20mm play seems a bit tight to me, i always set 30 as a minimum - so should my max be about 40mm then?

[jambo]

Chains will, unfortunately never wear evenly, so you're quite correct in adjusting it at the tightest spot. However, a 20mm difference between the tightest and loosest point would have me looking to replace it. I'd almost certainly replace the sprockets at the same time but some people choose not to if the sprockets look OK and they're a little tight for cash.

Just to check have you got it on a paddock stand to adjust it? this I find is easiest as the weight is still on the swing arm and you can turn it easily to check for tight spots. If you use an NWS / Aba stand the rear suspension is unloaded and you can adjust the chain too tight, if it's just on the side stand it's a pain to check the chain at all points.

Jambo

Am I right in thinking that by tight and loose spots you mean rotating the wheel and checking the play on different sections of the chain?

yep. I don't mean tight links, the chain is not seized at any point. It is the variation between play at different points in the chains cycle. i was just surprised that there should be such a difference. Chain is in good nick otherwise. I was using a paddock stand btw.