Why is the chain tension so loose? >1950 Schwinn Whizzer<

[dougfisk]

Hmm, maybe that's it. I would guess the chain would need to be shorter by about 3/8 inch. Could it have stretched that much?

When worn out, they commonly stretch 1/8 inch per foot, which is over 1/2 inch on a 56 inch chain. If extremely worn out, they can be elongated even 1/4 inch per foot! :eek:

 

[Real Steel]

lay chain flat and compress it , then put it apart... theres a spec (i don't know it) see how much longer it gets

A Wikipedia article says that .7% wear is considered worn out.

In my case, I guess if I measure the chain total length and it comes to about 3/8 inch too long, I'm on the right track. I'll check it soon, but cant today.

Thanks for your help Stig.

 

[Real Steel]

When worn out, they commonly stretch 1/8 inch per foot, which is over 1/2 inch on a 56 inch chain. If extremely worn out, they can be elongated even 1/4 inch per foot! :eek:

That's a lot of wear! Almost for sure that will be the problem here. Thanks again!

 

[dougfisk]

A Wikipedia article says that .7% wear is considered worn out.

In my case, I guess if I measure the chain total length and it comes to about 3/8 inch too long, I'm on the right track. I'll check it soon, but cant today...

I hang them up on a nail or baling wire, next to a new one or known good one, in order to measure wear. If you have a 12 in steel rule, you can hold it up against the hanging chain and view the gap at the corresponding rivet 12 inches away.

 

[Real Steel]

I've seen NOS Diamond skiptooth chains for sale here on the Cabe...PRICEY!! Not looking forward to that.

 

[tikicruiser]

Just add a chain tensioner like the ones they sell with the chinese engine kits you get to motorize your bicycle.

 

[Real Steel]

Just add a chain tensioner like the ones they sell with the chinese engine kits you get to motorize your bicycle.

"I wish Whizzer had designed their system with an adjustable idler pulley for the belt! But they didn't, and this bike will stay all stock"