81 link chain with split link

[andychain]

See my bit in the newby section about chains.

[coaster]

I've had one just like that in my Avanti for a good few thousand miles. I wasn't too keen on relying on the split pin so ''peened' the end of the rivet over with a small hammer.

[GP Kevo]

Endless, or nothing. With the RPM's my engine does and the way I ride, I would never trust a split chain.

[andychain]

I will try to explain this simply and expect I will fail.

With the single crank link with a split pin and for that matter connecting links, there is no press fit between
the pin (pins with con) and the plate. This slide fit allows the pin to move slightly in the plate and over time,
which can be many thousand miles or many hundreds depending on the quality of the steel and the overall
tolerances in the parts, the holes in the plates elongate. This will continue at an accelerated pace until the
plate fails. Even though making a rivet head on the pin may look better it will not affect the movement
between the plate and pin.

Endless, rivetted chains are best and with the cost of engine rebuilds quality really does count.

As with most forums I will now wait for the brickbats.

Andy

[Daggs]

Well you won't get 'brickbats' from me.
I think i understood what you typed. But where i disagree with posters in this thread, is the suggestion that a 'home' extended chain is dead-cert liability.
Do it carefully and properly and i believe the chain will be not be significantly more liable to fail than any chain. I have done it, the scooter has run for years with no trouble.
Some folk in their need for a 'stretched' chain, will use a potentially 50 yr old chain to achieve their ratio change. Is that going to be more trustworthy?
If one has the ability and confidence to extend a chain, do it. If you don't, buy one.

[andychain]

Daggs

No problem it is easy, come and see me at a show. Biggest problem is folks trying to get a "factory" finish or
over rivetting the pin, it just needs deforming.

I have always nagged people to use a tensioner that pushes inwards and not as per the Lambretta one, outwards.
Lots of technical reasons why but I wont bore you. There are several on the market from £30-£75 but it would
annoy the forum admin if I were to tell you what I supply .

This means you cna use just about any length and does away with the need for single pitch chains.

Andy

[storkfoot]

I have always nagged people to use a tensioner that pushes inwards and not as per the Lambretta one, outwards.
Lots of technical reasons why but I wont bore you

Sorry to slightly hijack the thread but how much "tension" do you recommend on pull down tensioners please?

[andychain]

2-3% of centere distance

Andy

[shocky]

Daggs

No problem it is easy, come and see me at a show. Biggest problem is folks trying to get a "factory" finish or
over rivetting the pin, it just needs deforming.

I have always nagged people to use a tensioner that pushes inwards and not as per the Lambretta one, outwards.
Lots of technical reasons why but I wont bore you. There are several on the market from £30-£75 but it would
annoy the forum admin if I were to tell you what I supply .

This means you cna use just about any length and does away with the need for single pitch chains.

Andy

I dont think there would be a problem withyou saying what you supply if it works and is reliable itcan o ly be of benefit to lambretta riders submit it in the dealer section

[andychain]

Already under Grand Tourismo Tensioner (bugger I let it slip out)