Primary Chain
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,233
Likes: 12,835
From: South Carolina
No, the chain gets longer because the pins are running inside an elongated opening in the side plate. The chain does not stretch.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 517
Likes: 6
From: Ottawa, ON
Aren't we simply supposed to run the chain until we cannot adjust it anymore with the tensioner? At least according to the manual? And then change it together with the sprockets (it's a good practice anyways to always change a chain together with sprockets)?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,333
Likes: 3,883
From: Upstate New York
I don't know what you guys are doing to wear out your chains that fast. I've never had a chain stretch to that degree. I realize that you should replace chains and sprockets as a set (at least the small sprockets), but as I tend to change mine early, I'm not seeing much wear on the sprockets, as it's the worn chain that wears the sprockets.
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Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,066
Likes: 4,568
From: Haslet Texas
I don't know what you guys are doing to wear out your chains that fast. I've never had a chain stretch to that degree. I realize that you should replace chains and sprockets as a set (at least the small sprockets), but as I tend to change mine early, I'm not seeing much wear on the sprockets, as it's the worn chain that wears the sprockets.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,333
Likes: 3,883
From: Upstate New York
If the sprockets are good (not showing any "hooking" of the teeth), I'll just change the chain, but then, I try to change it before it's worn out.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 212
Likes: 1
From: Florida Space Coast
I had over 200K on an OEM chain so when I installed a 113ci, I stayed with the OEM.
Yes, if there are sharp or hooking teeth, the sprockets need to be replaced.
As the teeth wear down, the chain will seem streched.
All in all, it is good practice to change sprockets at the same time as the chain. It is also a good time to replace the tensioner shoe, that is another area where wear will cause the chain to seem streched.
Yes, if there are sharp or hooking teeth, the sprockets need to be replaced.
As the teeth wear down, the chain will seem streched.
All in all, it is good practice to change sprockets at the same time as the chain. It is also a good time to replace the tensioner shoe, that is another area where wear will cause the chain to seem streched.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
I love Harley , but they still pi$$ me off. New Primary/tranny fluid. How the h$ll do you go from 85/140 to some thing thin enough to run in a clutch. My manual calls for 3 diff #'s for all 3 holes. What the heck, I ran it one week, till it kept getting hader to shift and banging in to gear, back to Bel-Ray gear saver after that ride. I think heat {where you live} has alot to do with primary chain ware and how long they last along with proper adjustment and of course, how much you hammer on it.
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