Is it better to adjust hot or cold. Also when do you know when she has been stretched out no more adjustment I have a early 84 ironhead mileage is unknown

 

they give specs for both, so it prolly doesnt matter. I usually set mine cold because it's easier for me.

 

I usually set mine up cold and check it later hot, just to see the difference.

I have been told reliably that the primary chains are unlikely to wear out, partly because they run in oil. I suppose an abused one would need to be replaced. If it will take the adjustment i expect that it is good.

 

I 'll try when she is cold thanks

 

primary chain cold is 5/8 to 7/8 inch slack and hot is 3/8 to 5/8 inches slack. i check mine cold. there is an adjustment in the primary to take up the slack and i have yet to run out of adjustment. i find a lot of play comes from the nylon shoe wearing out. i have heard of a hydraulic adjuster that will do away with the shoe but i have never really persued the idea. i believe i have changed three shoes in 150 k miles so is it really worth the hydraulics? can they break? never say never!! i have seen so really bad chains due to poor maintenance. a couple of signs to look for is the teeth becoming sharp and the rollers on the links starting to crack. same goes for the rear chain.

 

When you check the slack do you measure center to center? the manual says to check cold or hot and gives the spec. thanks

 

I lift the top row up with a screwdriver or wrench or whatever, and estimate the amount of movement. Some guys use a 1/2" open end wrench to measure. Since the chain is a little less then 1/2" thick i judge it to be OK when hot if the bottom goes up just past where the top was.