Topic: Stupid chain question

[theslayedsaint]

Ok I over tightened my connecting link for my X ring chain. Do I need to cut it off and replace or can I some how losen it? I haven't yet "closed" the link or whatever you call it when u cramp the two pins.

[heyitsrama]

Can you post an image please? Just want to get a better look at it. 

[martin99]

Mate, I'm all for people doing things for themselves but you're worrying me

This is one of those jobs that once shown you'll be able to do no problem in the future. Easy, but also vital to get done correctly. You don't want that chain letting go at speed.

That said, I can't imagine you've done anything that can't be rectified. If by 'overtightening the link' you mean you've just compressed the side plate more than it needs, then yes just dismantle and start again. Hopefully you won't have damaged the seals (x-rings). If you seriously believe you need to cut it off then I can't imagine what you've done! The side plate is probably just binding on the pins where it's gone on slightly cocked - patience and judicious use of levers/ screwdrivers/ WD40 should do it.

When it comes to rivetting the pins, make sure you have the correct tool. Plenty of videos on YouTube showing how to do this, or better still have someone show you if it's your first time. Good luck, all part of the fun!
 

[theslayedsaint]

Thanks... I think
Sorry I thought this was a place to ask and answer questions my bad! And yes I am using the right tools and yes the plate was just binding up and didn't seem to move as freely as the other links nothing more. So before I did what I thougt was the right thing, I thought I would double check. But thanks for the info, sorry that my qustion worried you! Guess I'm one of thoses people that ask before they do somthing they've never done before.

[Airborne 82nd]

You did come to the right place so just ask away. Just be ready for all the answer This is the www with people from all over the world that word things differently. I think you will be fine as long as you did not screw up the xrings.

[Bodi]

This is indeed the place to ask questions! These chains are harder to join than unsealed chains but the basic process is the same. I have had them be stiff at the master after joining with the link installed properly, and free up after a bit of riding. Not locked really tight: just considerably less flexible at the master link.
I've also had to replace one chain where something went wrong - I didn't install the link but I think it had been "riveted" with a large vise and the master pins mashed.

The worry is for your bike... and your life - a broken chain will usually damage 750 engine cases (not so much on other models), the chain itself can injure you or someone else, and suddenly coasting with no chain is dangerous in traffic.

[PeWe]

I have seen tools with a distance plate to use when pressing all together to avoid rivet it too hard, squeezing the o/x-rings. My tool does not and I finally did everything correct with 3:rd master link.
Too hard first time that did not correct itself despite 1500km driving, new link and when ready I saw one x-ring on the floor that had jumped off... 3:rd time OK.

Very good idea to have 2-3 extra master links.

[ofreen]

The master link sideplate is a snug press fit as you have found out. If it is on too far you probably can take a punch and a hammer, put the link on the rear sprocket, and tap on the pins to back it off a little. You don't want hit too hard as you will mushroom the pins, but with a little finesse you should be able to back it off. When pressing them on, measure the width of a fixed link with a caliper. Then proceed slowly with your chain tool until the width matches the fixed links. Make sure it is going on straight.

[theslayedsaint]

Thanks a bunch everyone! I'll look at it again today and go from there.

[MCRider]

Thanks a bunch everyone! I'll look at it again today and go from there.

Not helpful at this point but my Regina chain came withi a distance plate to keep one from pushing the sideplate on too far.

As to pulling it away, I'd think a chain breaker should do the trick without any leveraging or tapping or worse.

[martin99]

Thanks... I think
Sorry I thought this was a place to ask and answer questions my bad! And yes I am using the right tools and yes the plate was just binding up and didn't seem to move as freely as the other links nothing more. So before I did what I thougt was the right thing, I thought I would double check. But thanks for the info, sorry that my qustion worried you! Guess I'm one of thoses people that ask before they do somthing they've never done before.

I didn't mean anything by my reply mate, sorry if I offended you. None of us know what skills and experience anyone else has on here, and had you been a noob I don't think I was wrong in emphasising the safety aspect. Hope you get it fixed, and yes this is absolutely the right place to ask questions!

[PeWe]

The distances seems to follow some chains and master links. Photo with 2 E shaped distances for both sides. To be removed when chain is riveted together

[theslayedsaint]

Ok fare enough, guess you can call me a "noob" for wanting to ask qustions. A lot of qustions may make me sound dumb but in fact it's the people that asume they know all the answers and in fact don't that end up on the side of the road in a ditch. Again my qustion was only if I over tighten the plats is it still ok to use. In my defense I thought it would be fine after I road the bike. But hey it's a 849cc bike with two wheels that if anything goes wrong is a bad thing, so I thought I'll ask to double check, if that makes me a noob then by all means Its ok with me.

[martin99]

I did not call you a noob. I don't see how I upset you, but clearly I did and I repeat my apology. Any question from anybody is valid on this site. Lets move on.

Good luck with the bike, hope it'll be up and running soon.

[theslayedsaint]

its all good martin99 sorry i snapped back moving on to better things.. or just more work on the damn headache of a bike. and don't worry calj737 i'm very thankful of my youth has I see it moving by so fast. 

[eigenvector]

I recall seeing the bike in your post, but you might want to check the fit of the chain around the primary shaft.  I recall some posts here about O-ring and X-ring chains rubbing on stuff around the gear box.

[theslayedsaint]

O thanks, i'll take a better look at it later didn't notice it when i first put it on but haven't tightened it all up yet.

[eigenvector]

For what it's worth I run an o-ring chain on mine and so far as I can tell it isn't rubbing so it may be something limited to specific versions.