Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: WhiteStripe on April 20, 2010, 09:14:47 AM

Title: Should chain tension change hot vs. cold?
Post by: WhiteStripe on April 20, 2010, 09:14:47 AM
I have noticed that my chain play measures about 1" (24mm) hot and closer to 1.5" (cold).

Is this normal or am i crazy?

Also, noticed that the spec on my swing arm is 30 - 32mm, but in the manual it is 25 to 27mm.  Comments?  Am i thinking too hard about this?
Title: Re: Should chain tension change hot vs. cold?
Post by: ducpainter on April 20, 2010, 09:39:50 AM
Quote from: WhiteStripe on April 20, 2010, 09:14:47 AM
I have noticed that my chain play measures about 1" (24mm) hot and closer to 1.5" (cold).

Is this normal or am i crazy?

Also, noticed that the spec on my swing arm is 30 - 32mm, but in the manual it is 25 to 27mm.  Comments?  Am i thinking too hard about this?
The difference in hot to cold is why they say lube a warm chain and adjust a cold chain, so no you're not crazy.

Unless you've raised the ride height in the rear...either of those numbers would work.

Maybe just a little. ;D
Title: Re: Should chain tension change hot vs. cold?
Post by: IdZer0 on April 20, 2010, 10:20:05 AM
 ??? Why is a chain longer when it's cold than when it's warm? I mean the metal expands with increased temp.
Title: Re: Should chain tension change hot vs. cold?
Post by: mitt on April 20, 2010, 11:58:13 AM
Are you sure you are measuring it the same way?  I can get several different measurements depending where the revolution the rear wheel is.  I think there is a slight variation in the concentricity of sprocket to the wheel axle.


mitt
Title: Re: Should chain tension change hot vs. cold?
Post by: WhiteStripe on April 20, 2010, 12:17:56 PM
Thanks - falls into the category of ride more think less.

Quote from: mitt on April 20, 2010, 11:58:13 AM
Are you sure you are measuring it the same way?  I can get several different measurements depending where the revolution the rear wheel is.  I think there is a slight variation in the concentricity of sprocket to the wheel axle.

Yeah, measured it on side stand several times rolling forward a couple feet each time.  No real tight spots on chain. 

Title: Re: Should chain tension change hot vs. cold?
Post by: ducpainter on April 20, 2010, 12:30:16 PM
Quote from: IdZer0 on April 20, 2010, 10:20:05 AM
??? Why is a chain longer when it's cold than when it's warm? I mean the metal expands with increased temp.
As the metal expands the clearance between the pins and rollers decreases as does the clearance between the rollers and the sprockets.

The chain doesn't actually change length.
Title: Re: Should chain tension change hot vs. cold?
Post by: MAXdB on April 21, 2010, 07:01:52 AM
I personally never noticed much of a difference between a cold and a hot chain but I do know that the chain's tightness will differ when the rear axle bolt is loose as opposed to properly tightened.
Title: Re: Should chain tension change hot vs. cold?
Post by: WhiteStripe on April 22, 2010, 08:58:06 AM
Quote from: MAXdB on April 21, 2010, 07:01:52 AM
I personally never noticed much of a difference between a cold and a hot chain but I do know that the chain's tightness will differ when the rear axle bolt is loose as opposed to properly tightened.

Should have mentioned i am SSS