Engine Trouble Runs rough at low RPM?

[crassius]

since the force of the chain is applied to the valleys rather than to the teeth, it won't hurt to grind the teeth and makes things quieter & easier

costs the customer about $30 to install the sprocket, so $30 more to reinstall to push it over a 1/4 inch left or right isn't reasonable ($7 tooth grind is included in $30 install)

 

[Big Red]

Are you saying you charge $30 to install a rear sprocket, And $7 to grind the teeth. If you install the sprocket yourself it's free, except for the time involved. And I'm sure the guy can find a grinder or a file to knock the edges off the teeth. The whole idea, for me anyway, is to build MY bike MY way. I might ask for advice, But come he!! or high water, I'm building MY OWN bike.
I've only got around 100 builds behind me. I'm sure there's lots of people have more. And like I said to the guy, The sprocket/chain alignment is one of the most important parts of the build. If you get that right there's really no need to file on teeth. If your chain alignment is 1/4 inch off then you did something wrong and need to do it again anyway. 1/4 inch is A LOT for a chain to be off, And if you don't think so, you need to talk to some of the other guys on the forum that have some experience. 1/4 inch might as well be a mile when you're talking chain alignment. If you are going to tell someone how to do something, PLEASE at least tell them how to do it the right way.
Big Red.
P.S. I charge $20 to install a rag joint, Including truing it at my station. And no grinding.

 

[crassius]

I get lots of college kids - building in their dorm room with 99cent store tools : (

 

[Big Red]

Now thats cool for a few reasons. Ya get a new batch of customers every semester, And when they leave I'm sure a lot leave their bikes behind, so you probably get some good used bikes and a lot of good used parts.
I live in a college town too, except I'm in silicon valley, San Jose State. Most of the kids here drive VERY NICE cars. Most of my customers are a little older and looking for a cheaper way to get around. If they bring me a bike thats engine doable, I can get them "out the door" for around $300, A LOT cheaper than a car. I only charge $100-$120 labor for a stock build. anything special is more.
So I guess I can't blame you for charging $30 for a rag joint install. If I had to deal with a bunch of kids screwing up EVERYTHING, I would have to charge more too, If just to stay sane.
And OK, grinding the teeth wont hurt a thing, I just don't see the need if properly installed. But THAT'S nearly impossible with tools from the 99cent tool bin. So CHARGE them up the wazoo, I would.
Big Red.

 

[crassius]

what started me on grinding was a youtube vid showing bike spokes flexing in a turn at only 25mph

they move a LOT and with the sprocket mounted to them, I became nervous about how the chain was moving at that time when these things go closer to 30-35mph

 

[Big Red]

Yeah, Spoke size has always been a problem with me. A standard spoke size is around a 14 guage. I recommend at least a 12 guage, and even better a 10 guage. Also, if you've ever read many of my posts you know I recommend using a sprocket adapter. I just don't think driving a wheel from the spokes is a very good idea. I've installed a lot of rag joints and most of the time they work fine. Then I also get a lot of broken spokes, always on the rag joint side. So I try to talk my customers into a sprocket adapter, but if they can't or wont I warn them about the possible problems with the rag joint. Then I charge them accordingly for replacing broken spokes.
I don't really have many chain problems with any of my builds. The problems arise when the customer lets the chain run too loose and neglects to do maintenence such as lube it once in a while. I run my personal bike at around 35mph almost every day. The chain has never come off yet, (knock on wood.) But now that I've made this claim I'm sure it will come off today.
Big Red.
P.S. Just noticed I suddenly became a "Senior Member". Guess it's 1000 posts to get there.

 

[crassius]

if the adapter came with the kit I'd try it, but then if like most I see, it will only fit coaster brakes I wouldn't try it since I refuse to build a coaster brake bike

got a pile of dead coaster hubs out back that all cracked or completely sheared off the end of the hub from excess heat

 

[Big Red]

Never seen a sprocket adapter come with the engine kit. And they aren't cheap, $60 - $80. But you can get one for almost any hub, not just coaster hubs. I just put a Clamshell Adapter on a tadpole recumbent multi-geared bike. My Cranny has a coaster hub with the Howard Adapter, No problems after 2 years of riding, but I don't rely on the coaster brake. In fact I hardly ever even touch it. Sometimes just to stablize the bike when applying the front brake hard.
Big Red.

 

[Big Red]

Sprocket Adapter.

if the adapter came with the kit I'd try it, but then if like most I see, it will only fit coaster brakes I wouldn't try it since I refuse to build a coaster brake bike

got a pile of dead coaster hubs out back that all cracked or completely sheared off the end of the hub from excess heat

So, just so ya know. Heres a couple pics of the livefastmotors clamshell adapter on a multi gear bike. I just took it to 7-11 and back to get smokes. The thing runs great.
Big Red.