Chains Chain starts to get sticky after 10 minutes of use

[Anthony Diego]

Hey guys. So I got a new chain the other day and just recently installed it myself. Since this is my first motorized bike and first issue I tried to solve myself, i depended on my best friend for tutorials; youtube. So here are a few concerns and questions that I have about whats been happening with the bike:

1. After about 10-15 minutes of riding, ill notice what seems to be the chain getting sticky and not rotating the back tire smooth enough. When I pull the clutch and walk the bike, it will be pretty tough to do so which results in difficult pedaling. Is this normal for a new chain that needs breaking in? or should i be putting some kind of chain lubricant on it?

2. On top of the engine, a black liquid is starting to develop which is difficult to clean because its caked up inside the grooves of the outside of the engine. i dont think its gasoline because it is black.

 

[crassius]

sounds like chain is adjusted too tight - always adjust chain at its tightest spot, then check by rolling bike thru a couple turns of back wheel to see that no tight spot is still there

black oil residue on outside indicates a place where tightening is needed - if at front of motor, it is usually muffler, at back, it is usually head bolts, on top is usually spark plug

 

[Anthony Diego]

sounds like chain is adjusted too tight - always adjust chain at its tightest spot, then check by rolling bike thru a couple turns of back wheel to see that no tight spot is still there

black oil residue on outside indicates a place where tightening is needed - if at front of motor, it is usually muffler, at back, it is usually head bolts, on top is usually spark plug

the chain works perfectly when the bike hasnt been used for a couple hours, after 10 minutes of perfect use and easy pedaling, thats when the chain starts to get sticky and pushing the bike is much harder.

 

[crassius]

I'd look for something that moved over to rub somewhere - possibly at drive sprocket or clutch

 

[zippinaround]

Open up the clutch actuator cover and see if the chain is hitting the case right at the peak of the turn on the engine sprocket. If not that the rear mounting bracket an sometimes rub if near the chain and lastly if your using the stock tensioner it could be starting to melt?

 

[crassius]

just had a thought, could be rear wheel bearings too

 

[zippinaround]

Could be but would probably be difficult to begin with if was bearing no?

 

[Anthony Diego]

When I got the bike it came with a 410 sized chain, that chain snapped and I put a 415 on it because that was the only chain available at my local shop. could that be any reason why?

 

[crassius]

415 is normal - you need to look at all the parts to see which is dragging