By Scottie (65.168.246.137) on : Edit

I have used all of the adjustment on my chains and still have too much slack. How many links should I take out to fix this problem? Thanks

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer (Fred4dot) (216.166.168.53) on : Edit

Scottie, It is time for new chains if all the adjustment is gone (taking links out of the chain will ruin your sprockets). On the front chains (if I remember right) make sure the nut on the adjuster bolt is toward the inside of the machine so it slides past the frame (RI used to put it in with the nut to the outside because it was faster and easier, I presume - I don't know when RI changed the way the inserted the bolt, but I think about 2001). On the main drive (from the tranny to the rear axle) adjuster bar, there are two holes; you can move the adjuster sprocket to the other hole to give you a little more chain life on that set of chains.

If you don't have the o-ring chain (which I assume), you should strongly consider going to it when you buy new chains. The o-ring will greatly increase the life of the chain and reduce the need for tension adjustments.

By Missouri's Max Dealer (Brandon_Price) (69.27.205.59) on : Edit

You must replace the chains when all the adjustment is taken up. You will destroy the sprockets in your machine if you take out links. It takes about $120 in standard #50 to replace all the chains in the Max. You have over $600 in sprockets, don't tear them up.

By david berger (Davidrrrd) (70.19.232.130) on : Edit

JUST ONE LINK, I USED TO TAKE THEM OUT ONE AT A TIME AS THE CHAIN GREW I JUST KEPT TAKEING OUT LINKS,
THEN ONE DAY I NOTICED I HAD NO TEETH LEFT ON MY SPROKETS!
TAKE OUT 1 LINK AND MAKE YOURSELF A LITTLE NOTE TO PLACE AN ORDER SOON FOR NEW CHAIN SO IT WILL BE ON HAND WHEN NEXT YOUR ADJUSTMENTS ARE GONE,

ALSO SPEEKING FROM MY EXPERIANCE:
A HELPFULL HINT~ CUT NEW CHAIN 1 LINK SHORT AND FILL THE GAP WITH HALF LINKS, ITS EASY AND FAST TO REMOVE THEM AS NEEDED ON TRAILSIDE'S~

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer (Fred4dot) (216.166.168.53) on : Edit

Scottie, It is time for new chains if all the adjustment is gone (taking links out of the chain will ruin your sprockets). On the front chains (if I remember right) make sure the nut on the adjuster bolt is toward the inside of the machine so it slides past the frame (RI used to put it in with the nut to the outside because it was faster and easier, I presume - I don't know when RI changed the way the inserted the bolt, but I think about 2001). On the main drive (from the tranny to the rear axle) adjuster bar, there are two holes; you can move the adjuster sprocket to the other hole to give you a little more chain life on that set of chains.

If you don't have the o-ring chain (which I assume), you should strongly consider going to it when you buy new chains. The o-ring will greatly increase the life of the chain and reduce the need for tension adjustments.

By Big Wolf (68.40.23.217) on : Edit

Sounds like you are ready for a new set of chains. If you start removing links from a stretched and worn out chain, it will only cause more premature wear on your sprockets.

By Scottie (65.168.246.114) on : Edit

Ok....Thanks for the advice. Now, where is the best place to get the O-ring type chain?

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer (Fred4dot) (216.166.168.53) on : Edit

Scottie, I personally get most everything from RI (being a dealer, it just makes sense for me to keep my repairs factory issue). I don't know if Richard Clark (owner and web master of this site and discussion board) handles o-ring chain, but I bet he does. I would also guess that there is a supplier online (if anyone knows and has a link, please pass it on).

I do think o-ring is the best and cheapest in the long run, be forewarned, though, it is a little expensive to start with.

By frankie (64.12.116.201) on : Edit

scottie the o ring is the very best and if your running a lot of HP and stall it just cant be beat i belive the chain i bought has a 10'000lb burstin strenght or very close and even with my 4750 stall it has ben in use for 5yrs now and got about 1/4 of adjustment left to go i have found it for as cheap as $65 here in indy thats 120 pins not links you have to really do yer home work to find a fair price i have seen it as high as $135 for 120 pins