Hitchcocks Forum

I`m new to enfields but old hat,i can hear the primary chain rattle/little snatches as in a slack chain on slow tickover only,i`ve removed the inspection cover and stuck my finger in and felt above a 1/4" play in a few places,now a 1/4" play does not sound/feel a lot to me for a chain,will i be ok if i set it at 1/4" at the tightest spot or will i get away with 3/8" play ?

Forgot,the bike has only done 1,500miles.

Hi Jaffa. Others may disagree, but I believe these primary chains should rattle slightly. Better too loose than too tight, as long as the chain doesn't slap the case (a metallic knocking sound). 1/4" may be too tight, and put too much strain on the drive train - 3/8" is probably better.

i agree with robin ,i set my primary chains so at no point can they touch the inner primary cover at the top near the clutch basket atb paul.on another though sometimes you can hear the chain whiring when stood at traffic lights etc that sound is amplified by the adjuster bolt against the primary case.

Yes, they do tend to be noisy. Our Hosts sell a rubber buffered bolt for the adjuster which quietens the chain somewhat.

I've got one of these rubber buffered bolts in my Lightning. They're great! It's turned the noise from "OMG, it's going to explode", to abject silence (For an Enfield).

A slack chain will make for difficult gear changes and a real clonk engaging 1st. ...... I wonder how many gear change problems are simply down to incorect primary (and final drive) chain adjustment. ..... Just my random thoughts

Your absolutely right Bryan. ------- tight is wrong ------ slack is wrong --------- when you adjust them do them correctly.

Thankyou for your replies,i drained as much oil as i could then removed the footrest and spacer,removed the brake rod split pin so that the pedal hinge out of the way,removed the very tight centre cap holding nut and eased the cover away slightly just seeing the seal coming away at one small point and saved it.The chain was too slack but no damage to the upper casing,i eventually turned the adjuster bolt 14 flats to get a 1/2" play in a few places using a pencil but slightly more with finger and thumb pressure,i`m happy at that.Everthing else was tight and in good condition, checked the seal and put a thin layer of grease onto the outer casing face edges for future easier removal.I think i`ll say a prayer before starting up and hope no oil leaks.(one cap nut holding that big casing! Whacko).

"and hope no oil leaks.(one cap nut holding that big casing! Whacko). " ........ Not Whacko at all, simple and effective, has been proved by time