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[1962 steve]

I seem to have a lot of slack on the primary chain on my flying flea I've measured it at 22mm. the Hitchcocks book says 1/4" to 3/4", should I invest in a new chain.

[Exile]

I think I would go for a new chain. 22mm is almost 1 inch..

[simon]

Sounds almost like too many links or perhaps you are missing the tensioner. If it's chain stretch it's massive.

[simon]

Early morning here so excuse my muddleheadedness. It's 22 mm slack not overlap! New chain mos def!

[Norm]

You have a running Flea, wish I could achieve that and it has about 22mm chain slack

[ChrisD]

I've never understood exactly how to measure - does one measure it slack or by pulling the chain? I know that on my Bullet primary I can add 5-8mm to the measurement just by pulling the chain down then up. I suppose the force needed squishes the oil+muck out from the roller - but that must happen in normal service? ChrisD

[1962 steve]

Thanks to all, the replies have given me the answer to what I thought, Norm, its not running yet its all in a box but not long. I'm off to the Hitchcock's shop for a new one.

[Norm]

Steve, sounds just like mine, I wouldn't bother about the chain yet, I would get it running first. I have one in several boxes of bits and one ready to go if I could just get the flywheel off because I think it has moved on the shaft. It will sort of start , splutter a bit and that is about it. At least it entertains the boys first time when they come over, because the first thing they say when they see it is "can I start it", my reply is always "please do"