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Author Message   Yan Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 - 09:04 pm:        I am apologize if that has been discussed before, but I searched and could find an answer to my question. I have the Service Manual and know what the specs are for both cold and hot engine. I am wondering if there is a 'rule of thumb' method of determining the slack. What seemed to work for me today when setting the slack to 3/8" is to adjust the chain so that the bottom of the chain, when pushed with the finger upwards, moves up just enough to come in-line with the upper edge of the observation window. It seemed that the chain itself is about 3/8" in height, and in a free hanging position the top of the chain is roughly in-line with the top of the observation window. Does that make sense?   Hughlysses Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 - 09:12 pm:        I believe your method will result in the chain being a little loose. The tricky thing about the chain measurement is that you have to push the chain in one direction first, then in the other, and the TOTAL movement has to be ~3/8". In other words, push the chain up as far as it will go, then push the chain down as far as it will go. A point on the side of the chain must move 3/8" between those two positions. Your method just moved the chain upward, which doesn't include the "slack" in the downward movement of the chain. That said, it's better to have it too loose than too tight, so if you find that the vibration is acceptable with it adjusted like this, it's probably OK.   Griffmeister Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 - 09:56 pm:        Yeah, that's right in the manual, too. Better to be on the loose side, and the specs they give for checking are looser than factory new spec just for that reason.   Natexlh1000 Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 - 10:38 pm:        I always use an open end wrench as a guide for how much play the chain has. I also adjust to the loose side of tolerances when cold.   Bpt Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 05:21 am:        On the loose side as everyone says is good. I adjust to almost 1/2" when cold. If it is too tight you will hear the chain whine as the engine heats and the chain tightens. It will also transmit more engine vibration when too tight. Get a feel for your bike, too loose and you can hear the chain slap against the cover when cold.   Buellerxt Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 11:49 am:        That's the method I use, Yan, and a good Buell tech I know does the same!

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