Truth (and lies!) about kart chains - part 2 of 2

The article "The transmission of a kart" in the "Technique" section answered many of your questions about chains, gear wheels and sprockets, but do you still have some doubts about certain issues relating to chains? Do your paddock neighbours agree with technical opinions regarding the “chain” issue that do not convince you?

Here is the article that is right for you! 6 answers, by Michele Ratti (head of the Technical Department of Regina Catene Calibrate S.p.A.), to 6 questions/doubts that every practicing kart driver asks himself/herself sooner or later. This is only the first part, because a second episode of true or false relating to this fundamental component of the kart transmission will follow shortly (Rotax DD2 excluded, of course!).



Here are the statements (denied or confirmed by the expert) in the article:

1. THE CHAIN WEARS, BUT DOES NOT LENGTHEN WITH USE

2. IF THE CHAIN PLAY HAS INCREASED AT THE END OF THE DAY, THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE CHAIN HAS BEEN LENGTHENED

3. THE CHAIN MUST BE CLEANED AFTER EVERY USE

4. THE MAINTENANCE OF A STANDARD CHAIN AND A CHAIN WITH O-RINGS IS THE SAME

5. CHAINS WILL BE LIGHTER IN THE FUTURE

6. THE APPEARANCE OF ABNORMAL COLOURING ACTUALLY MEANS THAT THE CHAIN HAS HARDENED CORRECTLY