Alton Starter - starter chain life

ntst8 · Nov 26, 2017

Perhaps a silly question from an electrical numpty, so go easy on me.
The small starter chain on the Alton seems to get quite a beating, a friend is on his second chain already.
The chain needs a little slack and there is no tensioner, which must result in quite a shock when the starter button is pushed. The looser the chain (as it wears) the greater the shock, presumably more wear etc.
Is there such a thing as a DC soft start for the starter motor which would be keep the starter effective while reducing the shock effect, and so lengthen the chain life?
Or am i overthinking this?

Fast Eddie · Nov 26, 2017

ntst8 said:
Perhaps a silly question from an electrical numpty, so go easy on me.
The small starter chain on the Alton seems to get quite a beating, a friend is on his second chain already.
The chain needs a little slack and there is no tensioner, which must result in quite a shock when the starter button is pushed. The looser the chain (as it wears) the greater the shock, presumably more wear etc.
Is there such a thing as a DC soft start for the starter motor which would be keep the starter effective while reducing the shock effect, and so lengthen the chain life?
Or am i overthinking this?

You’re over thinking it.

Just contact Andychain and get a decent chain that’s fit for the job.

oldmikew · Nov 26, 2017

do make sure there is not excessive slack in the triplex chain -adds to whiplash.Set mine close to the suggested 3/8 up and down now always used to prefer more slack than that.

yves norton seeley · Nov 26, 2017

Andy chain is the solution, BTW my chain is still the original one and still good after years of intensive use, but I will order one of Andy's
Yves

ntst8 · Nov 26, 2017

I have Andy's starter and duplex primary chains. The starter is significantly looser than when fitted, but maybe it has just loosened up/worn in.

1up3down · Nov 26, 2017

? what are the symptoms you have notice of the Alton chain taking a beating? Did it lose rollers or break?
What happened to your friends' first Alton chain that he had to replace it?
I have had my Alton for over four years now (with belt drive primary) and it has been marvelous, perfect from day one.
What should I be looking for as a sign of Alton chain trouble?

ntst8 · Nov 26, 2017

If yours is working spot on after 4 years then i wouldn't panic.
My friends one stretched/wore the starter chain to the extent that it was jumping teeth on the sprocket. Other than that it has worked a treat.
Mine spun the woodruff key early on, but i have since treated the torquing of the crankshaft nut like doing a head - torque, use, retorque etc. No issue since.

MexicoMike · Nov 27, 2017

I have had the Alton on my '74 Commando for nearly 5 years with no chain issues. Does your friend's bike have a belt drive primary? I realize that Alton says the starter can be used with a belt drive but I don't see how that is possible over the long term since there would be no lubrication for the starter chain. As much as I like the Alton, I would not consider it appropriate for a belt drive (dry) primary.

andychain · Nov 28, 2017

ntst8 said:
Perhaps a silly question from an electrical numpty, so go easy on me.
The small starter chain on the Alton seems to get quite a beating, a friend is on his second chain already.
The chain needs a little slack and there is no tensioner, which must result in quite a shock when the starter button is pushed. The looser the chain (as it wears) the greater the shock, presumably more wear etc.
Is there such a thing as a DC soft start for the starter motor which would be keep the starter effective while reducing the shock effect, and so lengthen the chain life?
Or am i overthinking this?

The chain used is small, I do a big pin version and have supplied several for this application

Madnorton · Dec 3, 2017

Swap it out, it is most probably a shit made french chain that Alton are obliged to buy due to stupid french manufacturing regs. Another good reason to leave that monstrosity of an EU.

andychain · Dec 3, 2017

Just gogle The Chain man

NortonMKIIA850 · Dec 3, 2017

Ah yes, the monstrous EU ...

phippsy · Feb 18, 2018

ntst8 said:
Perhaps a silly question from an electrical numpty, so go easy on me.
The small starter chain on the Alton seems to get quite a beating, a friend is on his second chain already.
The chain needs a little slack and there is no tensioner, which must result in quite a shock when the starter button is pushed. The looser the chain (as it wears) the greater the shock, presumably more wear etc.
Is there such a thing as a DC soft start for the starter motor which would be keep the starter effective while reducing the shock effect, and so lengthen the chain life?
Or am i overthinking this?

andychain said:
Just gogle The Chain man

Having broken 2 chains from Alton , the second breaking the magnet ring ( expensive) and snapping the woodruff key . I took the advice and bought a chain from andychain ,what a difference ,pure quality and a true gent to do business with.So all you Alton commando owners do yourself a big favour and give yourself piece of mind and replace your chains.

Alton Starter - starter chain life

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