primary chainl replacement Mk3

just replaced the primary chain and tensioners on my mk3, whilst i had it that far down i replaced the seals on the crank and sleeve gear. i also fitted a new featherlite clutch cable and the difference in the clutch action is huge. i never thought a cable could make so much difference. just need to wait a while for a road test as my knee aint ready yet.

I have my MK3 primary apart right now to replace the stator and install a 21T sprocket. How did you know the primary chain and tensioners needed to be replaced?

Normal practice is to put the chain under tension and measure 10 links and there will be a max measurement. Likely in the workshop manual, it is on BSA's.

2WheelsUp said:

I have my MK3 primary apart right now to replace the stator and install a 21T sprocket. How did you know the primary chain and tensioners needed to be replaced?

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when i took the cover off the bottom run of the chain was almost touching the case. the tensioners well were well worn too. i could probably have got away with new tensioners but if that far down i didnt see the point in scrimping

I was alerted to a problem when I first got my mk3, by glitter in the primary oil. Turned out the tensioner top hats were the wrong way round. I think that's what caused the tensioner to seize, allowing the chain to start sawing up the primary case. That made a nice grinding paste, which screwed up the starter sprag bearing.

Good move to replace the chain and the 2 hydraulic chain tensioners . A year back I fitted Jason The Chain Man's double row Iwis primary chain , using 2 new hydraulic pump tensioners . At first mock up fit I was worried a tad as this chain was riding inboard and riding the 2 tensioners on the inboard side and central middle only , no contact where the 3 rd. row of the triplex chain would have made contact . Happy to say this chain is so superior and the tensioners are just fine .