chain not meshing correctly

Brand new 1/8" set-up: Gussett sprocket, Andel chainset and Connex chain.

At certain points the chain doesn't meet the ring correctly and the roller sits up near the top of the tooth until the one or two o'clock position.

Equally, sometimes there is what looks like "chain suck" as the chain leaves the ring: the links are pulled from the ring, rather than leaving freely.

When this happens it sounds like a bag of spanners in a spin dryer.

The problem would appear to lie with the chain, as it happens with the crank in different positions and isn't entirely regular.

Am I missing something obvious or do I have a duff chain?

no tooth deflection in the andel chainring at all? centred on its spider?

all links in the chain move freely by hand? it might not happen at the same point on the chainset but may happen at the same point on the chain, mark the chain

*blows cheeks, phones febrile..

I have had the same problem with an over stretched chain, though your chain looks quite new. Have you tried a different chain?

I've already been negged by Febrile today, so I don't think he'll be coming to my aid...

Anyway, it seems that the chain is too narrow: it needs a little force to get it onto the ring and is reluctant to leave it (and the sprocket).

Everything is brand new and all 1/8", the chain is a Wipperman 1Z1 and I don't have any other 1/8" stuff to try.

I suppose I'll just have to cough-up for another chain and try that.

Sounds like it could be a stiff link, try to work out if the problem is always the same spot in the chain.

Are you 100% sure it's a 1/8" chain.
? I had exactly the same thing happen once when inadvertently trying to fit a 3/32" chain to a 1/8" chain wheel.

Thanks all, I sorted it: the teeth of the sprocket are too square, stretching the chain taught.

As the chain left the sprocket, it was getting stuck much like chain suck.

Brand new Surly, which is disappointing.

Get a file out, and file them down where necessary.
Had a similar problem and mine is now running smooth.
Its pretty ghetto, but works

Thanks mate.

It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one to have had this problem and I'm all for a bit of ghetto mechanics, but I don't expect to have to file a £20 sprocket, so I've taken it up with the vendor.

Couple of pics showing the problem attached.

2 Attachments

Yes, the sprocket must be to blame, not the bargain basement chain. File the sprocket, that's what to do, don't try anything sensible like another - half decent - chain.

It's a Connex 1Z1, hardly bargain basement.

And the sprocket is to blame: I swapped sprockets and the problem was resolved.

The difference in the profile of the teeth is quite apparent.

I had the same issue with a surly cog too, you're not alone. My chain was half decent as well.