track tension?

[sleded1]

have a 2011 crossfire 141 1.5 track with 500miles on it, lifted it up last night to check tension because when crossing a trench the drivers sounded like they were ratcheting, track was fairly loose, about 3" of sag with 20 lb. weight on it. tensioned it up to about 1.5 sag on it, now seems like i dont have as much power, probably from resistance. common sense tells me to find a happy medium, like 2-2.5" of sag. does anyone have any advice? thanks in advance...

 

[slomo]

lift it up and allow it to sag to about a 2 finger space with no weight on it but that is with a 153

 

[sleded1]

thanks, im gonna try that, ill let you know..

 

[thumperracing]

Inch and a half track deflection with 16 pounds downward

 

[Summiteer]

I know this suggestion may cause a scandal but it usually says in the manual..:d

 

[sleded1]

i went with manual, they want 1 3/4-2 1/2" with 20 lb on track, seems tight, im going back to the 2 finger rule with no weight on it. thanks

 

[boosted metal]

Did you check your chaincase tensioner?

 

[crowdoo]

i keep letting it out till it rachets on drivers then tighten little bit so no more racheting ,loose is alot better imo

 

[boots]

you should talk too t&t power sports on here... he is a cat dealer and be able to tell you what you need to know or phone your dealer ... you should set to what your manual says but hey it is up too you...

 

[sleded1]

Thanks guys, i think i got er handled. i found a happy medium and now spins freely with no ratcheting and no power loss. ive never had a "brand new" machine before, so all my expertise was repairing engines etc. , never dealing with tracks that had a break in period for stretching. Just wait till fall till the 163 gets in,, ill probably lose the last hair on my head!!