Chain snag

[FRiC]

My Model D's chain sometimes makes a soft clinking sound during the drive phase, when it makes the sound I can also feel a bit of a snag. Actually I feel the snag more than I can hear the sound. It doesn't happen very often, maybe once every 10 minutes or more. But some days no problems at all.

I tried lubricating with bike chain oil (the recommended 3-in-ONE oil is not available in my country and we have no similar substitutes probably due to the climate) and also cleaned out the flywheel. My rower is only about two years old with 2.6 million meters. Any thoughts?

[Citroen]

One quick squirt of WD40 to free the stuck link. Remember that WD40 is NOT a lubricant.
Lots of 3-in-1 to lubricate the whole chain once you've freed the link.

Or replace the chain and sprocket.

[Carl Watts]

Have you still got the gold coloured bearing as part of the handle assembly or has it broken off ? It sits at the end of the chain and acts as a bearing surface under the U bolt that goes into the handle.

I went through at least two of them before I made my own indistructable version.

[FRiC]

Thanks for the replies.

One quick squirt of WD40 to free the stuck link. Remember that WD40 is NOT a lubricant.

Will try looking again for problematic links. Aside from quite a bit of dust I didn't really notice any problems before.

Have you still got the gold coloured bearing as part of the handle assembly or has it broken off ? It sits at the end of the chain and acts as a bearing surface under the U bolt that goes into the handle.

You mean the part near the handle that connects to the chain? I looked and there's quite a bit of dust and oil which I didn't notice previously. I can't imagine how this part could cause the chain to snag?

[Carl Watts]

I doubt its your chain. The handle bearing could be missing and it binding then slipping under load making you think its the chain. Its pretty easy to check all the chain links and add some oil but i doubt its the chain itself that the problem you simply dont have enough meters on the rower.

https://shop.concept2.com/parts/83-nick ... ocket.html

[dad404]

I would split it into the two pieces. Turn the side with the chain upside down. Slide out the white plastic bottom chain guard. Have someone slowly pull the oar handle while you try to figure out what is snagging. It almost sounds like something with the shock cord to me.

[Carl Watts]

The one way clutch bearing in the flywheel would be my next suspect. Had one of those fail as well. The problem is very intermittent so it could be the bearing starting to go. Put a drop or two of oil on it and if the problem immediately goes away you know it was the bearing

[Williamtracesl]

My Model E with 1.4M meters has similar issue, mine has a snag or small hitch at the finish. I’ve tried oiled chain, massaging the cord which I thought resolved it (the cord develops a flat surface and massaging it to get rid of flat surface, but the snag has come back), and oiling the pulleys. I worked with Jason at C2 he’s been great and maybe can resolve your snag. I now think of the snag as “catching a crab” when rower’s oar get stuck in water, so the snag is bothersome. Good luck to you, reach out to Jason. I’ll play around with mine today and advise if I resolve this snag.