Model B - Chain does not return properly

[708uvr]

Hello all,

I just purchased a used Model B that's hardly been used, especially over the last decade.

The machine has the typical grungy chain that needs a good cleaning, but the action is smooth.... until you finish the stroke and move the chain towards the cage. It feels like it's not catching the teeth in the gear properly.

I see no sign of worn gears and the bungee cord is not visibly worn.

Is that an adjustment issue of the cord, is the chain stretched out (it was stored improperly with the handles in the "rest" down towards the feet), or is it just dirty?

Thank you for any advice out there.

[Nosmo]

The bungee might be stretched. It is relatively easy to tighten.
There may be something else wrong with it. The machines are easy to take apart and check. If you are mechanically inclined you won't need instructions, but they are on the C2 web site somewhere and I would recommend looking for them just to be safe.

[708uvr]

Thanks for the advice. I've been trying to read up on troubleshooting.

Looks like it's a stiff link or two from a dirty chain. That's what the symptoms seem to say.

The chain was very dirty and the machine hadn't been used in years. I could also see it hadn't been abused, so I'm guessing it's just dirty. I'll definitely report back to the forums on my progress.

By the way, I'm really impressed by the community here. I rowed in college and trained on a Model B, so it's good to be back.

[Citroen]

they are on the C2 web site somewhere

Start here: http://www.concept2.com/us/support/rowers/model_b/

[708uvr]

The bungee might be stretched. It is relatively easy to tighten.

Indeed, the bungee was stretched. There's too much play in the chain.

But also, the chain was stiff from dirt.

And yes, the handles were stored improperly, so it stretched the bungee out over time.

Many thanks to Nosmo and Citroen for your help.