Doors and Windows - Help! Garage door opener malfunction

My garage door opener's chain popped off. I attempted to put it back on but it is too tight to fit around the sprocket. I tried unhooking it from the cable and wrapping the chain around the sprocket but I couldnt pull the cable and the chain device together so they could attach. I was about a quarter of centimeter off. I realize the chain has to have some good tension in it so it doesnt pop off.

Whats the trick to getting the chain back on? Also before it pooped off, the door was not moving up and down smoothly. It was jerking at some points. I am wondering if this is due to the chain since it pooped off? What am I missing? I have a pro coming over later today who will be charging $69 + parts. I may leave it up to him because not only do I want the chain back on but I want it to run smoothly. Any help??:D

Sounds like your opener is working to hard. This can either be from the springs not giving enough assist or uneven assist. You should be able to lift it yourself. Also look at the edges of your door opening to see if you can detect any signs that the door is rubbing the frame at certain points.
If you write down your model number you should be able to look at your manual online.
But its good to hear that you are calling a serviceman. That's smart. 'Cause even if you manage to put your chain back on its very very likely that it will just pop back off. Potentially very dangerouse!

Mickblock

I should have opened a garage door installation company. These guys are worse than plumbers(no offense to anyone :D) $212 later and I have 2 new pulleys and thats about it. He attempts to put the chain on and it just popped right off when he ran the motor. Even if it did stay on, apparently you need to play around with it once its on because the motor doesnt know the position of the chain once it goes back on. Turns out they dont make these motors anymore and as a result no parts are made for it which would have made the chain repair easier. Its probably about 15 years old so it was bound to go at some point. The guy also tells me I may need to replace the springs(which were replaced about 6 years ago) if I get a new motor. He says I will need a 3/4 horsepower motor since I have an oversized wooden door at 360 lbs.


I usually do most home improvements myself but I know installing a garage door opener will be a PAIN IN THE ASS! Even in the good old home depot book says an experienced person would take 6 hours!

So my question is how many things could I screw up on if I attempt to install this? The balancing, electrical etc...Is this very difficult? It just seems like many things can go wrong.

Appreciate the comments. Any pros out there want to comment?:confused:

A garage door opener could be somewhat difficult if you have never done one before. The one's that you would generally purchase from Home Depot/ Lowes/ Sears all come with sectional rails. And if you have a double wide door, I wouldn't recommend one of those. You would be more disappointed when that one breaks. It is well worth the money to have a professional come in and replace the unit. It's worry free then. I've been installing garage doors and openers for over 10 years and on average, it takes me about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours to swap a motor out. Would you mind me asking what the other company quoted you to replace the unit? Maybe I can give you a better price. I'm right in Newark, very local to you.

I've ijnstalled a half dozen GDO's all from scratch including the doors. I have also replaced a couple of failed door openers.

If you are at all handy they are an easy DIY candidate. With a helper it's a one day job. Shop around and buy an opener sized to your door. You can go to the manufacturer's site on line and look at the install instructions to see if you think you can handle it.

BTW - If you buy a replacement, I recommend the worm gear over the chain type.

I swear I replied to this..but maybe that was another thread. Anyone with half a brain who can read and follow instructions can replace an opener..esp if there is already one there. 2-3 hours tops for an existing install.

I'd bet most openers sold are 1/2HP (which really doesn't mean much...just look at lawn mowers..lol) and if the door is properly balanced..it shouldn't matter.

Had to replace the worn out extension springs. They are 300 lb. springs. The door will stay in place if its about 5 feet or higher above ground. But once you push the door down past this point it will start to pick up speed and without holding it will slam to the ground. I think I need to adjust the cables(shorten them) and increase the tension. Will this fix the problem?

RSA 928

DO you have a number?

Godzilla - If you think about it, you've spent a couple of hundred to repair an older model opener that's probably outlived it's usefulness. A quality replacement door opener can be bought for less than that. However, I think you have a door problem and the malfunctioning opener is a symptom.

When it comes to openers the horesepower of the motor is much less relevant than the setup of the doors and springs. Opening and closing the doors should be relatively easy without any opener. If it isn't - look to the springs.

Basically, I tell people that a 10 year old child should be able to operate the door by hand and not have a lot of trouble. The door should stay completely open and be well balanced throughout a run open or closed. With the door fully open, the springs should not be sagging, they should have a few inches of tension on them. If this is how yours is and it still falls as you bring it down, then it will need larger springs. Most older wooden doors that I've replaced springs on have been about 340 lb. springs and up from there, not usually smaller than that. A 1/2 hp opener will work, but if you want it to truly last a long, long time then I would recommend a 3/4 hp. The price difference between the two is not too much and well worth it.