T-bucket go kart

[Poboy kartman]

Has anyone ever played with the idea of using an A/C pump clutch for a go kart? They engage electronicly, and from what I understand an A/C pump can take up to 20 hp from a car engine, and they engage at any speed. Imagine being able to drop the clutch from 4,000 rpm? All in all, the major disadvantage would be that its a belt style clutch, Just thought this might work in higher HP situations?

Haven't tried it, but don't those have a funny shaft/ pulley set up? And then you need a battery. ......

 

[OzFab]

... Not to mention they engage instantly, not gradually & the load is minimal, it doesn't take much to turn an A/C compressor, unlike the torque needed to move a go kart

 

[Cbreiter]

Ok, thanks for the input. I have been in touch with the tech guys at affordablegokartparts.com, and they tell me that this clutch will work for what I want
http://www.affordablegokarts.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=055c8accfa01533eefb49e19e4a8df06&Screen=PROD&Store_Code=A&Product_Code=SM130012&Category_Code=PCJ
They use it on a 420 cc clone they have that is pushing 40 hp.

 

[firemanjim]

#35 chain on a 40hp kart? Dont sound right?.... Can you get it with a #40-41 sprocket? Thats a pretty nice clutch.....

 

[Cbreiter]

I would assume that they would have a different drum available for it somewhere, I thought #35 was a bit light too. I guess if you used good enough chain it might work. I know the cheap Chinese stuff stretches and I replace mine every year, for the ones we use for the kids. I just want something that will handle the hp I'm gonna be putting to it. I am thinking to use my 420 cc clone, as there are a vast variety of parts available for them. The v-twin i have would look awesome, but I think I'm going with functionality and ease of use, rather than just looking cool.

 

[firemanjim]

Yep, its more cool to be ridin than sittin in the garage, still trying to fit it all....
As far as chain goes, Im pretty sure a 40hp engine will shred ANY #35.... I guess it depends on how you drive.....

 

[Cbreiter]

Yeah, I can't say that I have ever put that kind of power to a #35 chain. I'm thinking that anything over 18 hp is gonna have major issues with it. They said at AGP that they use it on a kart they race on a dirt oval track. Maybe they just speed up real slowly? I was looking on ebay.ca and most of the guys who are selling these, rate them for 18 hp. Although it seems as though there are a large veriety of drums, I'm seeing from about 11 tooth, up to 18. Am I correct in assuming that the smaller the number of teeth, the easier it will be on the clutch?

 

[landuse]

Yeah, I can't say that I have ever put that kind of power to a #35 chain. I'm thinking that anything over 18 hp is gonna have major issues with it. They said at AGP that they use it on a kart they race on a dirt oval track. Maybe they just speed up real slowly? I was looking on ebay.ca and most of the guys who are selling these, rate them for 18 hp. Although it seems as though there are a large veriety of drums, I'm seeing from about 11 tooth, up to 18. Am I correct in assuming that the smaller the number of teeth, the easier it will be on the clutch?

You are correct. This will lower your gearing for easier wear on the clutch

 

[Cbreiter]

That's what I thought, just thought I'd check though. Started my practice kart with my buddy today, I'm gonna start a new thread for it.