Bought this today....need some help

[brantm2121]

So I picked up this go kart for a $100.

It has the GX240 so I couldn't resist for the price. I rode it around for a minute and bought it.

I got it home and rode it for about 2 minutes and realized the clutch was smoking. So I parked it and starting doing some searching. I'm not really sure where to start. Here's the issues I'm having.

Acceleration is sluggish at best. As if the clutch isn't engaging. It takes a little bit to get it moving. Once it does, going about half speed it shakes unbearably, then it smooths out. Once I let off the gas the engine shuts off. I can crank it back up no problem but it continues to shut off idling back down.

The muffler is missing a screw in the top of it so exhaust is escaping from there. (Not sure if that's a problem) I took pics.

I am thinking it needs a carb to start and I've looked at mufflers online. I don't mind spending some money so my kids can ride it. But I don't won't to throw money in the wrong direction.

I could use a little help diagnosing my problems. I can give more info if needed.

The clutch is a 10 Tooth. I haven't counted the bottom sprocket. and the rear tires are 5 inch 4.10 X 3.5. Any help is appreciated.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m98/brantm21/IMG_4642_zpsee879347.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m98/brantm21/IMG_4643_zps8a4b7476.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m98/brantm21/IMG_4650_zps778f8ac0.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m98/brantm21/IMG_4645_zpsa53d26b6.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m98/brantm21/IMG_4656_zpsdf265562.jpg

 

[itsid]

it's the wheel sprocket.. that's about 40-46T
and for a kart that big it's not going to work very well.

You'll need to increase the toothcount... to maybe 55, maybe even more, depends a bit on your weight

amazing deal!

'sid

 

[brantm2121]

I weigh around 175-185

 

[brantm2121]

Where's a good place to pick up the wheel sprocket and a clutch.

 

[KartFab]

There is an idle screw (black plastic screw on carb) if the engine won't idle and dies, chances are that this screw needs to be turned. After your engine has warmed up, keep it running and play with that screw. You want the engine to idle high enough that it won't die, but not so high that the clutch engages when you aren't stepping on the gas.

If your idle screw doesn't work, you could have a dirty/partially clogged carb. U don't need to replace, only clean

 

[brantm2121]

It actually idles fine. It doesn't die until your riding it and let off of the gas. Also, at an idle the go kart is trying to go.

 

[brantm2121]

I adjusted the screw and it does absolutely nothing when I turn it in or out.

 

[KartFab]

Time to clean out your carbeurator. All you really need is a wire brush (brass, not steel) and a can of carb cleaner. Maybe a screwdriver as well. Clean from the fuel tank, fuel line, and carb. Plenty of how to videos online. You can reuse the carb gaskets, or buy a carb gasket set. Carb gasket sets are cheap, and usually are a good idea to get if the engine is old.

Also check the throttle return spring/gas pedal return mechanism. Your throttle cable or weak return could also keep it from idling down.

 

[brantm2121]

Ok carburetor is cleaned. Runs a lot better. I am still having trouble with it trying to haul *** at an idle. It won't stay put.

 

[Tomahawk27]

Have you played with your pilot screw at all? In the last picture, it looks like it's missing, or at least the head

 

[brantm2121]

Pilot screw? Where's it located?

 

[Tomahawk27]

If you look in your 5th picture, it's the farthest hole to the left on your carburetor. Normally, you would be able to adjust it with a flathead screwdriver but like I said, it looks like it is either missing or the head broke off.

If I remember correctly, I believe the recommended/generally used position is 2.5 turns out

 

[brantm2121]

This it? Or where it's supposed to be?

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[OzFab]

Yep, that's it. It could be either the head is gone or it's one of the factory "set & forget" models; the problem with those is, if you get a bit of dirt in the tube, it's almost inpossible to clean out...

The kart trying to take off at idle is one of two things; either the idle speed is too high for the clutch or the clutch spring is worn out & is binding

 

[Tomahawk27]

Yep. It looks like the head broke off. Is there enough to grab it with needle nose pliers?

 

[brantm2121]

I can buy a new carb pretty cheap. Would be better off buying it and toning down the idle some before buying a clutch?

 

[Tomahawk27]

Someone with more knowledge will have to answer that question, I don't have any experience with clutches.

I will say however, that if you do buy a new carburetor, be careful about which one you choose. I bought one off of Ebay that said it would work, but it made my kart run worse. It also didn't have the sediment cup and the float design seemed pretty poor and flimsy to me. They are pretty cheap though, so what I might recommend (and what I did myself), is to use the new carb as a "parts" carb

 

[landuse]

I can buy a new carb pretty cheap. Would be better off buying it and toning down the idle some before buying a clutch?

There is no reason why you cannot buy a clutch now. You will just have it grabbing a bit if you don't get the idling down

 

[brantm2121]

Can anyone tell me a good place to grab a clutch? I live in the Norfolk/Chesapeake area of Virginia.

 

[landuse]

Any online kart store like mfgsupply, gokartgalaxy etc