Centrifugal clutch smoking

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maximu5

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Hello all,
Ive seemed to run into a bit of trouble getting my go kart running.
I bought a 10T centrifugal hilliard clutch from northern tool
This one

Now my kart has 18in rear tires, 54T axle sprocket and the clutch has 10T. From what I understand it has a 5.4:1 gear ratio which should be ok right?

Ive done searches and havent resolved my issue with the clutch smoking. First time installed I got it turned off right away and the second time it smoked for a good 25 yards or so and it the clutch shoes are HOT bright bluish color.

Help? :confused:
 
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mckutzy

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Ok, need to change the rear axle sprocket to at least a 60t, probably a 72t would be better.
I wouldn't drive it till you change that, it also needs oil on the bushing, but that isn't going to help this. It might also be toast as the shoes and spring have gotten a bit hot.
 
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maximu5

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ah! its a brand new clutch.... not what i wanted to hear. Ill take pics to see if you guys can confirm if its toast
 
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maximu5

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is it done for?
 

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Doc Sprocket

Doc Sprocket

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Pretty hard to tell visually, if it's cooked. When overheated, the springs lose their, well- springyness :D

You can shop around for new springs, I don't know who carries those. I've changed the springs on a garter-spring style clutch, But I've never done those.

Frankly, though- I'm with Russ. You're really pushing it with those big tires, and I don't think you're going to find happiness until you either go to a CVT, OR swap down to MUCH smaller tires (and still regear).
 
Russ2251

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From gokartsupply.com:
"Clutch warranty: How long will the clutch last? If it's installed on the engine crankshaft properly, without using the "magic hammer" to pound it on the shaft, using the right length key (half inch) and observing all the hints that are pointed out in this article, a clutch should last several years. But, if it's improperly installed, driven in abusive conditions (sand, steep terrain, excessive weight in the kart or rear tires taller than 15 inches), the clutch might only last 20 minutes. If the shoes are blued don't bother sending the clutch back for a warranty replacement. Heat damage is not a factory defect, it wasn't sold with blued shoes. If the clutch is abused, the tell tale signs are easy to spot. Go Karts with rear tires taller than 15 inches or an engine larger than 8 horsepower require a torque converter. If your kart has rear rims larger than 6 inches you'll have to install a Torque Converter that uses a belt and a chain. The last number of the tire size is the rim size."

BMI karts (among many others) post similar statements.
 
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maximu5

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yup. it was for that kart. I actually do have a genuine comet 30 series besides the ones on my earlier posts that I bought but was wanting to use that for a different project than this go kart as I don't plan to keep it in the long run that is why I was trying to use a centrifugal clutch. Guess I will use it though
 

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maximu5

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oklahoma, your neighbor above. lol
I believe it is not sure what exact version but bought the frame pretty darn cheap.
Repaired a few things on it like massive holes the previous owner did to the engine mount plate lol
 
firemanjim

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Early dingo..... Too big for the AMEX....... Frame too long.....
EDIT I stand corrected..... This is my nephews AMEX...... It is identical to op's kart...... Right down to the dent in the front......:lolgoku:
 

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firemanjim

firemanjim

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My nephews kart is all stock, it never had a torque converter. But it has the same size stock rear tires. Yours are much much bigger. My nephews kart is quick, and has no problems with pulling..... The clutch is a couple years old now..... . 145/70-6 (cst brand tires) is what's on his.......
 
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