Clutch Set Screws coming Loose, HELP!

[dkat]

evening everyone, just got a new go kart for my kids. rode for about 4 hours straight it was hard to get off of it they (and I) were having to much fun. Buuuuut then I ran into an issue. I would hit the gas but I wouldn't move forward.

I have the predator 212 engine on the go kart. At first look I though the clutch was not engaging the drive shaft but it was definitely spinning. At closer look I found what I believe is the set screw for the clutch goes right into the drive clutch.

I tightened the screw with some lock tight and it was working just fine....until today same thing happened set screw came loose. Is there a long term solution to this? Any input would be appreciated!

thanks!

 

[TwoTankTuk]

Some pics of what you're dealing with might help the group understand and come up with ideas..

"A picture is worth a thousand words!"

 

[Brianator]

 

[landuse]

I have always wondered why manufacturers make clutches that just hold on with a set screw!

Are you sure that you cannot use a key with your clutch to keep it stationary on the crank? Post a pic for us please so we can see what type you have

 

[dkat]

Appreciate the responses, I’ll post some pics when I get off work. I plan on take a closer look to see if I even tightened them down correctly. Thanks y’all!

 

[dkat]

Alright gents this is what I'm referring to as the set screw (not sure if that's what It is). Does it need to sit inside that grove on the driveshaft? I think the bolt that secures the clutch into the drive shaft was also loose so I'm gonna tighten both up. But I would really like to know if there is a long term solution to this issue. I would hate to have to tighten the thing down every 5 hours of use. starts up no issues but when I hit the throttle it doesn't spin the wheel unless I have it lifted.

anything helps! thanks again!

 

[dkat]

Ok so I just jacked the go kart up tightened down that screw in the pic as well as the bolt that goes through the clutch into the drive shaft. It was good for a lap around the block then loss power, keep running but not enough power to get going again.......Just bought this thing a couple of days ago totally new to the scene so this is a bit frustrating to say the least.

 

[Brianator]

Pop the clutch off and see if it has a slot cut in it for a key, if not you can tighten one of those set screws into the slot OR file a couple of flat spots where the set screws will touch the shaft, don't forget to use blue threadlocker (semi-permanent)!

Proper set screws have a dimple in the middle (and some also serrated teeth) that cut a groove into the shaft, you want to be careful not to overtighten TOO much or you'll have a bear of a time removing the clutch in the future. Also, regular bolts will NOT have the holding power that set screws do, don't waste your time with them. Just my 2 cents!

 

[dkat]

That may be it, this screw has a flat bottom so its probably not a proper set screw. I've used thread locker and it still came loose. Any suggestions on where I can get new set screws? Also What does the slot cut for a key on the clutch look like? is that the grove that's already in the drive shaft?

 

[Brianator]

Please note I've added a picture for you in the previous post, better late than never right!?

Should be able to find them at a hardware store, if not try finding a garage door repair man he may have some! The pictured one is actually from my overhead door service days.

The clutch should hopefully have a slot the same as the shaft and that's for a key, presumably 3/16".

 

[still kikn]

Does it need to sit inside that grove on the driveshaft?

The groove you're talking about is likely a keyway, for a key that is apparently missing. And that set screw doesn't look like any setscrew I've ever seen. I'd say somebody stuck it in for a temporary fix. Pull the clutch off the shaft and check for a keyway. If there's one there go to any hardware store and pick up a key that fits the keyway and buy a real set screw with the same threads as what it's in there now.
If there is no keyway in there then it's a set up I've never seen. Good luck.

---------- Post added at 08:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:02 PM ----------

Please note I've added a picture for you in the previous post, better late than never right!?

Should be able to find them at a hardware store, if not try finding a garage door repair man he may have some! The pictured one is actually from my overhead door service days.

The clutch should hopefully have a slot the same as the shaft and that's for a key, presumably 3/16".

I guess I was typing while you were submitting. I'm late for everything!

 

[Brianator]

I guess I was typing while you were submitting. I'm late for everything!

It happens! Lol. I forgot to post the pic first time around to be honest.

We're on the same team though so don't beat yourself up over it!

 

[dkat]

Yea that definitely doesn't look like the screw I have on there right now. I'll take the clutch of and see what's up. I'll let y'all know soon what progress if any I've made. Thanks!

 

[Brianator]

 

[landuse]

Post pics of the clutch bore once it is off. You might find that it has a keyway too, and then all you would need is a key to hold it all in place

You also get clutches that have a build in key like the pic below

 

[dkat]

So good news, for now at least. Clutch deff had a keyway and big surprise what was missing...? a Key! lol lucky for me neighbor works on a bunch of dirt bikes etc and so happened to have one that fit. We put that on there, put the "fake set screw" back on and it worked. Today I'm looking to go and get an actual set screw to help keep that key in place.

next thing is replacing tires with some that don't waste so quick. drive tire is practically bald and I've only had this go kart for about 3 days. Any suggestions....?

 

[landuse]

So good news, for now at least. Clutch deff had a keyway and big surprise what was missing...? a Key! lol lucky for me neighbor works on a bunch of dirt bikes etc and so happened to have one that fit. We put that on there, put the "fake set screw" back on and it worked. Today I'm looking to go and get an actual set screw to help keep that key in place.

next thing is replacing tires with some that don't waste so quick. drive tire is practically bald and I've only had this go kart for about 3 days. Any suggestions....?

Glad you could get it sorted. I knew there had to be something other than just the screw holding it in there.

For the tyres, maybe post a pic of what you have. You might just have a rubbish tyre that wears fast. One wheel peels have this issue though....where the drive tyre wears down.

Do your wheels spin when taking off? You could maybe even gear a bit higher if they are. This would save some life in the tyre. Let us know what the tyre diameter is, the clutch sprocket tooth count as well as the axle sprocket tooth count. That will give us some idea of how you are geared

 

[dkat]

Ok so, 9 teeth on the clutch and 54 on the axle. tire size is 1313x5.00-6. Attached are some pics also. One of the pics failed but looks like the tire is TRAC-CARD C/T. The one not on the drive side is a Carlisle turf saver.

tires do spin a little when I take off too fast.

 

[Karts of Kaos]

I run go power sports slicks and they last forever. also they don't tear up the lawn as much as tires with tread.

 

[dkat]

Any good sites you recommend where I can get them, do you know If I can run them on current wheel size or will in need to upgrade both wheels and tires? I was looking at some slicks previously but couldn't find them for that wheel size. Not sure if they need to be exact or if there is a little room for error...