So as the title states, my cart won't move under it's own power and I'm stumped as to why. So background, it is a Manco 706b-2, recently picked up at an auction. It came with some kind of engine that someone welded what looked to be a bicycle sprocket to (no idea) and I already had a Predator 212 that's never really been used from a project I never really got off the ground. The clutch I had on it had gotten pretty rusty over the years so I first thought that was the issue, I ordered a new one and put it on just today, same thing. The cart with no one in it, won't really move under full throttle. I don't think the axle sprocket is too tall, I'm guessing around 60 because it's a big one, tires are 18s on an 8 inch rim, and the clutch starts to smoke after a few seconds at WOT so it seems like it's not fully engaging? Any help would be appreciated.
Go cart won't move
- Thread starter mgilker
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electraglide
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Same problem with another person who posted recently. He was using a clutch when he should be using a torque converter. Someone who knows about this will soon see this post, I'm sure you'll get the right advice.
Thepartsguy
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You need to post pictures of this kart before you go to eBay and search 30 series torque converter. once you post pictures of the engine sprocket and axle sprocket we can tell you if a torque converter will even fit without you doing a few mods to the kart itself.
So maybe I'm just dumb but I thought a centrifugal clutch would still WORK, it would just be slower and less power? I know torque converters are better, I get that much but I wanted to work up to that later on.
From what I've seen through googling the model number (found it on the floor), the tires and sprocket seem to be stock, however I will take a photo here in a bit regardless.
BaconBitRacing
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Just put a TC on, a clutch will burn out, not work and be horrible. The sprocket looks stock to me, and it's the correct size.
electraglide
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This video example of a clutch slipping when using a too powerful engine is overkill but the point is that a clutch can and will slip. You said it yourself ... " seems like it's not fully engaging " ...... run it for a while then feel the clutch and see if it is hot. Did you ever see the kart run as is when you bought it ... with the clutch and bicycle sprocket ? Maybe you bought a botched up project ?
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electraglide
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Don't give up so easy dude. $60 will get you one on ebay ( free shipping ) Give up something else ie.... the lap dances ... give up drinking for a week .... or cut the neighbor's lawn
Thepartsguy
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Yupp unloosen that sprocket hub scoot the sprocket over and bolt up a torque converter it’ll fit once you slide the sprocket over no problem.
panchothedog
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I own the same kart. Your axle sprocket is perfect, 60 tooth. You also have plenty of room to install a torque converter. Your kart will perform very good once you install one. If it is the $ 60 that is preventing you from buying one, it's too bad that you wasted your very limited funds on a centrifugal clutch without doing a little research first. Hope you can save up the $ 60 soon so you can start enjoying your kart.