Another centrifugal clutch question.

[Mybreathyourlung]

I picked up a kart that someone else started. All I’ve done thus far is plop an engine on it, add a clutch and sprocket and tried to get this thing moving.

Imgur album of kart - https://imgur.com/a/IaWM33B

Engine - 6hp Mitsubishi GT600, I believe 3600 rpm, the governor on the inside of the crankcase is intact and you can see in the pics how I added springs to the throttle/accelerator pedal.

http://www.wme.cn/MITSUBISHI/GT600.pdf

Sprocket - Azusa 60 Tooth 35 Chain Sprocket 4-1/2" Drum Riveted Mini-Hub, 1" Bore

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078XQZYZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dUhpDb0SR2WD1

Clutch - Homgrace Centrifugal Clutch, 12 tooth, #35 chain

Wheels are 11” diameter.

The engine runs great. When revving the engine high and the back wheels jacked off the ground the clutch engages and turns the wheels freely, picking up good rpms. The issue is when the kart is on the ground and the same as above is done, the kart doesn’t budge. The inner part of the clutch spins and I assume it’s trying to engage the outer but doesn’t. I don’t hear any odd sounds and nothing smokes. I’m at a loss. Thanks everyone.

 

[950speed]

Well that should be an easy fix, your gearing seems to be too high, sooner or later someone will chime in that knows all about gearing and ratios, I don’t know much

 

[Mybreathyourlung]

So a 5:1 ratio is no bueno? So I may need to get a sprocket with fewer teeth/smaller diameter to get me down to 4:1 or less?

The ratio seems technically fine as the clutch DOES engage, just not when resistance is added to the wheels.

---------- Post added at 01:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:51 PM ----------

I FORGOT TO PUT THE KEYWAY IN BETWEEN THE CLUTCH AND SHAFT.

Christ. Thanks anyway everyone!

 

[mckutzy]

No wrong direction.....6:1 or lower... Lower=means higher count on rear...
With a 12 clutch you should have a 72t or larger...
Is that a 11" OD or rim size?

 

[Mybreathyourlung]

No wrong direction.....6:1 or lower... Lower=means higher count on rear...
With a 12 clutch you should have a 72t or larger...
Is that a 11" OD or rim size?

11” overall OD.

The kart runs great now. I thought I put the key in the keyway but I had my mental doubts so I went and checked and sure enough, no key. I put the key in and the thing zips.

Sometimes she goes and sometimes she doesn’t go. That’s how she goes.

I’ll look into the proper ratio as well. thanks!