belt to chaindrive

[coolkarter]

i have a homemade go kart with a 6.5hp powerfist engine with plans 2 remove the govenor and make a custom exhaust....but im wondering if i could convert my beltdrive 2 chaindrive due 2 relaibility problems(i burnt through the 1st belt the first time a drove it) gearing=1st 5:1 2nd 3:1

 

[r97]

yes you could change over to a chain drive but it would be costly if you wanted to keep you 2 gear setup. i think your main problem is you gear rateo. i can help you fix this if you can give me your tire dia. engine hp and max engine rpm

 

[Blazkowiez]

By belt drive set-up do you mean torque converter?

 

[coolkarter]

no its not a torque converter

 

[coolkarter]

the engine is a 6.5hp powerfist(honda gx160 clone) its gov'd at 3600rpm and the rear tires are 8"

 

[daviddavid]

How do you have two gears? Please show pics.

 

[r97]

top gear rocks, if 8" is your tire dia then i have no clu whats wrong but i think 8" is your rim dia so if your rim is 8" your tire is probably 16" if i am correct you should have a first gear of about 7 to 1 then a second gear of about 5.5 to 1. oh and daviddavid, i think thisis what he did http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7915

 

[redsox985]

r97, is it impossible to gather the information from separate tabs then post once?

 

[r97]

no, im just to fast at clicking the post reply button, lol

 

[Doc Sprocket]

...Then go back and edit the new info into the original post.
EDIT- See? I did it... Anyway, TopGear, Are your using "A-section" or "B-section" belts? Or worse, automotive? If you use "B-section", they should live quite a bit longer. As far as chain drive, 2-speed setups have been done with dual centrifugal clutches set to engage at different RPM. Could be an option for you. And- if your tire diameter is only 8", I cannot explain why you were burning belts. How 'bout some pictures?

 

[coolkarter]

i'll post pics of the transmision as soon as i have time

 

[coolkarter]

i have a v-section belt,the belt dosen't burn as much while im driving but if i rev it it burns and occasinly i will see smoke while im driving

 

[modelengineer]

That means you need a lot more tension.

Also, you absolutely have to be tensioning the slack side of the belt.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

By "A" or "B" section, I'm referring to belt thickness. "A" section is 1/2", "B" section is 21/32", as measured at the top.

 

[r97]

oh ya i forgot about the edit button, lol