Belt/Torque Converter Question

[solefate]

Hey guys. I recently purchased an older go kart.

From the start, when you pressed the gas just a little the kart would not move, and then a little more and it would jerk forward.

Now, after having to clean out carb due to water, the kart will only jerk periodically, but will not actually move. (Unless downhill)

My first thought was that the belt is too loose. Upon inspecting the belt, there is about a 1 inch section where the belt is warped, like it was getting melted or rubbed. Also, I was able to take the belt off without taking anything loose.

I have little knowledge of torque converters so was unsure of whether it is supposed to be that loose. I know that they cannot be too tight. So, is it just the belt or do I have a bigger problem?

Manco 485B-2 TracerLXT Kart.

 

[DirtyDamage]

Two things,
Can you please post some pictures so we can physically see what you're talking about?

Second,
Please fill in a profile location, we don't want to suggest parts located in N.Y and you be in California and have to pay the extra possibly unnecessary shipping.

 

[solefate]

Sorry, I live in Oklahoma. It's hard to tell in pictures, but the belt has been rubbed enough in that little section to show some threads. The rest of the belt appears to be in good shape, and measured out to correct length so it is not actually stretched.

 

[itsid]

Wait, you could take the belt of without removing the driver pulley?

and it's the correct belt? (outer circumference MUST be 27.40")
If so, we need pics of the TC setup, there is something wrong with it!

If not, buy the correct belt (manco #5959)

showing some threads like that is actually 'normal wear' for a TC belt, nothing to worry about,
as soon as the top width get's smaller it's worth to order a new belt before it fails

'sid

 

[crazykart]

Some general.maintenance of the TC may be in order to start with. Do you yourself know of it is a 20, 30, or 40 series? If not tell us the engine size and take some pics of the TC set up and we will help you identify. As far as cleaning kartfab has some good videos posted up about torque converter maintenance. Imo I would change that belt anyways as it does look loke its slightly twisted/warped at that spot (besides the threads showing), but make sure its the proper one first, measure from the center of the driver of the tc to the center of the driven and post back results.

 

[itsid]

Indeed;
like crazykart said.. it's better to check..

I know what it WAS when the kart rolled out Mancos front door.. but that doesn't mean some PO couldn't have messed with it of course

So hopefully it's still the series 30 TC it came with and mounted to the original jackshaft plate (~7" Center to Center distance)
In that case Manco 5959 is the correct belt.

cleaning the TC won't harm, especially if your sheaves are rusty.
If in doubt, post pictures

'sid

 

[crazykart]

We do love pics, and you bever know, we might just catch something that you dont before it becomes a problem.

 

[Poboy kartman]

We do love pics, and you bever know, we might just catch something that you dont before it becomes a problem.

HEY!!!! Family forum....remember????? You can't. say bever and pics in the same post.....

 

[crazykart]

Lol anyways, barring my typo and poboys outburst...


P.s. Texans spell about as good as I do when I take my meds.

 

[Johnnyboy]

Hey guys. I recently purchased an older go kart.

From the start, when you pressed the gas just a little the kart would not move, and then a little more and it would jerk forward.

Now, after having to clean out carb due to water, the kart will only jerk periodically, but will not actually move. (Unless downhill)

My first thought was that the belt is too loose. Upon inspecting the belt, there is about a 1 inch section where the belt is warped, like it was getting melted or rubbed. Also, I was able to take the belt off without taking anything loose.

I have little knowledge of torque converters so was unsure of whether it is supposed to be that loose. I know that they cannot be too tight. So, is it just the belt or do I have a bigger problem?

Manco 485B-2 TracerLXT Kart.

Sounds exactly like the time when I fried my belt. Halfway up my (obnoxiously long) driveway the thing started smoking like there was a barbecue strapped to the back of my kart. After replacing the belt, which also slipped off without removing anything, I discovered a destroyed spring and several missing buttons in the driven pulley. Not sure how that would fry a belt though...

 

[solefate]

Pickatures.

Okay here we go guys.

Like I said, I was able to remove the belt without taking anything apart. Also center to center the bolts measured 6 5/8.

 

[Johnnyboy]

All of your buttons look to be intact, however the inner sheaves of the driven look quite grimy (might just be from the pictures). If it was my kart I'd clean those up regardless of whether or not it solves the problem.

Assuming you have the standard Manco drive belt (5959) a 6 5/8 center distance would be slightly too short. Ideally it should be around 6 15/16- 7 inches.

 

[solefate]

Update

All of your buttons look to be intact, however the inner sheaves of the driven look quite grimy (might just be from the pictures). If it was my kart I'd clean those up regardless of whether or not it solves the problem.

Assuming you have the standard Manco drive belt (5959) a 6 5/8 center distance would be slightly too short. Ideally it should be around 6 15/16- 7 inches.

Yeah it was raining the day I took these. However, it surely wouldn't hurt. I suppose I will try and adjust it out a bit and see if that helps. I do have the 5959 as well. P.S. thanks for saving me the trouble of looking up the right distance

 

[solefate]

Sooo....

I adjusted the engine out a bit thus tightening the belt. Now, the go kart will run somewhat. It is was slower than it was when I first got it, and a lot more jerky. It will hardly move until I give it quite a bit of throttle, and then it will jerk into gear. It has always done that, but now when it does kick in, it is nowhere near as fast as it was to start. Any ideas?