Centrifugal Clutch or Torque Converter?

[aj992]

I currently am running a garbage dry CC on my Predator with a 5.4-1 or 5.9-1 ratio (forgive me, I don't remember if it was a 12 or 13 teethed clutch).
Clearly after riding this around even for a few short minutes the clutch began to smoke. It still runs, and fast, just with very low torque.
Is it normal for a clutch of low quality and with this ratio to begin to smoke very quickly?
Second, to keep speed up and price down should I go with a wet/dry CC or torque converter (I have golf cart wheels on the kart).
Lastly, are manual clutches made for this purpose because that would be a route I'd love to take...?

Thanks

 

[crazykart]

Wait, wait, wait. You have golf kart size tires on (typically 18" or bigger) running either a 5.4:1 or 5.9:1 ratio, and you're wondering why the current CC is smoking, and you have no torque...?

Let's break this down. A 6:1 ratio is what we recommend for wheels 15" and smaller. You are running too big of tires with not nearly enough ratio for them. If you had the proper ratio (8:1-9:1) or tires 15" or smaller you would be fine.

Yes you can throw on a TC and probably be okish on that ratio (5.9:1 MAYBE), but don't blame the CC for the failure when you are clearly exceeding it's capabilities from the start. I'm actually suprised the kart even moved with those tires and that ratio...

 

[aj992]

The tires are 16" despite the label on the tire - we measured it because they looked small. I've been told multiple times in the past I could run a 6:1 with this setup(which yes now I realize is VERY inaccurate) and at the time seemed ridiculous but I went for it anyways.

Thanks for the help

---------- Post added at 10:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:01 PM ----------

If I were to run a TC what would be the ideal ratio?

 

[KartFab]

Gear for 30 mph.

 

[itsid]

...I've been told multiple times in the past I could run a 6:1 with this setup(which yes now I realize is VERY inaccurate) and at the time seemed ridiculous but I went for it anyways....

by whom??

If I were to run a TC what would be the ideal ratio?

I'd say with weight's less than 450lbs (total weight) 5.5:1 should work (not the best off road torque though)
but lower is better (say 6:1)
5.5:1 is ~35mph; 6:1 ~32mph

the more the kart weighs (with you in it) the lower you should gear.
gearing for 30mph is indeed a safe bet (6.3:1)

'sid

 

[kevin.st56]

Iv had a CC smoke on me once before.
it was due to it being brand new, and the inside was painted, and after a bit of use, the paint melted off and smoked for a bit.
I don't remember the brand name, but it was from tractor supply a few years ago.

later on, its teeth ended up getting stripped and had got it replaced.

 

[landuse]

Gear lower out get smaller tyres. That's all you can do to fix the problem