Clutch dying?

[BellyUpFish]

Hey guys-

My kids and I have been wearing a kart I bought them a couple months ago out pretty well. Having a blast with it.

Some little Chinese kart with a Tecumseh Powersport 5 in it.

I think the clutch may be headed south.

When I first start it, it's almost got no power. Doesn't want to move when the throttle is applied, but once it starts warming up, it seems to start pulling just fine.

This sound like the clutch or ???

TIA

BUF

 

[mckutzy]

Howabout some pics and tell us what's the gear ratio, OD of tire size...

 

[BellyUpFish]

Howabout some pics and tell us what's the gear ratio, OD of tire size...

6:1 gear ratio and 13.50 rear tires.

 

[Flyinhillbilly]

Have you tried oiling the clutch bushings?

 

[BellyUpFish]

Have you tried oiling the clutch bushings?

No. I'll give that a shot.

 

[landuse]

The gear ratio and tyre size sounds OK. Try oiling the bushing first and then see. Otherwise you might need to get a new clutch. Post some pics of the clutch too

 

[PredatorPowaaa!!]

well if its pulling just fine once it warms up, it could be the clutch, but i think that if it was, then it would just stay slipping all the time and might slip even worse once it was hot. it sounds more like and engine problem to me, so i would do some basic troubleshooting on the engine.

 

[BellyUpFish]

well if its pulling just fine once it warms up, it could be the clutch, but i think that if it was, then it would just stay slipping all the time and might slip even worse once it was hot. it sounds more like and engine problem to me, so i would do some basic troubleshooting on the engine.

Engine seems to run fine. Idle is a little sloppy, but it's workable. I haven't tuned the carb too much since I replaced it.

It's also got a little surging here and there, but I've been running the fuel levels low, because the fuel line is in need to replacement, just haven't had time.

 

[PredatorPowaaa!!]

well, just because an engine sounds fine, doesn't always mean its running okay. like i said, basic troubleshooting. replace the spark plug, replace the fuel lines (like you said) , tune it up, read the new spark plug to make sure your engine isn't rich or lean, look into the spark plug hole with a flashlight to make sure nothing is sketchy, change the oil, check the valves, check the gaskets, clean the carb, clean the tank, and so on.

 

[Bbqjoe]

If you think it's the clutch, simply replace it.
If that doesn't work, we can continue down the road to trouble shooting a solution.

Everything else is just pie in the sky speculation.

I could suggest changing your air in the tires to see if that helps, but really?

Just get a new clutch.

Tell your wife or your Mom I said it was ok.

 

[Flyinhillbilly]

If you think it's the clutch, simply replace it.
If that doesn't work, we can continue down the road to trouble shooting a solution.

Everything else is just pie in the sky speculation.

I could suggest changing your air in the tires to see if that helps, but really?

Just get a new clutch.

Tell your wife or your Mom I said it was ok.

Or just oil the godforsaken thing. It's easy and won't take more than one minute. He's already said he hasn't oiled it. Try that first.