clutch engages at low rpm

[rubantin]

just bought this klipper kart,disassembled and cleaned the carburetor, give it a new coat of paint, a little disappointed with no suspension.

As soon as I start it, at very low rpm, the clutch engages. I can rotate it freely when it's off, but as soon as I start up I have to hold the cart or it will take off. I am very mechanical, just never worked on a centrifugal clutch before. I don't want to put much into it because I'm only going to sell it due to the lack of suspension. hard on the back....

by the way, any idea what the go kart is worth?

 

[acg23]

the idle is prbly set to high. all you have to do is adjust it.

 

[anderkart]

I agree, your Idle speed might just be set too high.

A couple other possibilities:

Are that the clutch may have internal problems like dirt/rust inside, or issues with the springs loosing their tension lowering its stall speed.

The pic of your clutch kinda looks like you haven't lubed its bushing (or bearing) lately, so you might try dripping a few drops of motor oil near the end of the engines output shaft so the oil can work its way into the clutches bushing that's under the clutches drive gear.

Your clutch pic also kinda looks like your chain might just be overly tight... If so, this could also result in your symptoms.

I'm guessing that kart would probably end up selling for in-between $200 and $400 around here where I live.

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

Its seriously a 10 minute job to pull off, disassemble, deglaze, clean and lubricate a clutch.

 

[Blazkowiez]

I believe your spring is worn out in your clutch. Also in solid running condition and new tires I could easily sell that kart for 500.

 

[rubantin]

Thanks all... will disassemble the clutch and give it a cleanup and lube...

 

[Blazkowiez]

When you disassemble your clutch. See if the spring pops out straight or if it curls.

 

[dave1701]

lube dat clutch and make sure yer idle speed isn't too high

 

[brendonv]

Yer its probably real rusty inside. Remove the C clip and the drum will come off. Just sand back the pads and the drum and then reinstall. Then put some oil just behind the C clip to lubricate the bushing. (best done when its hot so the bushing just absorbs the oil.)

 

[rubantin]

whew... I am back..

Left for MN for 2 weeks... now back at it... I got the clutch apart.. the bronze bushing is really worn.. Is that replaceable?

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

Yes, its replaceable.

 

[rubantin]

I just checked with 2 places. Our local small engine shop wants $7 fopr it. The bearing shop wants 65 cents...lol It knocked out easy with a socket and a hammer. Also the spring was stretched... I used my bolt cutters and shortened it a few... tightens up nicely and got through the whole repair for 65 cents... can't ask for better than that

Sanded, wire wheeled and painted the non contact parts... looks new to boot...

 

[rubantin]

Update

Replaced the bushing and got it together... runs like new!!! thanks for the advice...

 

[brendonv]

sweet.