Clutch Question from NC

[akamnick]

I bought a used go kart with a 5.5 B&S. I do not think the engine was original. Two seater has roll cage and knobby tires, back are 15.5" tall. I had the motor serviced and had the the centrifuge clutch replaced. Runs pretty good on flat concrete, won't go fast on grass and slows to a stop on hills. Any advice? Engine too small? Need different clutch?

 

[akamnick]

Also, I have searched threads and am having no luck finding a similar problem. Any suggestions on some search word combo that could help with the answer?

 

[theo]

The 5.5 is to small for a off road 2 seat, and the you need to change over to a cvt the centrifuge clutch will not work with the weight and the tire size.

theo

 

[oscaryu1]

Also, I have searched threads and am having no luck finding a similar problem. Any suggestions on some search word combo that could help with the answer?

It's 4 words. "

Too. High. Of. Gearing.

Or...

You. Has. Bad. Clutch.

Anyways... lower the gearing. Count how many teeth on the clutch and how many on the lower sprocket and post it up.

Theo, 5.5HP is fine, as long as it's geared low, it'll be plenty. Now if it's a sick 5.5 barely revving up into the 2000-2200 range for engaging the clutch, that should explain it.

 

[theo]

5.5 would be marginal with a cvt, a total dog with a centrifuge clutch with those 16" tires. I would say save up and install at least a 8hp, this will give you wwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaayyyy for fun. If it was mine I would install a 13hp.

theo

 

[theo]

Right on, I like the way you think.


theo

 

[akamnick]

Thanks a million for the responses. The clutch gear has 10 teeth and the axle gear as 60 teeth. I placed the rear end on jack stands and floored it and it revved up easily. The clutch is brand new. FYI it is a 5HP 12.5ci Briggs. If I got a larger engine, (8hp) should I get a smaller gear? Or should I get a smaller gear and if that does not work get the bigger engine to go with the smaller gear. Here are a couple pics to put this in perspective.

 

[theo]

I wouldn't change the ratio, but you definitely need a bigger engine and a different clutch.
You will need a 8 hp or larger with a 40 series clutch. It would be cheaper for you to find a motorcycle engine, 200-300 cc. Being that you have no suspension you can't go fast off road so you want torque.

theo

 

[EagleTalons]

That looks almost the same as my briggs!

 

[akamnick]

Anyone have a suggestion on motors?? Northern tool has Honda and briggs. What do I look for in a motor? On the clutch, I see alot of comets in various threads. With the pictures I have provided, how easy is it to convert to a torque converter? Will the instructions included with the clutch be good enough. Also, I have read alot about shaft size. I want to make sure I buy the right combo. Any takers feel like helping a novice?

 

[mike75925]

check out the engines on partsforscooters.com. they (the engines) have the cvt's and some with reverse. other sites are cheaper, sometimes. the 150cc's and higher are used in two seat buggies and do 30-40.

 

[akamnick]

I am still wrestling with this. I read about the HF Greyhound engine. Looking at the 11hp. How difficult is converting to a comet 40 series clutch? From what I have gathered, the Driver goes on the engine shaft which is easy. What does the Driven attach to? Is there a gear on the Driven that attaches to the axle gear via chain? Would anyone have pics or a diagram??

 

[mike75925]

you're welcome