Clutch question

[WAnewbies]

Hi All -- Second question -- my 10 yr old son and I are working on a "new-used" Go Kart that we bought from another young guy. We're having clutch issues. Here's what my son tells me happens: (it's a centrifugal clutch) When we use the clutch and start up the engine, the clutch will grind constantly. It makes a grinding sound. And the engine will sputter. When I look at the clutch, I don't see anything, but my son tells me that you can't tell anything by looking at it. Is there any thing to do except buy a new clutch? We haven't run it very long because we don't want the engine to get stressed. If we do have to get a new clutch, do we have to get a brand new one, basically? Or are there good used ones out there? Thanks a million. I"m new to this... he knows more than I do about it all.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

The bushing where the clutch rides on the crankshaft needs to be oiled frequently. Put 2-3 drops of standard motor oil on that bushing, and you should be good to go. Do NOT get oil INSIDE the drum, that will kill your clutch shoes.
Oil that clutch up ASAP before you even try to turn over the engine again, you may still be able to save it.
I've had my clutch start grabbing at the bushing, and it makes it essentially unrideable.
Good luck, feel free to ask more questions!

 

[WAnewbies]

OK, that was embarrassing. But I'm really glad we asked. Thank you very much!!

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

No problem, it's a LOT easier to ask a question instead of blow $20 on a new clutch!

 

[landuse]

If it does still make unbearable noises after oiling it, take it off and take the bell off the internals and snap a few pics for us to see. There might be something we can see that would help.

If all else fails, CC are not too expensive, and you can just buy a new one. Just make sure that you buy one with the same tooth count and chain size.

 

[Flyinhillbilly]

I have one that the bushing in the drum tends to slip on and it lets the drum hit the plate that hold the shoes in. I take it off, tap the bell back to where it should be on the bushing and send it again. If oiling it doesn’t fix it, that might be worth looking at.

 

[Kentucky Boy]

If it does still make unbearable noises after oiling it, take it off and take the bell off the internals and snap a few pics for us to see. There might be something we can see that would help.

If all else fails, CC are not too expensive, and you can just buy a new one. Just make sure that you buy one with the same tooth count and chain size.

I second this suggestion. Disassemble and inspect.