Clutch smoking

[s_sharpe48]

I have a 212 predator go kart and just replaced the clutch, after installing and running for a few minutes it began to smoke, other then that it runs fine. Figured it might have been the oil i put on it burning off or the wd40 i used to remove the old rusted clutch but it's still smoking.

I did search through the forum a little bit and found similar problems but they were usually associated with other issue such as the clutch not engaging or something like that. Mine seems to run normal outside of the smoke. The old clutch never smoked.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[mckutzy]

What is this on(pics)??
Gear ratio?
Tire size OD?

If this a reused clutch and wd40 was used to remove it, you will need to completely disassemble and degrease the whole clutch. There could be oil on the shoes, drum ect and wd40 isn't recommended for lubricating the bushing, regular oil will suffice plenty.

 

[s_sharpe48]

Hey, thanks for the fast respond. I'll have to get some pics and look up the gear ratio in a little bit. I haven't done that because I assumed since it ran fine before that wouldn't be the problem. But i'll look into that.

Next, it's a brand new clutch i installed yesterday. I used wd40 to remove the old clutch as it wouldn't budge from all the rust. I did use 30w oil to lube the new clutch. Do you think I should start with taking the new clutch apart and begin degreasing it?

 

[mckutzy]

No...just a few drops on the bushing... No spray types either..

 

[s_sharpe48]

Not sure about the gear ratio, tire size says 13 x 6.50 - 6.

Just out of curiosity could this be from riding in the grassy area vs the pavement?

 

[mckutzy]

It depends...

Sidewall doesn't tell the OD... That's what really factors into gearing..
Take a tape measure on a flat surface measure the outside diameter...

 

[anickode]

No...just a few drops on the bushing... No spray types either..

Yeah oil in the drum or on the shoes would cause a clutch to smoke and slip. Degrease it with carb cleaner or brake parts cleaner or another solvent that won't leave residue behind. Some products like Blaster Citrus degreaser can leave a thin oily residue behind.

And like mckutzy said, just a couple drops between the shaft and the bronze bushing.

I have had new (cheap) clutches smoke from the crappy factory paint cooking off in the first hour or so of ride time as well.

 

[mckutzy]

My first clutch did that too.... But I was also half throttling it... I re adjusted the throttle cable... Much better and no smoke..

 

[Hellion]

Eh, the OP could be just ignorant on clutches...

This is required reading: http://www.bmikarts.com/10-Things-to-Know-about-a-Centrifugal-Clutch_ep_63-1.html

 

[landuse]

Is the tooth count on the new clutch the same as the old one? We haven't established this yet