clutch

[krazykyle]

how can i tell if my clutch is slipping on this thing.it seems like it starts moving really slow sometimes and then when it comes to a stop i have to push it to make it start moving again.

 

[jeremybentham]

What kind of clutch? How many teeth on both gears? Have you lubed the clutch bushing lately?

 

[krazykyle]

comer...11 on outside...and i didn't know you have to lube them.this is all new to me.i picked this kart up last year for 50 bucks and know really nothing about it.

 

[devino246]

nice find for $50. The bushing on the clutch should oiled every few hours of use(5 if IRC). It sounds like you gear ratio is too high.

 

[anderkart]

how can i tell if my clutch is slipping on this thing.it seems like it starts moving really slow sometimes and then when it comes to a stop i have to push it to make it start moving again.

Have you always had this problem?
Or did it just slowly get worse over time?

Also how much do you weigh? (these engines/clutches aren't made for heavy drivers)


Your Comer clutch is different than the conventional clutches most of use here are used to. Instead of just simply lubing the bushing with a few drops of oil, your comer clutch will need to be disassembled to check for worn shoes, broken springs or even to just be cleaned and carefully lubed with grease.

These 3 links have pics/info about servicing your clutch:
http://kidkarters.com/How-to/clutch_install.htm
http://kidkarters.com/How-to/clutch.htm
http://kidkarters.com/How-to/springs.htm

But before you tear into your clutch, there might be another cause to your problem here:
First I'd make sure your axle isnt just all bound up. You need to clean and oil your axle bearings every once in a while or they'll get where they hardly roll. Your engine isnt very powerful so I could totally see this causing your problem.

My kart has axle bearings just like yours, only bigger. I start out with a can of aerosol brake cleaner with the little straw on. (any brand is fine, be careful not to accidentally spray any in your eyes!)

I usually dont remove my bearing seals, I just spray it into each side of each bearing near the axle, and while spinning the axle to help work it in better.

Then I let it sit for a minute to soak, and then spray WD40 with the straw in the same manor. This helps wash all the dirt and brake cleaner out.

Then I use compressed air/blow gun to blow all the dirt and WD40 out while spinning the axle.

You can buy fancy oil or just use motor oil but try to use some bottle with a small tip so you can lube both sides of the bearings while spinning the axle. You'll be able to tell when the oil works its way into the bearings. When you get those bearings clean and well oiled, you'll be able to give your axle a good spin, and it'll continue spinning for 2 to 10 more revolutions.

Make sure your chain is clean, lubed and properly adjusted with around a 1/2 inch of slack too.

Then after your sure the whole kart rolls freely, you can be more sure your clutch actually has a problem.

If your engine was running poorly, that could also cause your same symtoms.


This link has some general Comer info that might come in handy for ya too:
http://www.thekartshoppe.co.za/downloads/comer/Comer Instruction Manual.pdf

 

[krazykyle]

thanks for all the info.this thing really needs a good once over.i bought it last year and never really took a good look at it.i will be asking more questions down the road.but thank you very much.