Comet 20 issues

[Dep89]

Picked up this Kart and been working on getting it going again. Not sure the make and model. Definately a Comet 20 unit though.
Pulled apart drive and driven units for cleaning after jerky operation. Everything looked ok after cleaning. Put it together with a new belt- same number that was on there Comet 203582. Now the belt gets super hot and also the driven- the belt gets stuck like the spring tension isn’t enough, ie the driven unit stays in high range. Could this be the wrong belt? Old one- same number was about 5/8 wide. This one is 3/4”.

 

[landuse]

Welcome! Nice kart

I would suggest by starting here looking at these links. They will help you ID your TC, as well as give you belt charts depending on the center to center distance between your driven and driver.

http://www.gokartsupply.com/identify.htm
http://www.gokartsupply.com/tcbelts.htm

You might find the old belt was narrower because it had just worn down a lot more

 

[BigWes]

and don't go by that number on the driven either. a 20 series comet is easy to ID because it is symmetrical. A jerky ride normally means a bad or wrong belt first, installed wrong if it's an asymmetrical belt, clutch driver dirty-sticking, or the driven is dirty-sticking or the spring is weak-worn out. So you really need to inspect your unit! Take it down do a thorough cleaning! Check the springs for wear! Make sure it is serviceable and put it back together and make sure the belt is correct for your unit!

 

[Karttekk]

I would toss the old torque converter in the dumpster and replace the drive clutch, the belt and the driven with a 30 Series unit or at least a new 20 Series. Those drive systems get hammered from heat, dirt and lack of maintenance. You can replace the whole setup for under $100.00. Do you want to spend time trying to get old, worn out components working or spend time riding your kart?

 

[Dep89]

It’s definately a 20. When I took it apart, it was dirty but that’s about all. Springs were ok, I polished and made sure the hub slid in and out ok, rubber bumpers ok. Only thing was a bit of wear on the weights. That driven clutch, Is it loaded correctly in that position? Looks like I have a bit of misalignment which didn’t seem to be the case when it was together

 

[Karttekk]

I use a straight edge behind both pulleys. Get a paint stick or ruler, put it flush against the back of the driven then move the drive pulley either way if need be so its rear pulley is flush with the driven.

 

[Brianator]

Did you "dry lube" it before you reassembled? If not graphite spray is a good go to that's readily available.

And yup proper alignment is vital!