Couple questions

[madmike3820]

So I picked up the go cart we always beat on when I was a kid. It has sat for the last 5 years without a motor. I picked up a new 6.5hp briggs to slap on and a centrifugal clutch. It hauls but doesn't like going up hill or starting from a stop.

After reading around, I found I will probably need a torque converter. I just don't know anything about them or which one would be best for my setup.

I found this one on bmi karts, which located only one state over from me and looks about right
http://www.bmikarts.com/shop/?itemid=3316&showFullImage=

Thanks in advance for helping a noob out

 

[KieranM]

What is your gear ratio? also is your clutch slipping going up a hill?

 

[jeremybentham]

http://www.apskarting.com/

They're a state over too, and a pleasure to deal with.

 

[vgk]

Yea the torque converter will help alot. It will have way better acseleration and if you get the 30 seires, you will have a higher top speed.

 

[madmike3820]

I have no clue what the gear ratio is, and yes it slips like a mad man going up a hill. Those 18" rear tires probably don't help either

I'm looked up apskarting, the 30 and tav2 units are out of stock

Any of you guys done business with bmi.. or even some other reputable company's?

Thanks for the quick replies

 

[vgk]

Bmi is a good and reliable company to order from. Count the number of teeth on the clutch and the number of teeth on the sprocket. Number of teeth on sprocket divided by number of teeth on clutch. Then take that number and put it over 1. That is your gear ratio. For example: 10 teeth on clutch and 60 teeth on sprocket. 60/10=6 so it is a 6:1 gear ratio. Also the 18 inch tires are not helping you are right.

 

[madmike3820]

You were right on the money with that one. 10T clutch and 60T sprocket. So 6:1

 

[vgk]

Haha! I have the same ratio so that was my guess.
If you have the money buy the torque converter.
Here's How The Asymmetric 30 Series Functions
Neutral Low Range

The asymmetric belt has no engagement during the idling of the engine. The system is Neutral--with no belt friction and no drag. As the engine throttle is opened the Driver pulley flanges begin closing together via centrifugal force. The Drive Belt engages, driving the Driven unit pulley at it's largest diameter. This is the most powerful ratio of the system.
Intermediate Range High Range-Overdrive

As the engine R.P.M. increases, the Driver pulley flanges continue to close together. This action, in turn, is squeezing the belt out to a larger Driver unit diameter. This action is dependent on acceleration and lack of torque load on the Driven element, allowing its pulley flanges to open thus creating a smaller driven unit diameter. If the torque load is increased this ratio is reversed instantly and smoothly to its requirement. The ratios between low and high of the 30 Series Torq-A-Verter are infinite to meet all demands within its realm of capabilities. At it's highest speed (overdrive) and lowest load demand, the Driven unit pulley flanges are wide open providing the smallest possible belt contact diameter. The Drive unit pulley flanges, at this point, are closed to provide the largest possible belt contact diameter. The unique asymmetric arrangement of the belt and pulley angles allow the belt to exceed diameters possible with the standard "V" pulleys, thus overdrive.
http://www.gokartsupply.com/asymapp.htm
At the bottom is the explanation I put with pictures. Have fun!

 

[madmike3820]

So would this torque converter work for my setup. I'm not really sure what the difference is between all the models of them. I just know I'm using a #40 chain and its a 3/4" bore. Never hurts to be sure

http://www.bmikarts.com/shop/?itemid=3316&showFullImage=

 

[vgk]

Yep that is perfect. Read my post I edited it.

 

[madmike3820]

Cool man thanks. I'll probably order that one here in a little bit from bmi. This thing is getting kind of expensive. But I'm already having fun on it, so I'm too worried about it

 

[vgk]

Haha well have fun and if you need anything be sure to ask.

 

[madmike3820]

Having some issues with this torque converter. I don't understand how to get the chain to the sprocket. There is no slot or nothing the back plate, if you understand what I mean. Other than that, I have to shim the motor up so the brackets for the cover don't hit the bottom sprocket

I'm guessing I either need a different back plate.. or somehow modify this one for chain clearance

 

[newrider3]

Turn it around the other way?

 

[kfosburg]

I would give BMI a call. Looks like there is a different backplate available for your application:

Torque Converter Backplate
SKU/Part No: 400831

Karl

 

[newrider3]

Or just rotate it?!

 

[vgk]

Yea I had the same problem. I just hacked it up to fit the chain in.

 

[r_chez_08]

Or just rotate it?!

or if you havent got room the oter side, then grind the obstructing steel away

 

[solomon]

If you cant rotate, just cut it like vgk said.

 

[madmike3820]

Yeah I hacked it up to fit the chain and it worked fine. Runs like a champ. I lost a little top end though. With the clutch I could do a little over 35. Now I only get around 28-30. Which still isn't bad