Engine overheating?

[JustinBlu]

I recently bought my daughter a TaoTao gk110 go kart. It starts right up and runs great for about 20 to 30 minutes then it dies and won’t turn on unless I let it sit for about 10 minutes. Today I let it sit at idle to see if it would do the same and it did. I also noticed smoke coming from the engine when it shut off and it seemed pretty hot so I’m guessing it’s over heating. Anyone have any tips or recommendations for this? I wouldn’t think it would overheat at idle for 30 minutes..

 

[Tpdingo]

Umm...if I'm not mistaking its probably a chinese GY6 type motor. You can't let them idle. They have no cooling fan. Do you run them at low speeds? You really need to get them going so they can be passively cooled in the breeze. How about try the test again, but stick a blower of some sort next to it, like a nice box fan or a bouncer blower...or just take it for a joy ride!

EDIT: Gy6 does have a cooling fan.....make sure that it isn't clogged and the passages around the motor are clean and dust free. Might want to check the coil for weak spark as well.

 

[JustinBlu]

Umm...if I'm not mistaking its probably a chinese GY6 type motor. You can't let them idle. They have no cooling fan. Do you run them at low speeds? You really need to get them going so they can be passively cooled in the breeze. How about try the test again, but stick a blower of some sort next to it, like a nice box fan or a bouncer blower...or just take it for a joy ride!

EDIT: Gy6 does have a cooling fan.....make sure that it isn't clogged and the passages around the motor are clean and dust free. Might want to check the coil for weak spark as well.

Yea this one doesn’t have a fan but even while my daughter is riding it, it dies after about 30 minutes or so. I’ll try putting a fan next to it and see if it makes a difference but I’m just wondering why it would heat up so bad to shut off even in 75° wheather while being ridden in such a short amount of time

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

I've never seen a GY6 without a fan, there is one mounted to the flywheel much like an industrial engine, with plastic shrouds to direct airflow. I would remove the shrouds and check for mouse nests, grass, etc.

 

[KartFab]

Check gas tank vent for obstructions. If tank vent is a tiny hole, make it a little bigger.