Engine sprocket loose... normal?

[LyndhurstJohn]

I removed the chain from my go cart and was surprise in the play in the engine sprocket... is that normal?

 

[Bbqjoe]

I removed the chain from my go cart and was surprise in the play in the engine sprocket... is that normal?

What in Tarnation is an engine sprocket?

 

[bob58o]

Going to go out on a limb and say no.
My axle sprocket hub is partially cracked and still holds pretty tight.

 

[chancer]

That play will go away when the clutch engages

 

[LyndhurstJohn]

My engine sprocket is splined and has a keeper that fits into a groove on the engine shaft. That keeper, though is thinner than the groove on the shaft so sprocket can move along the shaft. Do I just have a sprocket/shaft mismatch?

 

[Scout]

Are you talking about the key and keyway? If so, no, it should all be tight together.

 

[anickode]

Splined sprocket... Does this kart have a dirtbike style engine by chance?

A pic might be helpful.

 

[mckutzy]

If its on a cent clutch, there is a little play involved as the drum spins on a bushing.....

 

[LyndhurstJohn]

 

[mckutzy]

Lets see the whole kart, motor ect..

 

[Bbqjoe]

Lets see the whole kart, motor ect..

I want a closeup of that bolt on the left.

 

[Scout]

Looks like a motorcycle engine/sprocket. How much play is there? A small amount (very very small) would be normal, the "washer" that's bolted on is what keeps it on.

 

[LyndhurstJohn]

If you can ID make and model of this kart that would be great too... very similar to the Dongfang GK110

 

[LyndhurstJohn]

The sprocket moves 2.5mm back and forth on the drive shaft

 

[Scout]

Probably not normal, but take the sprocket off and inspect the lock ring ("washer") and groove.

 

[LyndhurstJohn]

Took sprocket off, washer looked ok... ordered a new anyway... $8 incl shipping!

 

[Hellion]

I removed the chain from my go cart and was surprise in the play in the engine sprocket... is that normal?

That's not a go cart, nor a go kart.

That is a mass-produced Chinese buggy of many names. We typically deal with the go karts from days of yore. The 'old school' stuff and karts built from scratch in the same style.

I'd toss it out with a CL ad and go back to fishin' and ladderin'.