Go kart clutch spins in idle.

[Devinkart]

Bought the DYI go kart from princess auto , put and new 192cc engine on it. Bought the 12 tooth clutch from princess auto. The Key that comes with it is around 1/2 long so the clutch has room. With the chain on it doesn’t seem to move. The clutch heated up quick , started smoking and sparking. I have the idol down as lone as it goes. Not sure what the issue is but kid is getting bummed out. Any tips would be appreciated Thanks.

 

[Master Hack]

I went down this road once. Bottom line is: centrifugal clutches don't work very well on backyard karts. Get a Torque converter and change your gearing. You need to be around 6:1. 10 tooth/60 tooth.
And take the funnel out before running it!

 

[Devinkart]

 

[Devinkart]

Thanks , Would a set up like this help at all ?

 

[Master Hack]

Doubtful. The centrifugal clutch is best suited to flat out track racing use. Stop and go, low speed stuff will just make it slip, smoke and get hot.
A torque converter will be much happier and a lot less work to install. This is just an example. might not br the exact one you need.

Amazon.com

There is about 5000 years of combined experience here. (and thats just Denny) if its been a problem, someone here has had it and found the best solution. Save yourself time, money and frustration.

 

[Devinkart]

Doubtful. The centrifugal clutch is best suited to flat out track racing use. Stop and go, low speed stuff will just make it slip, smoke and get hot.
A torque converter will be much happier and a lot less work to install. This is just an example. might not br the exact one you need.

Amazon.com

There is about 5000 years of combined experience here. (and thats just Denny) if its been a problem, someone here has had it and found the best solution. Save yourself time, money and frustration.

Thanks , first time building anything I appreciated all info to get me in the direction. Once I get I’ll let know.

 

[Master Hack]

I made this exact mistake on my first kid kart.
I ditched the CC and lived happily ever after.

 

[Denny]

Just make sure to use a Genuine Comet belt with it also! Yes, they’re expensive but will outlast 10 cheap belts. You’re tires are too big and your kart is to heavy for a centrifugal clutch.

 

[Master Hack]

Denny gets commission on comet belts and he sells a lot of 'em. He is exactly right though. Ya get a belt with the TC, so ya think what the hell l'll run it. Why throw it away?
And those guys on that DIY thing are full of it, or they get a commision.
The yack hair and expired soy sauce belt that came with my (first one) lasted about 45 minutes.

 

[panchothedog]

The link to the 30 series torque converter that Master Hack posted is exactly what you need. You will be VERY satisfied with the performance of your kart running that. Good dead stop acceleration, climb hills with ease, and then shifts into high gear for good top speed. I run them on 3 karts and 1 mini bike. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed with it.

 

[Devinkart]

Thanks guys , Great group here

 

[landuse]

Just out of interest....what is the tyre height as well as the axle sprocket tooth count? Not one person has asked you that yet, and it matters.

Yes, a TC will work better than a CC, but if you are geared low enough, a CC will work just fine for you if you dont have the money for a TC.

 

[Thepartsguy]

I don’t want to bring any bad news but If you flipped that clutch over and tried to reinstall the chain i would think the chain would hit that bar. Before you just buy a torque converter make sure you don’t need the riser plate that moves the engine over. It’s way more common then people think. People get advice to buy a torque converter for there open axle clutch outboard kart.. They go to install that torque converter (hopefully not a $100+ torque converter) then come back to the group asking if they can space the sprocket out a small mile with washers.

 

[BaconBitRacing]

I don’t want to bring any bad news but If you flipped that clutch over and tried to reinstall the chain i would think the chain would hit that bar. Before you just buy a torque converter make sure you don’t need the riser plate that moves the engine over. It’s way more common then people think. People get advice to buy a torque converter for there open axle clutch outboard kart.. They go to install that torque converter (hopefully not a $100+ torque converter) then come back to the group asking if they can space the sprocket out a small mile with washers.

Yep, had the same situation on my kart. You worked me through when I was completely clueless. Now I'm just partially clueless