Go kart sprocket too close to ground

[bladeZjack]

Hello Everyone,
I recently acquired a go kart. The sprocket is sitting very close to the ground. I have tried raising the mounts but it made the frame move closer to the ground actually. My neighbor is familiar with go karts and he is suggesting to change the sprocket to a smaller diameter. I agree with him. I’ve checked sprocket at go motorsports, Are sprockets pretty much universal for this mount? It looks like there’s 6 bolts holding the sprocket. I’m also considering a split sprocket. The sprocket that is on right now looks like the only way to remove it is to remove the wheels and everything else that’s in the way, am I right? I don’t want to mess with anything I don’t have to remove hehe.
Also it looks like there’s a bolt that’s holding the engine mount that broke. Any suggestions on how to remove the broken bolt?
Thank you so much!
Jons

 

[Hellion]

Larger diameter tires, smaller sprocket, the options are nearly limitless.

Also it looks like there’s a bolt that’s holding the engine mount that broke. Any suggestions on how to remove the broken bolt?

There's tools called screw extractors but you can also drill out the screw with a drill bit that is smaller in diameter than the screw. Check Youtube. For steel screws in aluminum it is bad juju because the two different metals seize due to galvanic corrosion. Anti-seize lubricant helps prevent that sort of malady but that's a level of clairvoyant forethought on the assembler or maintainer...

 

[bladeZjack]

Thank you. This sprocket should fit right? The bolt holes looks like it matches the one that’s currently on. Also the sprocket width on the motor is thicker than the width of the wheel sprocket. The chain fits the motor sprocket well. Just the wheel sprocket width is thinner.

 

[Hellion]

I don't know if it will fit. You must ensure that the holes in the sprocket (in your link) line up with the sprocket holder on your kart. Is there a bolt hole spacing measurement on the product? You can always call or email them.

Are you using factory parts on the kart currently, i.e. "racing spec" or is it a mish mash of "fun kart" and racing "kart stuff"? It would be easier if you were trying to match factory parts to factory parts with part numbers and all that. Just saying.

Who is the manufacturer of your kart?

 

[bladeZjack]

Kart made by FK Monster Evo

 

[anderkart]

I'll help, but 1st you need to accurately measure the size of your sprockets bolt-patern.

You measure across across from bolt to bolt center like this pic illustrates, does yours measure exactly 5-1/4 inches?

 

[anderkart]

Then you also need to accurately measure, and tell us what Chain-Pitch size of sprocket you need.

Here's a chart showing how to do that:

Is your chain the #35 size?

 

[anderkart]

Then you also need to count and tell us how many teeth your Clutch Sprocket has, so we'll be able to help you select a smaller Axle Sprocket that will result in a suitable gear ratio.

Also, are your rear tires approximately 11 inches tall when aired up to around 10psi?

 

[bladeZjack]

Thank you. I’ll work on all this needed information.
I don’t mind taking things apart so I’ll know how things work.
Also, as mentioned by Hellion, changing the tires is another option.
The tires I need will need to be 2 inches or more wider than what’s currently on. I would prefer to buy the tires and rims already assembled but if that’s harder to find and costlier then I would buy them separately. I would need suggestions on the tire specs and sizes and also the rim specs and sizes. I’m very new to go karting and still learning to read the markings on the tires hehe.

 

[anderkart]

Regarding taller back tires, i was wondering if your planning on competing at a Racekart track, or just riding this kart around somewhere for fun?

If your just going to ride this kart around for fun, where are you planning on riding it? Like on paved roads or paved parking lots, or off road?

If your planning on competing at a Racekart track, your track's strictly enforced rules might require your current size of rear tires... So you might want to check your tracks rules before buying any taller tires...

 

[bladeZjack]

Thanks for the reply. Riding it for fun! Drifting!
No racetrack. Paved roads and paved parking lot. No off road.

 

[anderkart]

Size Info on your old rear tires tells us they're only 10" tall and 4-1/2" wide.

Here's a link to the tallest Kart Tires I could find to fit your rear rims. They're only 4" wide but they're 12" tall, so they'd result in getting your axle sprocket 1" further off the ground...

Maxxis 12 X 4.00-5 Heavy Duty Slick

www.bmikarts.com

Then If you were still concerned about damaging your Axle Sprocket & Chain, you could consider a pair of Split Sprocket Guards that install on each side of the Sprocket. You'd need to measure the diameter of your axle sprocket to determine what diameter of Sprocket guards you need, because they need to be a larger diameter than your sprocket to be effective... They simply bolt onto the same holes as your sprocket using 6 longer bolts. With "Split" Sprocket Guards you wouldn't have to disassemble your axle to install them: https://www.mfgsupply.com/gomini/gominisprockets/gominisprocketsguards.html

They look like this when installed:

 

[anderkart]

Thank you. I’ll work on all this needed information.
I don’t mind taking things apart so I’ll know how things work.
Also, as mentioned by Hellion, changing the tires is another option.
The tires I need will need to be 2 inches or more wider than what’s currently on. I would prefer to buy the tires and rims already assembled but if that’s harder to find and costlier then I would buy them separately. I would need suggestions on the tire specs and sizes and also the rim specs and sizes. I’m very new to go karting and still learning to read the markings on the tires hehe.

Before you buy any new rims, you'll need to confirm what bolt patern (and center hole) sizes you need.

Here's how to measure:

 

[bladeZjack]

Hello all,
I’ve decided to go with a bigger diameter tire. I noticed one of the bolts on the underside holding the engine mount broke off, head is missing. It must have hit something. The carriage might be a little too close to the ground. Can you guys recommend the right inner for the rim that I have. Or does it actually need an inner tube? It might be tubeless.

 

[anderkart]

Hello all,
I’ve decided to go with a bigger diameter tire. I noticed one of the bolts on the underside holding the engine mount broke off, head is missing. It must have hit something. The carriage might be a little too close to the ground. Can you guys recommend the right inner for the rim that I have. Or does it actually need an inner tube? It might be tubeless.

I'd expect those tires to be tubeless, buy you could ask the seller just to be sure.

You'll find lots of instructional videos on youtube, if you use the "Broken Bolt" search term

 

[bladeZjack]

Thank you. Just wanted to double check before I make a call regarding it being tubeless. The current tire is 4 1/2” wide. This tire I’m purchasing is 4” wide. Will this fit the current rim with no issues?

 

[Hellion]

Will this fit the current rim with no issues?

No. Not the rims that are currently on the kart, the racing rims -- at least they shouldn't fit. I don't know, I don't know how wide any of your rims are.

Thanks for the reply. Riding it for fun! Drifting!

These tall skinny tires are ideal for drifting as they are easier to 'break loose' due to the smaller contact patch.

 

[bladeZjack]

Hi, thanks for the reply. So I’ll need rims that are 4” wide? Is there a product name for the rim with a three bolt pattern? That would make my search more precise.

 

[anderkart]

Thank you. Just wanted to double check before I make a call regarding it being tubeless. The current tire is 4 1/2” wide. This tire I’m purchasing is 4” wide. Will this fit the current rim with no issues?

Yep, those tires will fit and work fine on your current rear rims.

 

[Hellion]

The current tire is 4 1/2” wide

Your tires looked a lot wider than 4.5" to be honest. I'm used to seeing the common race kart configuration of narrow(er) tires on the front and wider tires at the rear. I think someone casually acquainted with karting would say your kart has "front tires" on all four corners.

I agree that a 4" wide tire will fit on a 4.5" wide rim and vice versa. You just don't want to mount a narrow tire on a rim that is much much wider than the tire (although some do, in the tuner/ricer car category)....

I would go ahead and buy 4 of those tires (maybe more, for spares) and put them on all four corners for the chef's kiss.

Keep us updated with photos.