Go kart steering settings

[Micscience]

Whats up guys my go kart is almost done it just needs a few things done mechanically and then some paint.

The thread I started is closed for some reason probably because it was old. This go kart frame started out as a metal motorcycle shipping frame that I bought at the scrap yard. If you would like to see what it started from here is the thread: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=36137

Now to my main issue which is steering. Can someone give me a good all around setting. I did read the caster and camber thread under the FAQ section but I am a newb at steering geometry. I was going to go with 10 degrees camber which I believe is negative like in this pic from that article. https://drive.google.com/open?id=10ApKPPGFv_t8JbCgXbjQzXLBdzK_LElB

and 10 degrees negative caster does that sound ok?

The steering sucks atm and I just want a little improvement. I am going to make both front and back tires square as well since front axle is wider since I know someone will point that out when they see the pics. Thanks in advance

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-h32DoOnEOm3FsUrrDzVvWy-l79mDPVp

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1bXKecFQq8bdAG-LwrHGGu5c1sCre77U_
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jzXW4CQblb9cpVgpw-F1V4hnplQSkNzq

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gqts0JIMy_rREHO7pWarsLDU2VaHh8Dk

 

[J.S.@SMS]

Tires get maximum traction around corners with 1/2 degree of negative camber and spindles that are perpendicular to the steering knuckle. And you want 10 degrees positive caster, not negative caster. Refer to this guide for some more info.
https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tread-and-trend/drivers-ed/tire-alignment

 

[Micscience]

Thanks I have my mind setup on what I am going to do plus that link was very helpful. I'm going to bookmark it for reference when I need it.

I got the engine back on the go kart today as I was trying to get it started I lost compression and oil is leaking from the crankshaft bearing. I just installed the oil seal and oil is still coming out after a few cranks. This is so frustrating I was only able to drive down the street 60 feet I haven't really gotten a chance to ride my **** go kart.

 

[J.S.@SMS]

Sorry to hear about the engine. I can't quite tell exactly, but that looks like a Honda GX200. So there are two ways that you can fix the engine problem. One, you can rebuild the engine. I rebuilt a GX200 clone using ARC racing parts for $45 ($27 without the replacement carburetor). That included new rings, new gaskets, new valve seals, and new crank seals, and I'd recommend honing the cylinder so the rings properly seat. Or, if you live in the US, you can go to harbor freight and buy a new Predator 212 6.5 horse engine for $120 ($100 if you have a coupon). I put a 69730 non-hemi on my minibike while I was rebuilding the clone, and the predator makes much more torque than the 196.

 

[Micscience]

J.S. Thanks for the response. I have had the engine running good but some how yesterday it wouldn't fire up after I put the crankcase back on. It had compression at first but then the compression went and oil was coming out the crankshaft case seal. I believe I didn't fully seat the new seal.

I was able to crank the engine at least 10 times with compression I didn't get any detonation and that is with starting fluid. I have to take it back apart first before I make any decisions on a new engine.

I have my eye on the duromax 18HP. I would by the predator but I would have to either machine or purchase a 3/4" to 1" sleeve since my CVT/Torque converter is 1 inch size.

edit: I don't think that is a honda but a clone because it came from a chinese made generator. I had to machine the 3/4 tapered shaft straight so I welded the shaft and turned it down to 1 inch on the lathe.

 

[Micscience]

So I bought another crankshaft oil seal. Yesterday I ran the engine on a wooden engine jig for 5 minutes no oil leaking and I revved it pretty high as well.

Today I install the engine on the go kart and let it run and it starts leaking oil through the crankshaft seal roughly after 2 minutes of idling(no driving).


I have 2 theories on what may be going wrong.

1.) I may have distorted the crankshaft a bit when I welded the filler metal on it thought there is no noticeable runout.

2.) The cranshaft case I am using was bought off a predator 212 engine and the bearings seals or crankshafts are a tad bit bigger than a 196cc engine.

I bought a predator anyways but I want to salvage this engine for future use.

btw I have a 10tooth to a 48tooth sprocket roughly 1:5 and my tires are pretty big at least 18 inches does anyone think that is to much torque for the CVT?

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Is the engine mounting plate on the kart perfectly flat?

 

[Jakebleazard75@gmail.com]

When it comes to the gearing, the CVT/torque converter adds another 2.7 to one gear ratio. Hopefully that helps.

 

[Micscience]

Is the engine mounting plate on the kart perfectly flat?

Yes it is nice and flat however I did not square the mounting plate to the axle like make it paralell to the axle I just measured and cut then welded.

---------- Post added at 11:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:14 PM ----------

I forgot to add that I finally was able to take the kart for a ride. I gave in and bought a predator 212. I really thought it was going to be faster. I haven't removed the governor yet. It felt like 25 MPH tops if that. I really need to add some bang to this engine. The videos I see on youtube they look like they are doing at least 40 MPH. At least for the holidays the the go kart is running so the kids can have fun. Thanks for the help.

 

[Micscience]

Guys I need help please. I'm about to redo my steering never got a chance til now.

I get what caster does it helps stabilize steering straight and other effects. Camber also helps with that from looking above camber is the tilt of the tire or possibly king pin. What I really want is a simple setting or pre set I was going to tilt the king pin inward towards the go kart so this (0) is the tire and this sign (/) is the king pin viewing from the front of go kart: so ... 0-/ 10 degrees

and then viewing the tire from the side like facing the outside of the rim I was going to tilt the king pin towards the back wheels sort of speak like this Ø maybe 10 degrees.

Can someone elaborate I am not trying to fine tune my go kart I just want it better than it is since I am going to shorten the front wheel base so the kart can fit into my trailer.