Go kart won’t move, need help

[Kart_Go_19]

I got a go kart last week. Wanted to have something to mess with and have some fun on when it was all fixed up,never would have guessed it would be this much trouble. So far iv been able to fix most of what’s been going on. So what’s the problem then? Well I got a new clutch for it, put it on the kart and remounted the chain. I had it sitting up on a jack and after finishing putting it all back together I decided to start it up and see how it ran, it did grate wheel got up some good speed (it was I. The air with no load). When I set it back down and got in to it and gave it some gas the engine revved up and it would not go anywhere, it looked like the clutch was spinning around on the inside and the bell was not moving, but it was making this high pitch sequel. After this I put it on my drive way to see if that was the problem(my driveway is pretty flat and vary long) it started to move but vary slow after going probably 200ft I may have gotten up to 5mph. Any ideas on how I can fix this!

Edit: if it will help find a answer I’ll post a video on YouTube and link it. So you can see what’s going on much better then I can explain it.

 

[anickode]

Your gear ratio is too high, most likely.

What are the sprocket tooth counts on the clutch, the axle, and any jackshafts in-between? And tire diameter?

As always, pictures help.

It is also possible (but unlikely) your clutch has too high an engagement speed for your [probably stock] engine.

 

[Kart_Go_19]

Clutch 12t
Driving gear 62t
Gear ratio= ~5
Can’t change the gear on the the axle, it was welded on.

 

[Mr. Spindle]

Clutch 12t
Driving gear 62t
Gear ratio= ~5
Can’t change the gear on the the axle, it was welded on.

Get a new axle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk while sitting on the Porcelain Throne!

 

[anickode]

Clutch 12t
Driving gear 62t
Gear ratio= ~5
Can’t change the gear on the the axle, it was welded on.

5:1 is manageable with tiny wheels (10" or smaller). I'm guessing they're significantly bigger? What is the tire OD?

Post some pics. We might be able to solve the axle problem. Even if it means drilling holes in your sprocket and using it as a hub for a larger one.

 

[Kart_Go_19]

Okay here you go.

And thank you all for the help you have offered so far. Really do appreciate it.

 

[Kart_Go_19]

I just put it back up on the jack and started it up. The wheels begin to spin when it was at idol.
From what little I know that means the clutch is engaging but I think it’s not supposed to at such a low rpm.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Centrifugal clutches can drag a little, it's not unusual to have some limited tire spin when the wheels are off the ground. Can you stop the wheels from spinning with a light touch on the tire?

 

[Joe-405]

If it were me I would just buy a torque converter and be done with it. You’ll thank me in the long run. They are about $70 for a knockoff.

 

[Kart_Go_19]

Centrifugal clutches can drag a little, it's not unusual to have some limited tire spin when the wheels are off the ground. Can you stop the wheels from spinning with a light touch on the tire?

No it even dose this when on the ground

 

[nascarnation]

If it were me I would just buy a torque converter and be done with it. You’ll thank me in the long run. They are about $70 for a knockoff.

Having just made this swap on two fun karts, I totally agree. Just make sure to use a "good" drive belt, the ones included in the Comet clone clutch kit are not good.

 

[landuse]

A 5:1 ratio with 16" tyres is probably a large part of your problem. That's like taking off in 3rd in a manual car.

 

[gokartswag]

drive belt not moving

My engine is running fine and the driver clutch is spinning but the drive belt won't grab and it is not moving at all.

 

[anickode]

My engine is running fine and the driver clutch is spinning but the drive belt won't grab and it is not moving at all.

Okay, how about you start your own thread with more information such as your gear ratios tire size and some photos.