Hello, New Member and New to Go Karts

[saw7616]

I posted an intro, and search a bit. I feel like this is probably an often answered question so I apologize that my search criteria is not up to par.

I realize your forum, and I'm glad your hear deals with the DIY aspect of karts. I'm hoping to find answers here and I appreciate ya'll being here.

My father in law bought the kids a kart for Christmas. It's a two seater and I'm not 100 percent sure where he purchased it from.

It does however look like the kart here:

https://www.powersportsmax.com/product_info.php/cPath/40_717/products_id/21043

The color scheme is different but the general setup, roll cage and suspension appear to be the same or similar.

I have 2 issues with it, one I'm fighting along with. The other I'm at a loss with.

1) It doesn't seem to want to run without the choke engaged. It appears to be a honda knock off carb and engine. However I can't locate any screws to adjust the carb. I do see what appear to be covered holes where screws may have been omitted. As annoying as this is, I'm "working" the problem. It's a cold natured beast. So far I've cleaned the carb bowl. (it's New so no surprises there) and played with the choke adjustment. If I pull the choke knob out and get it running, it will move if the choke is 3/4 pushed in

2) The most important issue, the kart has a great roll cage and what appears to be a 5 point buckle system in it. On the first outing with my 10 year old it go a good testing. He rolled it. I thought he was just being too hard on it and needed to learn how to drive. That's not so much the case. I squeezed my rhino butt into it and drove it and it tips/rolls very easily... In grass. If you've got a little speed and pull the wheel the opposite wheel rises off the ground. Almost like a high side.

Is there something I can do with the toe adjustment (HOW) that will make the kart more stable. As you can imagine, he's hard on it. Right now he's scared of it after the first roll. or something else you can recommend?

Thoughts? And thank you in advanced.

 

[mckutzy]

Hello and welcome
Show some pics of your exact setup.....

 

[saw7616]

Thank you for the response, I had to work out photo storage again apologize for my late response.

Here are some pictures. Let me know if you want to see something specific.

 

[mckutzy]

It seams to me its just high COG on this machine.... Travel more flat and watch speed on canted areas.. wrist straps are probably a good idea aswell...

If we can see some of the motor area??..

Looks like a clone type motor...
They are typically factory set for EPA regs....so adjusting them is easily done...
Dose it run fine on half cock position of the carb or other not open???

 

[Karttekk]

Lower the tire pressure to 10 lbs. per tire. They may be over-inflated and making them too round where the tread meets the ground.

The only thing I can suggest with the choke issue is pull the carb and raise the float a wee bit & see if that helps. Since there are no adjustments that's your only option other than looking for a bigger main jet in the carb.

 

[Brianator]

You could add a little "toe out" which will slow the steering rate (response) a hair by adjusting the tie rods, a 1/4" would be a good starting point but it's going to be a minimal difference... the problem lies within the tires design (being very rounded and skinny) and the track (width) of the machine as measured at the wheels. If you could find wider wheels with more squared off tires for the rear (similar to a ATV) you would increase stability a good bit.

 

[Karttekk]

That kart appears to be a Trailmaster Mini XRX-R, the R representing Reverse. The tires look different on this model, maybe switch them to something similar to what's pictured.

http://bvpowersports.com/eproducts-1.asp?id=355

---------- Post added at 10:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:52 AM ----------

Upgrade tires

https://www.gokartmasters.com/trailmaster-go-kart-front-tire-mini-xrs-xrx-xrx-r/

https://www.gokartmasters.com/trailmaster-go-kart-rear-tire-mini/

---------- Post added at 11:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:57 AM ----------

https://www.gokartmasters.com/trailmaster-mini-xrx-r-go-kart-ships-free/

---------- Post added at 11:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 AM ----------

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTCnNofvc6g

 

[saw7616]

More pics and not good ones, I'll get more this afternoon. The choke picture shows the extent of pull it takes to make it run.

Even though it's new, I don't mind at all changing the tires out.

The tie rod, statement. Extend them a 1/4" on each side is the way I read the recommendation.


Thanks to all and I'll get get better pictures of the carb/engine

 

[Karttekk]

Wouldn't hurt to pop the carb back off and go through it. Could be a fragment from the manufacturing process in it, those Chinese carbs can be temperamental. Running lean for whatever reason. See if raising the float is an option. Spray some carb cleaner through every port and inlet. Make sure it's tight against the head, might be sucking air there. Look for any tears in the gaskets. If you could cross reference an adjustable carb that would be ideal. Not sure if that's an option or not.

 

[Brianator]

Not quite, 1/4" difference as measured at the front of the tires compared to the rear of the tires. It would be be a good idea to measure it and see where it's set right now before making any adjustments. Toe out is when the front of the tires point outward. With a helper you can use a measuring tape and IDENTICAL spots of the treads on each side of the tire, it can be a little tedious but it works like a charm. You want to hold the wheel straight as possible and adjust each tie rod equally, 1/4" is only a starting point you'll want to experiment until it feels right. If you're feeling ambitious have a read about oversteer (caused by toe in)/understeer (caused by toe out), for your application a little understeer would be ideal, keep in mind that a large amount either way will wear the front wheel bearings quicker.