HELP Major Vibration

[gocartgirl]

I just bought a used Manco Force Five go cart. I don't have the right belt on it, it's not even a go cart belt, could that be whats making the vibrations so bad you feel like your guts are coming out! I am going to order the right belt for it and hopefully that will make a difference, if not I am getting rid of it. I just bought it for my 26 year old Down Syndrome son's birthday. So to all the more experienced, what do y'all think???

 

[SCK]

Well it could be that but it could also be the bolts that are holding your engine down maybe lose so its not fully bolted down. I would deftly get the right torque convereter belt for it!

 

[gocartgirl]

Thanks so much for your reply. The engine is bolted on good, so thats out. Ordered belt today so in a few days i'll know that. Any other suggestions anyone????

 

[Jcotz]

Although they look fine, maybe check your tires for air, because without enough air, you'll feel every bump. Other than that, I really don't know what could be your problem besides just riding it on bumpy terrain.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Unfortunately, "bad vibrations" are really hard to quantify. It could be something loose, it could be because the kart has no suspension (more on that later), and it could be dead normal, but you're not used to it. IMO- the wrong belt will cause a severe loss in performance, but will not likely cause bad vibes.

Speaking of which- when my kart had no suspension, the buffeting caused by riding in rough grass was so bad, I first installed a lap belt, then a shoulder belt, and finally a 4-point racing harness, because my whole body was rattling so hard I could not control the kart and was afraid of being tossed off.

What also helped for me was to lower the tire pressure (especially the rears) as low as I could get away with. I installed tubes in the tires to keep them from coming off the rims. Now, I don't mean flat, just low- like about 4PSI.

 

[bighead]

When the engine is running do you see any wobble on the shaft or clutches?

Does it do it at idle or full speed or all the time?

My kart rattles rear bad at idle but not when driving it.

Yah get the right belt and then see what you got. Also what belt are you getting? How did you confirm it was the right belt? I cannot tell you how many wrong belts I have bought.

Love the little dog. My jack russell terrier loves ridding in karts.

And I really like your kart. Thats a killer looking kart. It also looks to be in great condition. Nice find.

 

[gocartgirl]

Gonna check all this out when i get new belt, which should be in a few days. I looked up the belt size for this go kart, it said 5959, hopefully it is right. The belt on there now does not have those "ridges" like a go cart belt, it is for a lawnmower, it pretty much spins and smokes. As soon as I try new belt I will reply with answers. I know go karts are rough riding but every one i rode didn't vibrate so bad b4 take off, lol. I also found out the brakes don't work, so could that have anything to do with it? I only road it around the yard once, was afraid I was going to vibrate to death. I did notice the steering wasn't so great either.I should of stuck with finding a golf cart for my son, i guess.lol thanks again guys...I will post back soon, praying with GOOD news though! If not....GO KART anyone? lol You know whats the worst part of all this? My hubby warned me a go kart was a money pit and not to buy it.....I totally HATE when he is right....which is only on very rare occasions, lol

 

[r_chez_08]

Don't let him know you're spending money. Shh- he's totally right, but they are bloody good fun!
Put the back end on a stand, a solid box, jerry can, anything that will allow the rear wheels to spin freely. When you have the correct belt, start her up and gently up the revs. Look for anything out of alignment or wobbling, like axles, pulleys, wheels, hubs. If need be make a video, we can try and help.
Would you describe it as a high speed vibration? If so it may be something relating to the engine, like a bent crankshaft.

As for the brakes, take some pics! If they are band brakes, then you may as well go and replace the band, for about $20, and replace anything else that is old/ corroded.
If disc, then remove and clean the caliper, checking the pads and see if it is adjusted correctly. Clean if necessary.

 

[landuse]

I say once the hubby starts riding it he won't have too much to say after that. LOL

 

[realfast89gt]

I have a tec 6.5hp which had a terrible vibration until tonight. I recently bought it and just got it runnng. Checked the valve lash........wow it was over an 1/8th of an inch! Adjusted it and most of the vibration is gone.

 

[youtheotube2]

Make sure that every individual piece that spins is symmetrical. If you have the equipment, take your engine off the kart and bolt it down to something stable. Then run it and see if it is the engine that is vibrating. Have someone push you around on it and see if it is something in the drivetrain that is vibrating. My guess is that its something in the engine. Maybe your flywheel is missing some fins or something.

 

[gocartgirl]

ok, got the new belt, makes a world of difference, still a lil vibration, haven't got hubby to try all the suggestions yet, but I did print them out and he will "get to it" like he says soon. It is a new motor, so don't think it's that. I am getting some new tires for the front, they had 2 different kinds, one looked like a lawn mower tire (which kept going flat) I really do appreciate all y'alls advice! I did get him to fix the Kill switch, especially since I don't have brakes. Me and my son did have fun on it yesterday, rode all over our land, even in the crawfish pond, lol! Looking forward to doing it again! Hmmmm the brake dilemma now. I gotta get him more interested in riding it to get the ball rolling! THANKS AGAIN!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

We're more than happy to help!

What's up with the brakes?

 

[landuse]

We're more than happy to help!

What's up with the brakes?

Yup, tell us more. We might be able to tell you what to do, and you might not need the hubbies help.

 

[gocartgirl]

I got new tires now, the steering is good now. About the brakes........I don't know other than they don't work at all. they seemed to be "hooked up" but when you press them, nothing. What do i need to look for? I cut a trail with the lawn mower, now we got a "TRACK" lol. Eric drove it yesterday for the first time, he was so excited, told everyone he has a car, lol. Looking forward to the replies....y'all are the BEST!

 

[Marshmellow]

On the brakes you need to loosen the bigger nut(lock nut) and tighten the smaller nut.

 

[Mcbreja]

If you could post pics of your setup, it'll help a lot.

 

[camarossnitro]

Fix: Rubber Bushings and Check welds. When welds #### up, the vibrations suck.

 

[landuse]

If you could post pics of your setup, it'll help a lot.

Yup, post some pics of your brake system and linkages. It is probably going to be an easy fix. If it is a hydraulic brake, you might find that there is air in the system. If it is mechanical, it might be that the foot pedal does not compress the caliper enough to stop the kart. Your brake shoes might be worn down to nothing.

Let us know

PS: I am glad the hubby was exited. It makes things easier for you. Did you have to change the tyres yourself?

 

[gocartgirl]

Yup, post some pics of your brake system and linkages. It is probably going to be an easy fix. If it is a hydraulic brake, you might find that there is air in the system. If it is mechanical, it might be that the foot pedal does not compress the caliper enough to stop the kart. Your brake shoes might be worn down to nothing.

Let us know

PS: I am glad the hubby was exited. It makes things easier for you. Did you have to change the tyres yourself?

"Hubby" was not excited my son, Eric was....lol No he changed the tires...
gonna go see if i can take pics of brakes, doesn't look like much room though, but I will give it a shot.