I need some questions answered about small engines gokarts.

[Redferna]

So I'm pretty new to small engines but I have learned so much so far. I just need some questions answered.

What does it mean for small engines to lean/have a leaning problem and how to identify when it happens?

What exactly is starter fluid and how is it used?

How to take care of a centrifugal clutch?

Should I put a live axle on a small 212cc go-kart? Will it make that much of a difference?

Can the engine it self be damaged by going to rough on bumps?

Can the engine be damaged by going through shallow water, mud puddles?

Thanks for helping!

 

[areams]

I'm still pretty new to this forum and go karting but I am very familiar with mechanic work and automotive stuff and just finished rebuilding my go kart. Hope this is some help! These are some pretty basic explanations as I don't have enough time to elaborate greatly. Hopefully this is enough info for ya!

A lean mixture means there is less fuel than in the Air/Fuel mixture than what is necessary for the engine to run as efficiently as it should. A stock engine typically doesn't have that problem. Once you change things like the air intake and exhaust setup etc, you should be changing jets to add more fuel to the mixture.

Starter fluid is a highly combustible spray that you only need to use if the carb is way out of adjustment or not functioning properly to see if the engine will start and run for a very short period of time.

I use torque converters so I'm not much help with the clutch question.

I like my live axle and wouldn't ever want anything different.

I wouldn't see a scenario that the engine would be damaged by bumpy terrain unless the engine takes direct impact or physical damage some how?

Engine can most definitely be damaged if taken through water if the water is high enough to get sucked into the engine through the air filter (submerging it). Splashes or sprays of water usually aren't enough to cause any damage. Just be sure to keep the flywheel/shroud clear and clean as that is the way the engine is cooled (fins on the flywheel move air through the shroud).

I typed this very quickly so if anyone else has input go for it! I'm sure I forgot something.

 

[jandj]

The main thing to do with a clutch is to keep the bushing it rides on oiled.
Unless you ride through something that somehow gets inside the housing, not much usually goes wrong with the internals.
Keep in mind the clutch has to reach a certain speed to engage fully, low speed/off and on use will burn it up.
As for starting fluid, use it sparingly.
Even though small engines use a dipper on the rod to oil the cylinder, too much magic spray can wash it off.
That's not good.
If you've driven it as a dead axle then go to a live axle, you'll notice a difference in cornering.
If you go to a live axle without having driven it otherwise it'll seem normal to you.
To detect a lean condition, learn to read plugs.
There's plenty of sites on the Intardwebs that'll explain it and include pics.
Usually correcting lean is just adjusting the mixture screw on the carb or fixing an intake leak.