Max Torque Clutch Install

[KansasKid]

Hello All,

I ordered a new clutch and chain for my Manco 415 kart the clutch came in this weekend and i installed the clutch and new chain................. and NO there wasnt a hammer in site this clutch has a grease zerk on the retaining bolt and a key made in the new clutch the clutch was lubricated and greased after installation, there was 2 shims that i installed on the crankshaft to give the clutch a little space i also added a washer to the axle to space the sprocket out just a little to align the sprockets up, loosened the engine bolts and slid engine to the rear installed chain to check how many links i needed to remove took 1 link out installed chain and master link slid engine forward until the chain was adjusted so i could slide the chain back and fourth freely on the axle sprocket not too loose and not too tight everything seemed to be ok,
I fired up the kart with the kart lifted off the ground to ensure everything was ok once everything spun over ok i let it down and took it for a drive.............i only weigh about 175lbs. The kart acted like it was lugging down no power and the clutch started to slip i was in the yard going up a slight incline nothing major i literally had to get off cart and push it to the garage i noticed the clutch was hot and started to discolor the drum.

My diagnosis is that i need to change to a 72 tooth sprocket and maybe even a 12 tooth drive sprocket possibly smaller rear wheels, this kart has lots of top end but no low end torque, I dont need a lot of speed just some low end power to get through the grassy fields or yard. would you agree with what i think is wrong because i dont see anything else.

Engine: Tecumseh 5 HP
Clutch Sprocket: Max Torque 10 Tooth
Axle Sprocket 60 Tooth
Rear Wheel size 15.00X6.00-6

 

[OzFab]

Honestly, I don't see the problem, it should run fine; 6:1 gearing on a small kart with 15" tyres sounds just about perfect to me...

Sorry

 

[itsid]

well if you need more low end torque, then yes, get a bigger axle sprocket (like 70-75 teeth)
buying a 12T clutch(-sprocket) will make it worse, that'll increase speed and lower the acceleration even further.

Also I have to disagree with Fabroman I'm afraid.. the 415 manco isn't exactly lightweight IIRC
curb: 195 lbs.
Maximum Rider Weight: 300 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight: 495 lbs.

it's not extremely heavy.. but not exactly lightweight either
that with a 15" rear wheel and just a clutch
(considering a total of say 330 lbs incl light driver)

personally, I'd gear closer to 8:1 than 7:1 to be honest.
(reads 80T sprocket on the axle but that'd be only 20 mph top speed on a governed engine)

Although I know it came with a 5:1 ratio and a 5hp flathead originally (12:60)...
the later 415B had a 6.67:1 ratio though (12:80) which should give a hint that the 5:1 didn't worked out too well

'sid

 

[KansasKid]

I just thought of something Is it possible that the engine isnt revving high enough to engage the clutches fully and thats why it was slipping, because the engine lugs at first then the RPM's go up after it gets enough speed and then it takes off spinning the tire thats why i was thinking different gear ratio.

 

[itsid]

Hmmm

sounds like you oiled the clutch shoes to be honest.
are you sure you oiled NOTHING BUT the small bronze bushing?
with just a few drops of light oil.

if there is oil/grease on the clutch shoes you need to get rid of it asap!
then try again

'sid