Need help new to karts honda gx270 engine

[BenWysong09]

so I just bought this Honda gx270 engine kart. I got it running and went for a ride but it wont take off with me on it. So I'm 300 pounds And don't really have any idea what some of this is does or called so all help is necessary. Would my weight have anything to do with the top gear not spinning when I press the throttle. Also the person I got this from had the chain set up this way is this right? All help is wanted please. Having trouble uploading here so I made a photobucket lol. http://s102.photobucket.com/user/takeysong09/library/Mobile Uploads?sort=3&page=1 pictures are here.

 

[OzFab]

Would my weight have anything to do with the top gear not spinning when I press the throttle.

Short answer, no offense but, yes. If someone weighing 150-200lbs tried it, it would probalby fly...

Also the person I got this from had the chain set up this way is this right?

Absolutely. The engine is probably off a tiller or something similar; the other sprocket on the engine is a reverse gear...

 

[BenWysong09]

The sprocket will sit there and spin without moving the chain when im at a stand still and if I let off the gas. Is there anything I can do to make it catch better.

 

[2SlickNick]

The sprocket will sit there and spin without moving the chain when im at a stand still and if I let off the gas. Is there anything I can do to make it catch better.

The clutch might be trash at this point. Maybe it is old and without maintance (looks that way).
You might want to gear down. Maybe buy a clutch with less teeth, maybe smaller tires, and or larger axle sprocket. just my opinion.

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum. I would suggest the same as 2slicknick

 

[BenWysong09]

Iv never changed a clutch before what would I need to buy to change it and what would you recommend for less tooth count and a larger axle sprocket with smaller tires.

 

[anderkart]

Your clutch might be defective, or you might discover that it still works fine after you get your jackshaft hooked back up...

Also the person I got this from had the chain set up this way is this right?

No its not, he bypassed your jackshaft. Your kart should be using 2 chains similar this pic:

The reason for a jackshaft setup on your kart is for gear reduction. (like 1st gear instead of 3rd on a car) This gear reduction will lower top speed, but greatly improve your low speed torque and acceleration. And that's exactly what a heavy kart with tall rear tires like yours needs, so its clutch will be under much less strain to get the kart moving.

The clutch chain on your kart should be going to your larger jackshaft gear,
then your 2nd chain needs to run between your smaller jackshaft gear and your axle sprocket.

(PS: his setup in that pic looks a little different because he happens to have the large & small jackshaft gears installed in the opposite locations, compared to yours. He simply installed it that way so both chains would line up.)

You need to count and post the number of teeth on your clutch, axle sprocket, plus both jackshaft sprockets. Also post how tall your back tires are, then we'll have better info to help you get your kart going

 

[OzFab]

I missed the smaller, internal sprocket, didn't even see it...

My concern now is will there be enough clearance to move the axle sprocket across to line up with the small J/S sprocket?

At this point, the problem is most likely a combination of issues:
-first chain in the incorrect place
-second chain non existent &
-damaged clutch

My apologies Ben

 

[BenWysong09]

From what I've seen the chain is in the wrong spot and there is a missing chain and the clutch was getting very VERY hot is that a bad sign?

 

[OzFab]

Umm, yep; the internals of the clutch are turning with the engine, trying to do it's job but, due to the kart not moving, the friction between the internals & the drum is causing excessive heat

 

[BenWysong09]

Both the clutch and small js are 10 the larger js is 20 and the sprocket is 54 or so lol its late and dark... and forgot to measure wheels... but I dis see on a similar subject about ratios. How do you come up with those figures?

 

[anderkart]

Looks like your jackshaft mounting plate is cracked, plus its missing its spring loaded Idler sprocket. plus your clutch might be damaged or wore out anyway. So I'm thinking the best plan would probably be to just replace it all with a Torque converter system like this: http://www.mfgsupply.com/gomini/gom...qtav30/gominiclutchtorqtav30kits/218355a.html

PS:
When you measure your back tires, also measure/post the distance between the teeth on your axle sprocket, it'll probably be either 1/2" or 3/8".


PPS:
I use this online jackshaft calculator, just make sure you enter tire circumference, not diameter: http://www.compgoparts.com/TechnicalResources/JackshaftRatioCalculator.asp

 

[BenWysong09]

Well that seems like an awesome set up but im going a cheeper route right now. Basically I want to get going right abuse it to learn how to fix that next problem.

 

[BenWysong09]

Wheels are 17 inch and the sprocket is 3/8 I believe.

So new question to add what disadvantages would there be to welding a plate for an engine back a few inches behind the wheel well to give me some more leg room.

 

[anderkart]

1- Cool, with your jackshaft hooked back up (with its 20-t input and 10-t output), that'll give you a 10:80 ratio.
With your 17" rear tires, that calculates out to somewhere around a 17mph top speed at 3600rpm. That gearing should work out great on your kart.

2 - Judging from your pics, I'm pretty darn sure all of your sprockets teeth will measure a 1/2" apart, not 3/8". Be sure to measure them again before buying chains.
1/2" = #40/41 pitch chain.
3/8" = #35 pitch chain.

3- The disadvantage of moving your engine and seat back will be reduced steering ability, because you'd be transferring a LOT of weight from your front tires to the back.

For additional leg room, a much better (and easier) solution would be to extend the front bumper of your kart, with the pedals mounted further forward. This would have the benefit of transferring more of the drivers (leg) weight to the front tires, and actually improve your karts steering ability, compared to now.

 

[BenWysong09]

Messing with my kart im pretty sure the clutch is toast so when buying and replacing what do I need to purchase.

 

[anderkart]

I'd suggest you start by removing your old clutch and confirm if your your engine has a 3/4" or 1" diameter output shaft.

You'd also need to confirm what pitch (chain-size) your new clutch needs to be.

Then you could also remove the drum from your old clutch, take a peak inside and maybe post some pics of the shoes, springs and inside the drum. We might be able to save you some money by repairing your old clutch. Also see if you can find a brand/model # anywhere on it.