need help with my clutch please

[jbenitez]

After driving it for 10 seconds I took the clutch off and noticed the shaft has some discoloration.

 

[2SlickNick]

There is the problem. Landuse nailed it. You are trying to use a clutch with a live axle and heavy go kart. go spend $100 and buy a torque converter and then that puppy will do awesome.

Edit: also go find your kart model number and manual. Then see what kind of mounting plates or torque converter was powering that kart in stock form.

Edit again: also do us the courtesy and please fill out you profile so we know where you are from.

 

[jbenitez]

What do you mean live axle? And how would I put a torque converter on it?

 

[jbenitez]

I found a clutch with a built in key and put it on. It slid right on perfect but its getting real hot and smoking.

 

[Russ2251]

but its getting real hot and smoking.

Obviously it is overloaded... hence the need for a TC.

 

[jbenitez]

So how hard is it to install a torque converter? Like I said I don't know much about karts at all. I bought this one for my kids for $400.

 

[2SlickNick]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=install+go+kart+torque+converter

 

[jbenitez]

That's neat. Thanks

 

[ajc894]

manual for this kart http://www.familygokarts.com/pdf/manuals/carter/Mini%20Talon%202503/mini_talon_owners_manual.pdf

From this it was originally a vertical shaft engine with a pressure plate system. like a rear engine snapper mower. Top speed new 10mph

 

[jbenitez]

Wow. Thanks for that info.

 

[jbenitez]

The drive sprocket has 60 teeth and the clutch has 12

 

[landuse]

The drive sprocket has 60 teeth and the clutch has 12

Like i said (and now confirmed) your gearing is waaay too high, and your tyres are too large to even think of using a centrifugal clutch. A TC is the only thing that is going to work for you. You can get a chinese knock off one for $100 apparently.

You could use a centrifugal clutch, i suppose, if you get the gear ratio low enough. Like 8:1. You are running at 60/12 = 5:1, which is really high. To get lower, you are either going to have to get a seriously large axle sprocket (which will probably scrape on the ground) or you are going to have to use a jackshaft to get the low ratio you need. A jackshaft uses several sprockets to get that ratio you are looking for.

A TC is not hard to mount at all. Even if you get a TC i would advise changing to a ratio of 6:1. This would mean getting a 72T axle sprocket, or if chain type allows, a 10T jackshaft sprocket for your TC