new motor and clutch issues

[cowlitzdrifter]

Hi all, bought this American Challenger it needed a new motor so I put the predator 212 in it. It now has a new motor chain and clutch. After the motor and chain install I ran it for 5 minutes and it died several times. Almost like it was starving for gas but not sure. Seeing that it had a new motor, I ordered a clutch to rule that out. Two issues, 1. when pushing kart it becomes very difficult to push, turns motor over and chains both get tight.
2. Why would it die like that?

 

[DeathMachine]

Might have too much tension on the prmary (clutch) chain, it's only a bronze bushing in the clutch and will 'lock up' if there is too much side load.

 

[mckutzy]

That's a cent clutch, it shouldn't be turning the motor over while off.

 

[cowlitzdrifter]

How much play should be in the chain? Currently if you squeeze the chain there is a half inch of play.

 

[2SlickNick]

Just out of curiosity have you ever lubricated the clutch? You are suppose to do it at least every 2 hours of ride time.
http://www.maxtorque.com/html/fun_kart.html

 

[itsid]

lubrication is a pain on inboard clutches..
but according to OP, it ran five minutes.. and it was new.. so yeah.. no additional lube necessary just yet

Anyways..
roll the kart forward slightly, make sure the silver part of the clutch remains stationary when the black bell turns over with the chain.

it won't?
well your clutch locked up,
get a popsicle stick and run it between the silver baseplate and the black clutch bell,
it should not lock up anywhere.. if it does,
first, tap the silver baseplate with the back of a screwdriver, if you're lucky you should hear it snapping back... if not you need to take it off and reset the shoes.
if it doesn't lock up, it might be the bushing, you need to take it apart for a closer inspection..

'sid

 

[cowlitzdrifter]

Will check it out when I get home. thanks itsid

 

[Denny]

Make sure you disconnect the yellow wire for the low oil sensor also so it does not die in turns.

Denny