Newbie Engine Behavior Question

[CSB]

I fear this is a really dumb question but I'm going to ask it anyway: When I start my engine and it's idling, should I expect the drive shaft to be spinning? I was thinking that in "idle" the kart would not move but if I start it without any load (i.e. chain not attached) it's spinning pretty good. So, is this normal? Does it mean that when I start the engine that the kart is going to take off?

 

[Bluethunder3320]

if youre talking about a centrifugal clutch then yeah its normal for it to be spinning when there is no chain on. even though the clutch shoes arent engaged, there is some friction on the bushing and nothing stopping it from spinning.

 

[CSB]

Yep, I have a centrifugal clutch that spins. But, even when I take the clutch off the drive shaft itself spins. Normal (even at idle)?

 

[South Kart3377]

Yep, I have a centrifugal clutch that spins. But, even when I take the clutch off the drive shaft itself spins. Normal (even at idle)?

Yep thats normal.

 

[CSB]

Yep thats normal.

So, once connected, if I were to pull the cord and start this engine the kart would take off on me? or does the load of the kart (once the chain is on) keep it in place?

 

[South Kart3377]

So, once connected, if I were to pull the cord and start this engine the kart would take off on me? or does the load of the kart (once the chain is on) keep it in place?

the clutch will slip went there is a chain and the load of the kart at low rpm the clutch slips, at high it does not.

 

[Jake.B]

Aslong as you have a clutch, and the idle is set to the clutch your cart will not take off.

 

[CSB]

Aslong as you have a clutch, and the idle is set to the clutch your cart will not take off.

Sorry, but what does "the idle is set to the clutch" mean?

 

[jason4207]

Your engine idle speed vs your clutch setting. Most centrifugal clutches are 2300rpm stock. That's when they start grabbing with their pads (not just bearing spin). You can get different springs to adjust this setting. Not sure what engine you have (I have the 212cc Predator), but mine is 1850rpm at idle, so I'm good to go. You want your engine idle rpm to be lower than your clutch engagement rpm.

 

[qtband]

Just set a nice low idle, put your clutch and chain on and go have some fun! You'll be fine.

 

[kendelrk]

heres a trick, put your chain on your clutch, its normal for it to spin without one, and move it about 2 feet away from a wall. now start it up, if it flies tword the wall then your clutch may be burnt up. if it slowley creeps forward you need to turn your idle down until it stops moving. and if it stays perfectly in place till you hit the gas then all is good

 

[South Kart3377]

heres a trick, put your chain on your clutch, its normal for it to spring without one, and move it about 2 feet away from a wall. not start it up. if it flies tword the wall then your clutch may be burnt up. if it slowley creeps forward you need to turn your idle down until it stops moving. and if it stays perfectly in place till you hit the gas then all is good

Perfect, great method.