Newbie

[tigeriron]

Hello.
I'm a modestly experienced mechanic, owning 9 vehicles & always tinkering.
Last year I picked up a KT196 for my son.

It was a used unit, but virtually BRAND NEW. The folks had used it once..... They claimed they used it for 10 minutes... And the engine froze. My guess is that they simply overlooked checking the oil level in the very beginning.
It was a bargain (to me) at $700, as retailers here in Western ND sell these at about $1,400 at the time.

I had a new electric-start 7HP engine sitting here for another project, and I added a new clutch (Parts missing, as they were assessing the failure). My new engine was an exact-size replacement. I added a box for the battery, making a clean set-up.

Anyway, I went through a half dozen belts, my learning curve, getting the belt alignment understood.

We live in a very rural place, no paved roads, plenty of dust, but hard soil and few grassy places to ride. The Drive-system-cover mounts have already failed, so that's been removed. I use BRAKE-CLEANER to remove gum build-up. This seems to work well, and I've not noticed any belt degradation with that use.

Everything seems to be running well, but now I'm considering learning more about tuning & modding.

My first interest is in replacing the 'clutch & torque converter' with a chain drive, in lieu of the belt.
Is there any thread sharing the pros/cons of this?

Best Regards,
TIG

 

[Thepartsguy]

I’ll jump in here and say it before other members do!

Pictures Pictures Pictures!

As for going from a belt to chain drive usually that is the exact opposite of what people want to do.

And lastly a genuine comet belt!!! Expensive but you will blow through another half dozen belts if your not using a genuine comet!

 

[Thepartsguy]

The last time I checked was months ago. I could buy 6 belts for the price of this one single belt.

There is a reason 3 yak grease belts cost $19.99 and one genuine comet cost over $35

 

[Hellion]

They claimed they used it for 10 minutes... And the engine froze. My guess is that they simply overlooked checking the oil level in the very beginning.

Ouch. “Ain’t got no oil in it”. I bet they ship the kart with just enough oil to coat the innards, probably engine assembly lube, and it gets on the dipstick so it looks copacetic to the befuddled new owner.

Seconded on pics and an engine autopsy would be fun. At least take it apart for assessment and spare parts. Might have just snapped the con rod..

 

[Denny]

Welcome! Now go get a GENUINE COMET BELT!!!!!

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Dead engine sounds like a perfect time to open it up, learn how it works, and replace what broke if possible. Then buy some speed parts and put it back together.

 

[tigeriron]

Ouch. “Ain’t got no oil in it”. I bet they ship the kart with just enough oil to coat the innards, probably engine assembly lube, and it gets on the dipstick so it looks copacetic to the befuddled new owner.

Seconded on pics and an engine autopsy would be fun. At least take it apart for assessment and spare parts. Might have just snapped the con rod..

My suspicion, they didn't check.
He said that it ran for 10 minutes.
After I got it home, the sump was DRY. So, I'm certain they didn't do a thing except put gas in it & fired it up.
He'd disassembled the clutch, and not much else. I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. I was happy tht my learning curve just cost me a few belts.

 

[tigeriron]

Dead engine sounds like a perfect time to open it up, learn how it works, and replace what broke if possible. Then buy some speed parts and put it back together.

I have it sitting here, for parts.
I've lubed it up. I will disassemble it, if salvageable, I'll make it run again. But for my needs, I'm looking at 2 cylinders for my next project.

 

[tigeriron]

I’ll jump in here and say it before other members do!

Pictures Pictures Pictures!

As for going from a belt to chain drive usually that is the exact opposite of what people want to do.

And lastly a genuine comet belt!!! Expensive but you will blow through another half dozen belts if your not using a genuine comet!

I'll try that next.
I simply want as little slip as possible, and as much durability.
We're either in a super dusty environment, or ICE & SNOW.

 

[Denny]

Be careful playing in the snow or ice. You can cold seize the engine!

 

[panchothedog]

When working properly ( and they almost always do ) the 30 series torque converter is as dependable as anything. They don't slip, and geared right offer great hill climbing ability as well as very good acceleration. Show us some pictures of what you're working with.

 

[Hellion]

I guess this is your kart (although they keep changing the colors and features). I swear I’ve seen a grown man or lanky teen driving one, it’s overpowered and can turn around in its own length by turning to full lock and stomping the brake. Plus his head sticks above the brush guard and he’s taking up most of the two person seat. All this to say that it can be a fun machine regardless of its 'child kart' status.

I'm looking at 2 cylinders for my next project.

If you’re going to a Predator 670cc twin or something, that would be grand.