Potential clutch issues

[Hunter]

I just got my first gokart, and i’m still learning my way around it, but today i noticed that when the engine isn’t running i can’t roll the kart forward or backwards freely. when the kart is running and at rest however, i can push it forward without resistance. i figured the issue might be caused by the clutch, but i’m not sure. I’ve read elsewhere that a slow boggy start might mean clutch issues, and that’s another thing my kart does. Maybe i’m wearing the clutch out quicker because of all the hills in my town? I’m really not sure. Can anyone help me diagnose my issue?

 

[Denny]

If it has a CVT that is perfectly normal behavior. Do you think we could get a picture of the karts drive system.

 

[Hunter]

If it has a CVT that is perfectly normal behavior. Do you think we could get a picture of the karts drive system.

sure, it has a Tillotson 212, below i’ve added some pictures of the clutch and drive.

 

[Hunter]

I just got my first gokart, and i’m still learning my way around it, but today i noticed that when the engine isn’t running i can’t roll the kart forward or backwards freely. when the kart is running and at rest however, i can push it forward without resistance. i figured the issue might be caused by the clutch, but i’m not sure. I’ve read elsewhere that a slow boggy start might mean clutch issues, and that’s another thing my kart does. Maybe i’m wearing the clutch out quicker because of all the hills in my town? I’m really not sure. Can anyone help me diagnose my issue?

i also should have mentioned that it is chain driven.

 

[Denny]

Ok I see it has a centrifugal clutch. Have you been oiling the center bronze bushing every 2 hours? You might want to take the clutch off and disassemble it and clean it. But it is normal for there to be resistance when pushing.

 

[madprofessor]

After you make sure the band brake is not dragging, take the chain off. Try rolling it around, let us know if it rolls freely, that would eliminate anything with the frame setup.

 

[Hunter]

Ok I see it has a centrifugal clutch. Have you been oiling the center bronze bushing every 2 hours? You might want to take the clutch off and disassemble it and clean it. But it is normal for there to be resistance when pushing.

i haven’t been oiling it, i didn’t know that was important in maintenance. what kind of oil might you suggest?

 

[Hunter]

After you make sure the band brake is not dragging, take the chain off. Try rolling it around, let us know if it rolls freely, that would eliminate anything with the frame setup.

i did make sure that the brake wasn’t my problem, what leads me to think it’s the clutch is when i push it the engine will turn over, and it wasn’t doing that when i bought it.

 

[Functional Artist]

Sounds like the spring (inside the clutch) is getting weak & not completely returning the "shoes" to their "at rest" position

Like advised, remove the clutch & inspect

The outer "drum" should spin freely from the inner section
...if not, replace

 

[Denny]

Just regular old 10w30 or whatever you have handy. Just a couple of drops not too much.

 

[Hunter]

Sounds like the spring (inside the clutch) is getting weak & not completely returning the "shoes" to their "at rest" position

Like advised, remove the clutch & inspect

The outer "drum" should spin freely from the inner section
...if not, replace

oh okay. yeah it only spins freely when it’s running, but when i push it around it doesn’t. i’m going to look into clutch rebuild kits soon then.

 

[madprofessor]

Lots of fun fixing stuff, making it go. There's also shortcuts, with reliability and warranties..............
12T, 3/4" bore, Centrifugal Clutch #35 - GoPowerSports.com
209760A - Comet CSC 400 Series. 35 Chain. 3/4" Bore, 12 teeth. | Go Kart & Mini Bike Parts | MFG Supply
Centrifugal Clutches | Go Kart Clutch Catalog | Mini Bike Clutch (gokartsupply.com)