Questions about go kart setup

[Panhead5496]

Hello guys! I was looking for some info about go karts and came upon this site. I then realized I had signed up awhile ago with questions about a Baja Warrior. Everyone was so helpful and got my problems straightened out so painlessly I thought I would ask here again. (also I'm not exactly sure if this is more of a buggy or what, so I'm going to call it a go kart...correct me if I'm wrong)

Anyway, a few weeks ago I got a Yerfdog 3202 off of craigslist. The former owner had run the engine without any oil and didn't want to go to the hassle of putting a new one on. So I got a new predator 212 (it was on ebay for $80 shipped!). I've watched several YouTube videos and installing it seems simple enough. However I've run into other problems.

I sat in the kart and had someone give it a shove. When I pressed the brake pedal it didn't stop or even slow the kart. So I looked at the brake (it has a band brake) and realized that it didn't seem like the brake cable was tightening the band tight enough. I see no way to adjust the brake cable to make it shorter. Am I missing something or do I need a new band? I took it off and it looks ok but I'm not sure.

The second issue I'm having is I'm not sure how the clutch is supposed to work. I have the one off my Warrior (I swapped it to a torque converter) which fits on the predator crankshaft, but I don't know how it is secured on the end, and it seems to be freely spinning on the crankshaft. Any suggestions on that would be great!

I would really appreciate anyone who reads through all that and answers all my questions! I'm sure I'm asking some dumb questions thanks in advance guys

 

[maknwar]

Show pictures of both ends of the brake cable. There has to be a way to tighten it, if not then you can add a cable end that is adjustable.

The clutch needs a key on the shaft and a bolt to go into the end of it to secure the clutch.

 

[Poboy kartman]

Sometimes those brake bands wind up hooked up backwards....pics would definitely help.

 

[Panhead5496]

Show pictures of both ends of the brake cable. There has to be a way to tighten it, if not then you can add a cable end that is adjustable.

The clutch needs a key on the shaft and a bolt to go into the end of it to secure the clutch.

I will add some pics tomorrow! I tried everything I knew and it wouldn't tighten. Is it possible the band brake is shot?

As for the clutch, it seems to have a built in key...I tried to slide it on the crankshaft with the key the engine came with, but it wouldn't fit. Took it off and the clutch slid right on. I'll add pics of that too. What does the bolt look like? Not sure I have one of those.

Sometimes those brake bands wind up hooked up backwards....pics would definitely help.

Really? It looks like it can only go one way. I'll check that out too.

Thanks guys. I'll add the necessary pics tomorrow.

 

[Panhead5496]

Here are the pictures. Hope they help. I still can't figure out how to secure the clutch on the crankshaft. I am considering not using the clutch and getting a torque converter instead. I know I will eventually use a torque converter, so it might be better in the long run just doing that. Thoughts?

 

[maknwar]

Post a pic of the other end of the brake cable and the brake band.

 

[Panhead5496]

Ok I will soon. I took the brake band off already if that matters.

 

[chancer]

Look inside that Clutch. The keyway is built in.
Also then you just put a nut and washer in the end of the crankshaft to keep it from sliding off.

 

[Panhead5496]

All right so I took the band brake to a local shop and they happened to have one in their store. I installed it last night and it works great now.

On another note I think I have decided to just go ahead and get a torque converter (I put one on my Warrior a few years ago and it is working very well still!). There are tons to choose from it seems. Would this be a direct bolt on to a predator 212? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Go-Kart-Tor...338&rk=1&rkt=18&mehot=ag&sd=301653757821#rwid

Thanks for the help guys

 

[chancer]

Yes

 

[Panhead5496]

Ok awesome! I will definitely be ordering one soon.

What kind of performance increase can I expect with a torque converter over a clutch?

 

[Hellion]

Well in essence it is a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which gives you the grunt (low gearing) to get up and over hills and the speed to run fast on more level terrain (high gearing).

Just try it--you'll like it.

 

[Panhead5496]

That sounds great!

This might be a little off topic, but what break in procedures does the new engine need? I know I have to add oil...what else?

 

[Panhead5496]

Hey guys! I didn't want to start a new thread but I am having a few issues.

The TC came today and I got it mounted to the engine. Cranked it to make sure it was working right and noticed that the belt only engages a fraction of the amount it should. The engine is still governed. I'm assuming that in order for the TC to work to it's full effect I'm going to have to take out the governor? I've never done it before and am a little hesitant to do so, but I can if I have to.

On another note, I put the engine on the go cart where it would be sitting and realized that the chain is going to scrub on the plate of the TC. I am just placing the engine directly on the frame, with no mount of any sort. Do I need to get a engine mount? Or what do I need to do to get the engine and TC mounted correctly?

I really appreciate all the help so far

 

[Panhead5496]

Is this what I will need? http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...ontent=13837&gclid=CK6j_N7Ui9ACFUEvgQod0coM8A

Also is there a way to mount the plate to the kart without welding it?

 

[pRoFiT]

Yes plate needs to be welded. The tc can bolt several ways to engine to make it easier to setup. You should have some clearance if done right. I just did same on my kart and yes close but not hitting.

Also if you rev the engine does the tc engage more. It's based on rpm and torque. Check my thread out. I have video of running and tc spinning and bench. So you should see it move if done correct.


P.s.the belt goes on one way only. There is a v on one side and straight on other.

---------- Post added at 03:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:01 PM ----------

Also. not the greatest video. but this guy shows some common issues like the oil plug interference issue and how to put all the parts together. In case you missed something.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK7EW9vcqSw

 

[Panhead5496]

Hey guys! Just an update on my cart...

I got frustrated with it and sold the whole thing.


























Kidding! I remembered a family friend who owns a shop. I contacted him and he said to bring the cart by. We looked at how it should line up and bolt on etc. and he welded me a plate. Now the engine mounts to the plate, which mounts to the frame, so there's lots of adjustment available. I bought a new chain, installed the torque converter (thanks for the video^^!!) and got the engine mounted. Drove it over the weekend and it works great. The family wouldn't let me stop giving them rides. So much fun. Clocked it (uphill, with me and a passenger) at about 33 mph. I love it. Thanks again for all the help guys!

 

[Panhead5496]

Hey guys didn't want to make a new thread, but here's a video of me running my aforementioned go cart. Hope you like it!

https://youtu.be/9NCxAg47_9c

 

[Tom Knight]

With that 212cc motor I'd put on a disk brake, 7-8 inch dia.......old dog