Bobs good at that.Out of context but I love how a small question turned into an entire massive discussion![]()
So basically after I brake it would take forever to accelerate?US chain pitch is measured 1/8” increments.
Chains that start with 2 are 2/8” pitch.
Chains that start with 3 are 3/8” pitch.
Chains that start with 4 are 4/8” pitch.
Chain that start with 5 are 5/8” pitch.
most common karting chains are 3/8” or 4/8” (1/2”) so most chains start with 3 or 4 like #35 (3/8” pitch) or #40, #41, #420 (1/2” pitch).
I ask because common clutches are 12T for 3/8” pitch or 10T for 1/2”. But this is for 3/4” crankshafts. Did we confirm the crankshaft size?
3:1 is no good either.
assuming the clutch engages at 1800 RPM, the kart needs to be traveling 18 mph before the clutch stops slipping. And because the gear ratio is bad, it may take forever to get up to the 18 mph. Not good for stop and go, yard kart type driving.
No no that's the old one sorryAnd the clutch still does not fit the engine.


Alright so:If you must keep the rear sprocket, identity what type of chain it needs. Then confirm the size of the crankshaft. You’d need a clutch and jackshaft sprockets that match the pitch of the rear sprocket. If it’s a 3/4” crankshaft, and a 1/2” pitch rear sprocket, you might be able to use a 30 series TAV / Torque converter with an 8T sprocket. I’d personally try to get a 30 series TAV with 7” Driven Unit. Your final gear ratio would be 4.4 : 1. With a 6” driven unit, the final ratio would be 3.6 : 1 and might smoke belts. If the rear sprocket is 3/8” pitch, then the TAV would use a 12T sprocket and again, it would be less than ideal.
1. Tell us the pitch of rear sprocket. (#35 3/8”, #420 1/2”, …)
2. Confirm the size of the crankshaft. ( 19mm, 3/4”, 20mm, …)
3. Tell us the size of the axle. Yours looks split, so swapping it out wouldn’t require much work.
It's flat, just streets. Also I didn't even know clutches can even get THAT hotBob580 is giving you great info. Is it flat or hilly where you are? Hopefully flat and you have a friend that will push start you so you are easier on the clutch. The china clutch you have CANNOT take heat. Once you get the clutch HOT over 121C the spring has gone by-by. It will start engaging sooner and sooner until it is locked up when you go to pull start the engine. The clutch you have is a 10 tooth #41 chain and you need a #35 chain or a #219 chain, which ever you find then let us know. To get the speed you need your friend is going to push start the kart as you hit the gas just to prolong the life of the clutch because no matter what it is going to get HOT and you can use it to cook your dinner.
So the goal is to get your rpm up to at least 5,000 and if you can get a tire that is 12" in diameter and a clutch with 15 teeth and a rear sprocket of 44 teeth you can hit your goal. But it is not how fast you can go, it is how fast can you stop and not on a stationary object. Make sure you are also building into your speed factor some decent brakes. I am old but I got that way by listing to good advice.