I just spoke with a kart shop in houston and I was told that it wasnt worth buying the 1" clutches that they actually stopped selling them cause customers were returning them very unhappy due to them burning out in a day or two ? I'm sure most of the problem was probley due to improper gearing but ****, $85 dollars every couple days on a clutch almost makes me loose interest in completing this kart project. I know the torque conv would be a wise choice but really dont wanna spend $230 on one. Has anyone had the same problem with a 1" clutch burning out quickly ? What would be the safest if I do go with this 8hp kohler and the 1" clutch, 15" tires, gearing wise ? I'm looking for something pretty torqie and strong thats why I kinda wanted to stick with the kohler but it seems more of a hassle than it may be worth. Can you guys help with your experience and opinions ?
stumped !
- Thread starter rtenzo02
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BAMBY
MINI BIKER
well, 6:1 or thereabouts seems to be the lowest standard ratio, so any thing with a number higher than 6 will yield more torque, and will be easier on the clutch.
with your big tires, i would think something around 10:1 might be better. that engine also has alot of power to keep the clutch slipping for awhile though, so maybe even more than 10:1 is necessary... the red text is incorrect as Kaptain Krunch says, the more powerfull engine will lock up the clutch faster.
i really cant tell you what ratio is best though.
someone with offroad cart experience probably knows better.
goodluck,
BAMBY
ps if you keep burnin up 85$ clutches, i would just bite the bullet and get a nice 44magnum torque conv or sumthin.
with your big tires, i would think something around 10:1 might be better. that engine also has alot of power to keep the clutch slipping for awhile though, so maybe even more than 10:1 is necessary... the red text is incorrect as Kaptain Krunch says, the more powerfull engine will lock up the clutch faster.
i really cant tell you what ratio is best though.
someone with offroad cart experience probably knows better.
goodluck,
BAMBY
ps if you keep burnin up 85$ clutches, i would just bite the bullet and get a nice 44magnum torque conv or sumthin.
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Kaptain Krunch
Pro Junk Collector
with a more powerful engine the clutch will slip LESS, the engine will reach 3600rpms faster, and therefore lock the clutch up faster. 10:1 is way too high, id go with 6:1 or 7:1, i have 6:1 with a 5hp engine, and 14" tires, and i have plenty of accelleration, but only top out at 30mph.
Bamby, go get yourself a 3hp briggs and a 5hp briggs, gear them the same and use the same clutch, then tell me the bigger engine will slip more.
The reason clutches slip is because an engine will strain, and take a little time to get up to full engagement rpm. Therefor a more powerful engine will reach full engagement faster, and although it will slip on its way there, it will slip less than it would with a less powerful engine.
Bamby, go get yourself a 3hp briggs and a 5hp briggs, gear them the same and use the same clutch, then tell me the bigger engine will slip more.
The reason clutches slip is because an engine will strain, and take a little time to get up to full engagement rpm. Therefor a more powerful engine will reach full engagement faster, and although it will slip on its way there, it will slip less than it would with a less powerful engine.
lemegacool
got boost? :)
go check the "minicup clutch" it's rated 18hp, bought one for a 13 hp go kart the ratio was something like 10/50 on 12" wheels and the clutch was performing beautifully! a little pricey though but well worth it... http://www.heeters.com/kartclutches.shtml
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