So I have inherited a go cart with a Tecumseh engine for my kids. Really don't know anything about it. It does have a centrifugal clutch. When I start it with the choke on starts first pull, I turn the choke off/open and watch out its gone. Thank God for a chair and my Honda 450 to stop it. What could be causing this thought maybe idle to high but don't see a screw in the carb. What other things could be causing it to do this?
Takes off when starting
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Hellion
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Idle could be way too high, engaging the clutch right as you start it...
Or the clutch could be seized/frozen and basically one piece. Can you freely rotate the outer 'bell' end separately from the inner portion (the part that is attached to the engine's crankshaft)?
---------- Post added at 08:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 PM ----------
I recommend this guide for centrifugal clutch users. Taught me a few pointers...
10 Things to Know about a Centrifugal Clutch
https://www.bmikarts.com/10-Things-about-Centrifugal-Clutch
Or the clutch could be seized/frozen and basically one piece. Can you freely rotate the outer 'bell' end separately from the inner portion (the part that is attached to the engine's crankshaft)?
---------- Post added at 08:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 PM ----------
I recommend this guide for centrifugal clutch users. Taught me a few pointers...
10 Things to Know about a Centrifugal Clutch
https://www.bmikarts.com/10-Things-about-Centrifugal-Clutch
mckutzy
Well-known member
Ahh.... maybe the throttle cable is stuck a bit, so as to pull it open and then it takes off... Happened to me...
As per my usual statement....... pics of your ride..
As per my usual statement....... pics of your ride..
Karttekk
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Always start up a kart with either the parking brake applied (if equipped) or against a tree, a wall or put blocks in front of the wheels. Just basic safety practices.
Jakebleazard75@gmail.com
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I had this happen to me. I would pull the starter, it would fire up and take off making a a weird noise. But when I oiled the clutch, it worked fine! So if the clutch isn’t frozen, try that. Just squirt a bit of oil in the gap between the C-clip that holds on the clutch bell. This is something you should be doing to maintain the clutch. Be sure to oil it regularly.
Did you look at any of the advice that was posted above? Did you check to see if it was any of the things mentioned?
Hellion
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Seriously; heed and obey our South African moderator—he speaks wise words. 
All the other suggestions aside, your engine photos confuse me.
I see two cables near the carburetor. One appears properly attached to the governor control arm (which is the true throttle control of a governed engine) but I can’t see where the other cable terminates or what it’s attached to. ???
I think your problem might be that the throttle is always open/slightly open and not closing to idle. Could be binding in the throttle cable, a seized (rusted, corroded) or rough throttle cable or a missing return spring or one that is not strong enough to close the throttle all the way down to idle (when the pedal is released).
You must assure that when the pedal is relaxed, there’s no tension in the cable especially at the governor/throttle end.
*Oil the clutch bushing (like that guy said)! You might just have a roasted clutch that’s basically engaged all the time.
How fast does this kart take off after you start it? Is it going like a bat out of Hades?
All the other suggestions aside, your engine photos confuse me.
I see two cables near the carburetor. One appears properly attached to the governor control arm (which is the true throttle control of a governed engine) but I can’t see where the other cable terminates or what it’s attached to. ???
I think your problem might be that the throttle is always open/slightly open and not closing to idle. Could be binding in the throttle cable, a seized (rusted, corroded) or rough throttle cable or a missing return spring or one that is not strong enough to close the throttle all the way down to idle (when the pedal is released).
You must assure that when the pedal is relaxed, there’s no tension in the cable especially at the governor/throttle end.
*Oil the clutch bushing (like that guy said)! You might just have a roasted clutch that’s basically engaged all the time.
How fast does this kart take off after you start it? Is it going like a bat out of Hades?
Karttekk
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