Torque Converter and Gear Ratio Question

[readymix]

So, my kart project had its first fire up and run yesterday. Ran great for about 100 yards. Then smoked the clutch. I'm probably geared too tall.

Some info:

Predator 212
MaxTorque 12T clutch
60T sprocket
Kart weighs probably 70lbs wet.
I'm about 220.

So, my question is, as I'm at the dawn of ordering a new device to transfer power to my axle, will a TAV 30 be more forgiving of a 5:1 ratio? The TAVs I have seen have a 12T sprocket as well. So the final out would still be 5:1, but the initial ratio between the output shaft of the engine, and the output of the TAV is much higher than that.

I've searched the forums and Google pretty extensively (this place is the goto place though for me) and I can't find any combination of words that will bring up information/setups/etc for a TAV with a good gear ratio setup.

Anyone have any info/input/etc?

 

[readymix]

Should also throw in there that the rear tires are 11" in diameter.

 

[OzFab]

That setup should've been ok, I have a very similar setup & it works fine; how was tha acceleration? Did it take off ok or was it a bit sluggish?

Honestly, my first thought was you got a dodgy clutch...

 

[readymix]

The acceleration was great once it got going. It seemed to pop and have plenty of power. It got sluggish on the second turn I took. I was taking it pretty easy. My only concern, now that I look back on it, the rear pads were lightly rubbing the rotor, and I figured they just needed to be bedded. The rear axle wasn't free rolling to the hands, but I could easily push it. And figured a light run would get everything settled. I may have to take a look at that before I move forward.

My main concern right now though, since I have to replace that clutch, will that 5:1 gearing be ok with a TAV? I'm guessing it will be.

 

[landuse]

The acceleration was great once it got going. It seemed to pop and have plenty of power. It got sluggish on the second turn I took. I was taking it pretty easy. My only concern, now that I look back on it, the rear pads were lightly rubbing the rotor, and I figured they just needed to be bedded. The rear axle wasn't free rolling to the hands, but I could easily push it. And figured a light run would get everything settled. I may have to take a look at that before I move forward.

My main concern right now though, since I have to replace that clutch, will that 5:1 gearing be ok with a TAV? I'm guessing it will be.

5:1 with a TAV30 should be fine.

I am just a bit worried that something else could be wrong. Either you had a bad clutch (cos it should have been OK), or there is something wrong with the engine. If you push the throttle pedal all the way, does it open the engine up to full throttle? What I am getting at is that maybe you weren't getting the full travel of the throttle cable to rev the engine up fully

 

[readymix]

5:1 with a TAV30 should be fine.

I am just a bit worried that something else could be wrong. Either you had a bad clutch (cos it should have been OK), or there is something wrong with the engine. If you push the throttle pedal all the way, does it open the engine up to full throttle? What I am getting at is that maybe you weren't getting the full travel of the throttle cable to rev the engine up fully

That might be the case. The conduit had slipped. I am going to try to shim the conduit retainer to get a better bite on it. Also on my to do list is to make certain the brake caliper is squared up on the frame.