Torque converter question

[nmorris]

Hi,
My name is Nate. I'm new to the go cart scene and just had a couple questions about torque converters. I bought my first cart last week, bought a new engine and it is definitely not running like it should be.
When I start it up, it immediately wants to go on its own. I hop in and I don't even have to touch the gas pedal and it continues to speed up. When I hit the brakes and come to a stop, the engine clunks and almost dies. I even noticed the clutch was smoking at one point.
I called a local cart specialist and he said I need a torque converter. I have the clutch mounted on the engine shaft with a chain connecting to a large sprocket on the axle. My cart is a yerf dog 3202 with large tires.
I would really appreciate any advice offered up. I've been lurking for a few days and you guys seem to know your stuff!

Thx!

 

[robbie]

Sounds like you need a lower idle speed on your engine.

 

[souperman000]

well first off, we need to now - brand of engine
size/power rating
centifugal clutch or not?

Have you tried adjusting the idle screw on the carberator?

pictures help too.

Oh and WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

EDIT - Robbie, I took too long typing my post!

 

[landuse]

Like Souperman says, we need a lot more from you. All you probably have to do is set your idle. Your engine will die when you stop because your clutch is still engaging and you are pressing on the brake. This will kill the engine.

Post some pics so that we can see what you have.

And welcome to the forum!!

 

[nmorris]

My laptop croaked two days ago so I'm having to do all this on my phone - not sure I can get pics up right now.

Engine: Predator 212cc/horizontal with centrifugal clutch.

I haven't messed with the idle speed. Would it be the black plastic screw on the back of the carb?

 

[klicky96]

The black screw on the carb, yes. Raise the rear end up so it don't take off. Start her up. And turn that screw counter-clockwise to tune her down nice and good. Your clutch might be smoking because 1.) might not have low enough gearing. or 2.) stays engaged because of the high idle.

 

[robbie]

I'd say the clutch is probably smoking because of the high idle, because he said the kart takes off and keeps speeding up, so I wouldn't think it's geared too high.

 

[nmorris]

Thanks for the replies! I'll try adjusting the idle tonight. I REALLY hope that's the issue - I wasn't too happy to hear that I need to buy a $150 part to get this thing going.

I'll keep you posted.
Thanks again!

 

[nmorris]

Ok, so I backed the black screw almost all the way out and the tires were still spinning like crazy. I couldn't notice a change in idle speed. I pushed the throttle lever (mounted on engine) forward towards the front of the kart and it slowed the idle but the back tires kept spinning. The engine warmed up for a few minutes and it was unchoked.

It's not a good thing if the back tires are spinning on their own, right? I mean, when the tires spin - the kart is moving, right? Haha...

 

[robbie]

Regardless of where you set the idle screw, maybe your throttle linkage doesn't allow the arm to return all the way to idle.

 

[nmorris]

I took off the air box to see if the governor rod/spring and throttle spring were "springing" properly and noticed that the little black piece that the idle screw pushes was set all the way out and not evect springing back to the screw. I messed with both springs but couldn't get them to put proper tension on that black piece.

Sorry, it's kind of a vague description. ��

 

[r_chez_08]

Will it go if you push it back? if so add a throttle return spring.

 

[klicky96]

Will it go if you push it back? if so add a throttle return spring.

Good Idea Right Here, but remember, if your throttle is a spring setup, and not solid cable, then you need to make sure that the return spring is not stronger than the throttle spring that opens the throttle. This would result in high-to-low-to-high revving or not even moving the throttle and pulling the other spring apart.

 

[nmorris]

Wherever I move the throttle lever, the wheels keep spinning. I heard from someone else that this particular kart comes stock with a torque converter. I guess at some point the converter was removed. Gonna dig a little deeper to see if I can find some stock pictures.

I really appreciate your advice!

 

[Jcotz]

It may be a problem with your clutch, as before you said it had begun smoking. If this is the problem, then you probably need a new clutch.

 

[landuse]

Post some pics of your linkages so that we can see if everything is OK. Also post some pics of your clutch and drive train

 

[klicky96]

It may be a problem with your clutch, as before you said it had begun smoking. If this is the problem, then you probably need a new clutch.

If the throttle is high-low revving itself, then it cannot be the clutch.

 

[Jcotz]

Oh, I assumed from the premature engagement that the clutch was one of the problems.

 

[klicky96]

The clutch was smoking because the engine was trying to lock it in, but couldn't. If it was the clutch, the engine wouldn't rev high-to-low-to-high randomly. That sounds either a governor issue or an air leak.

 

[nmorris]

I'll get some pics up ASAP. The linkage should be ok - I left everything exactly how it came out of the box. Who knows, it could be messed up. I did some searching online last night and the pics I found all had TC's and the spec sheet included one as well.

Now, I'm pretty convinced that my kart does require a torque converter and I'm kind of reconsidering this whole endeavor. I don't have the money to put towards the part and labor to get this thing running properly. Maybe I'm discouraged because its been nothing but a headache/money pit thus far...AND it's taking up my trucks spot in the garage!! Anyone want a yerf dog? Haha.