torque converter question

[Johnny chop]

Hi all, looking for recommendation for a torque converter for my trike chopper. Just got it running and took it for spin around the yard and after only a few minutes the clutch got smokin' hot. I think I may have the idle/throttle cable set up a little high, it wants to creep with no throttle and just keeps going when throttle released, it was one hell of a ride with no brakes yet! I want to get a torque converter but not sure which one. I think I want the comet 40 but it has a 1 in bore on the driver, my Tecumseh 7hp has 3/4 shaft. So I think I would need either comet 30 or torq-a-verter system. Is the 30 a better converter? Currently running 10t front and 60t rear, 19 inch dia. tires. Will use around yard and streets, slight inclines/hills, not really an offroad trike, more of a cruiser. After reading some other threads, maybe need a 72t rear sprocket too? What ya'll think? Thanks.

 

[OzFab]

6:1 gearing with 19" tyres; I think you should go to at least 72t.

Looking at the length/angle of the chain, you may even benifit from a jackshaft. However, if you use a ctv, it negates that point as you'll have a jackshaft anyway...

 

[r_chez_08]

I would say 6:1 is fine, that is what my kart had for a while, and with a torque converter it was good.
Looks like a tav2 would work beautifully here.
A comet 40 series is rated for 8-18hp and has a 1" driver bore.
A comet 30 series is rated for 3-8hp and has a 3/4" or 1" driver bore.
A tav(2) is just a 30 series in a kit with a jackshaft, backplate and cover.

I guess you are running #40/1 chain? Then a 9t sprocket for the torque converter output like this one would improve your gearing IMO.
This would give you a 30mph top speed. You could always remove or adjust the governor if you want more speed. I feel for hills etc you will be much more satisfied with the 9t.

Nice trike btw!

 

[Johnny chop]

Thanks Fabroman and r chez 08. Think I'll go with the TAV2 and see how that goes, sweet!

 

[mckutzy]

That thing is pretty cool. What kind of brakes you got on that, just the drum up front?

I would recommend a chain guard though. Thats alot of exposed chain waiting to tear into someones leg, especially having forward mounted pegs.

 

[Johnny chop]

Thanks, its got a front drum and rear drum that came on the rear axle off an 80's Suzuki ALT. Modified the live axle with a trailer stub axle and fee hub. Gonna get the TAV2 mounted then figure out the chain guard.




l

 

[Johnny chop]

Muckutzy, just read your build thread, awesome! Will be doing something similar to your chain guard idea and love the RR spike pegs and how you source material. My build is also low budget, a lot of my materials were given to me, found or swap meet finds. Can-Am frame and fork free from a buddy's barn. Bars, pegs, moped front wheel, rear axle/rims/wheels, thumb throttle were all swap meet finds. Traded two old push mowers for a snow thrower (motor, gas tank and engine mount plate). Rear frame triangle made from metal plates that came on a 4x4 winch bumper. Seat came off an exercise bike left at the curb.