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Article Topic: Centrifugal Clutch Problem
Identification - Remedy - Dave Recommends
This article pertains to only
those karts driven by a centrifugal clutch.
 If your kart looks like the picture, you have a
centrifugal clutch drive system. Please Note: The chain guard cover has been removed for
this lesson. It may not be necessary for you to remove your chain guard cover.
In all instances you will see the drive chain over the centrifugal
clutch sprocket teeth going to and over the drive wheel sprocket teeth.
| PROBLEM |
PROBABLE CAUSE |
| Engine starts, Kart wants to
move ahead on it's own and there is a loud screeching sound coming from the clutch. |
Clutch Bushing needs to be
lubricated. |
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Remedy - How
to Lubricate
////// WARNING - Make
sure engine is OFF before doing anything to it //////
There are three clutch types, one will be yours.
| Type
One (Same as photo) |
| |
You will see a bolt and a washer which holds the clutch
in place on the engine crankshaft. The color of the washer is usually brighter than the
color of the clutch. The diameter of the washer is usually just a very little larger than
the diameter of the clutch area it is pressed against. The open space behind where the
washer is pressed against is where lubrication oil is presented. Use at least four drops
of 30wt. oil which will drain downward and lubricate the clutch bushing which you cannot
see. You might want to move the kart foreword and backward slightly enabling the lubricant
to reach the bushing. |
| Type
Two |
| |
Some clutches do not have a bolt and washer and are
secured to the engine crankshaft with two set screws found on the engine side of the
clutch. In this instance, oil the clutch in the same spot as
if there was a bolt in place. You can see a split ring at the very end which has two holes
for a tool to put the split ring in place. Lubricate on top of the split ring area. |
| Type Three |
| |
Another style clutch has a grease fitting in place of
the bolt. A grease gun is required to lubricate this fitting, however, if a grease gun is
not available, lubricate clutch (see type one) with 30 wt. oil. One pump with a grease gun
should be adequate. |
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Go Kart Dave Recommends: |
Lubricating
the bushing each time the kart is used in sandy or dusty areas and every ten hours if used
on grassy areas. |
Now, restart your engine Mr. or Miss young
mechanic!
Problem Solved? Congratulations!
You didn't need to purchase any parts either!
However, if the problem still exists there may be
another cause.
So, watch for my upcoming series of articles on
"How to Keep'em Running"
See you on the web!
Be careful...and have fun,
Go-Kart Dave
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