Frequently Asked Torque Converter / Clutch
Questions
Torque Converter
Centrifugal Clutch
Torque
Converter
(Look at the picture.
The unit on the left is called the "driver," and it attaches to the
crankshaft of your engine. The unit on the right is the "driven,"
and it is mounted on the jackshaft, which looks like a small axle and also
will contain the "driving" chain sprocket.)
This is a torque converter with the covers off. The lower unit (by
the fingers) is called the DRIVEN unit. The one on the engine is the
DRIVER. This set-up was used on Brister's Thunder Karts -- the
DRIVEN unit is mounted "backwards" of most units, and this requires a
special unit. (Do not operate the engine without all the guards in
place.)
Clean and lubricate
Symptoms - When torque converters get
dirty, they will (a) jerk when you hit the gas pedal, similar to "popping
the clutch", and/or (b) creep -- move slightly forward -- when idling.
Severely dirty torque converters will lock-up, generally in the engaged
position. This can cause the engine to die when you depress the
brake and stop, and cause the wheels to push the kart forward when you
pull on the pull rope. The longer you wait to clean it, the more
damage it does.
Interval - Torque converters on
engines <8 hp generally need to be cleaned and lubricated within the first
5 hours, and about every 20 hours thereafter. Special lube is
required. Consult your owner's manual, as this is not difficult, but
if it's done incorrectly, it can ruin your torque converter.
Torque
converters on larger engines (8+ hp) generally only need cleaning about
once a year, depending upon use. Read your owner's manual carefully,
or take it to an authorized shop.
Rust - Rust on either of your units
(driver -- on engine; driven -- on jackshaft) will "sand" the belt
on the side, similar to rubbing it with sandpaper. This will narrow
the belt, and can damage the torque converter units. The unit should
be replaced, but its live may be extended by sanding off the rust.
You will still get excessive belt wear, but not as badly as before.
Torque
Converter Video -- Press "Play" (below) to Start
You must be 18 years or older
to view these instructions; minors should never work on go-karts.
You may save
this to your computer for future reference, but you may not otherwise copy
it in any manner, nor use it for any public display.
Click here to purchase a higher-resolution DVD containing this video
and others.
Download Windows Media Player
Belt Replacement
Interval
- Torque converter belts wear, and will eventually break.
It's a good idea to change your belt before it breaks, as the belt may
damage the torque converter when it breaks. Depending on how much
you ride your kart, you can expect about 9 months from a belt.
Caution
- Many torque converter belts are asymmetrical, i.e., one side has
a considerable angle while the other side is so little an angle it appears
to be straight. When replacing this belt, it's important to put the
"flat" side toward the engine -- most belts will indicate the direction on
the outside of the belt. Failure to install the belt correctly will
cause the belt to self-destruct as soon as you give it the gas.
Centrifugal
Clutch
Lube
Interval
- Centrifugal clutches must
be oiled every hour around the bronze bushing. Use lubricant
designed especially for clutch karts, or 30w motor oil if chain lube is
unavailable. Do not use anything with Teflon or PTFE in it -- they
can ruin the clutch.
Exception: BDM karts, and
several other brands, have special "grease fitting" clutches. These
should be lubricated with high temperature grease every 4 - 6 hours.
(These also require a special "GF" clutch when replacing the clutch.
Replacing the clutch with a "standard" clutch will defeat the lubrication
system.)
Clutch Video --
Press "Play" (below) to Start
You must be 18 years or older
to view these instructions; minors should never work on go-karts.
You may save
this to your computer for future reference, but you may not otherwise copy
it in any manner, nor use it for any public display.
Click here to purchase a higher-resolution DVD containing this video
and others.
Download Windows Media Player
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