[Kartbuilding] Greetings kart builder!

[Stephen Burke]

Hi Jared,

Thank you for your comments about the www.kartbuilding.net website. Im 
glad you find it useful.
When I was using a "Vertical" shaft driven engine, I simply used a V-belt 
pulley drive to transmit the power to the rear axle. See:
http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/Kart_Clearance_and_Memories/DSC01259.JPG.html
http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/Kart_Clearance_and_Memories/DSC01257.JPG.html
http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/Kart_Clearance_and_Memories/DSC01061.JPG.html
where the v-belt can be twisted through 90degrees and transmit the power. 
A 3rd idler pulley wheel on a pivot can also be added into this drive to 
provide a type of clutch. When the idler lever is pivoted in against the 
drive belt, the drive belt tightens and grips the other two pulley wheels 
and the kart takes off.

Anyways, onto Centrifugal clutches. I generally get these clutches off 
"chainsaws", "scooters", and "old racing karts". See:
http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/Kart_Clearance_and_Memories/DSC01031.JPG.html
http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/Commercial_Karts-Photos_and_Details/DSC02148.JPG.html
http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/Kart_Clearance_and_Memories/DSC01035.JPG.html
http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/Kart_Clearance_and_Memories/DSC01044.JPG.html
http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/Kart_Clearance_and_Memories/DSC01097.JPG.html

So - if your are looking to implement one, either get a standard one and 
adjust it for your own use, or try and order one from Briggs and Stratton. 
I would definately think that thoes parts would be available. Briggs and 
Stratton themselves might have it (they are a very large company), or a 
lawnmower repair shop might have replacement parts. You could also take a 
look on eBay for a similar part or lawnmower even. These parts might cost 
a bit however.
If I were in your shoes, I would change the drive setup to allow the use 
of a centrifugal clutch from a chainsaw or a racing kart.

Im afraid I dont know any contacts for getting briggs and stratton parts 
etc.
If you have any further questions, just email them on.

Best of Luck,
-steve

On Sun, 29 Apr 2007, Jared Rattray wrote:

> Gday,
>
> What a fantastic site, thanks for sharing!  I have a question about
> centrifugal clutches.  The kart I am building will be powered by a 160cc
> Victa lawnmower engine, vertical drive.  I know of several karts from
> various sites where people show or mention the use of this engine with good
> success.  The problem being the majority of them are push start.  I was able
> to contact one person who had a centrifugal clutch fitted but he did not
> know what part number or type or even where to get one.  Can you suggest
> anything? Something that would be relatively easy to fit would be a bonus,
> essentially something with a shaft at both ends and the clutch in the
> middle.  I did get one off an old briggs and stratton self drive mower but
> it was worn out and impossible to get replacement parts for.
>
> Cheers!
>
> Jared
>