[Kartbuilding] Steve - one quick question about 2 optional Torque Converters -

[Stephen Burke]

Hi Norm,

Yes jeff's webpage as a lot of stuff in it!
The torque converter will give the best performance and last the longest.

Best of luck with the frame and gokart, and also the bushing for the 
torque converter.
Take some photos of the kart build and steps you take, and feel free to 
email some onto me here - I would be very interested in seeing the 
development and building of a kart. It has been quite a while since I was 
building karts, and I didnt take enough photos!

Best of Luck,
-steve

On Thu, 12 Jul 2007, Norm Chambers wrote:

> Thanks again Steve - holy cow - jeff parker's page is another gold mine. I've 
> been studying it all evening.
>
> I think I'll go for the torque converter since my engine is dinky.  I'll try 
> and track some parts that get the 5/8 shaft oversized to 3/4 inch, so it'll 
> work.
>
> Thanks again for taking the time to help a newbie.
>
> Me and my boy Brandon just scrubbed down the frame and took all the rust off 
> tonight.  Next steps for frame - sanding down, masking, priming, sanding 
> again, then painting.
>
> -norm
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Stephen Burke"
> To: "Norm Chambers"
> Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:07 AM
> Subject: Re: Steve - one quick question about 2 optional Torque Converters -
>
>
>> Hi Norm,
>> 
>> I done some looking on the www.northerntool.com website.
>> It looks as if you choose the Torque converter method, you *will* have some 
>> adaptation to do, to get it to suit your engine.
>> 
>> There are two methods:
>> 1. Torque Converter
>> 2. Centrifical Clutch
>> 
>> The Torque Converter will need a transfer(middle) axle to transfer the 
>> power via chain to the rear axle. Even if you choose the 5/8" type Torque 
>> Converter for your Engine shaft, the other part of the TQ will not fit onto 
>> the rear axle. A intermeditory/trans axle will have to be setup, so the 
>> power gets transferred to the rear axle.
>> See: http://webpages.charter.net/jeffparker/page20.htm
>> See: http://www.metropartsmarket.com/gokart/torque_converter_2.jpg
>> See: http://www.797-0807.com/images/large/gokart_ID12_05_LRG.jpg
>> 
>> It seems as if the torque converter is meant to bolt onto the engine, but 
>> the power must then be transferred to the rear axle using sprockets and 
>> chains.
>> 
>> The second option is the Centrifical Clutch and is way easier (however not 
>> very efficient). This option can be seen on the www.northertool.com 
>> website. Look under the "accessories" section on:
>> http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_1039461_1039461
>> 
>> I previously wrote an article covering centrifical clutch drives on 
>> http://blog.kartbuilding.net Specifically the article is at:
>> http://blog.kartbuilding.net/2007/06/26/using-a-centrifugal-clutch-and-chain-drive/
>> 
>> I suggest that if you are not willing to do much modifications and work, to 
>> go the centrifical clutch route.
>> 
>> Best of Luck,
>> -steve
>> 
>> On Tue, 10 Jul 2007, Norm Chambers wrote:
>> 
>>> Steve - I'm assuming I have to buy the Comet 340 series, since it's 
>>> offered in a 5/8 " bore, which would let me let it mount directly on the 
>>> horizontal shaft of the engine I already have.
>>> 
>>> Or would it be better to get the Comet 30 or 20 seies and somehow adapt it 
>>> to the existing 5/8 " shaft?
>>> If adapting, how's that usually done / what parts should I search for?
>> 
>
>