[Kartbuilding] Greetings kart builder!

[Stephen Burke]

Hi Jared,

That centrifugal clutch on eBay looks ok. It seems to be the standard one 
used on karts.
As for mounting, there are 2 parts to the centrifugal clutch:
1. Bell Shaped Housing with Sprocket Attached
http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/Kart_Clearance_and_Memories/DSC01107.JPG.html

2. Inner Clutch Shoes.
http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/Kart_Clearance_and_Memories/DSC01106.JPG.html

The Bell Shaped Housing spins freely on the Output shaft of the engine. 
The Inner Shoes part is "keyed" and "bolted" to the Output shaft of the 
engine to stop it coming loose. You can see the bolt hole to accept a 
"grub screw" here:
http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/Kart_Clearance_and_Memories/DSC01105.JPG.html
There is also a keyway/slot in the middle and a 5mm x 5mm x 50mm long key 
will insert between the engine and the Inner Shoes part.

It will be very obvious once you have the physical clutch.
You will also have to make sure you have the correct chain to match the 
sprocket that comes attached to the centrifugal clutch.

Best of luck with it and let us know how it goes. If you have any photos 
etc. I can put them up on the www.kartbuilding.net website.

Rgds,
-steve

On Tue, 1 May 2007, Jared Rattray wrote:

> Thanks for the reply it does clear things up a bit.  I had a look and found
> this:
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=012&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=220106448804&rd=1&rd=1
>
>
> spoke to the seller and it turns out he is a long time kart guru and said it
> will suit the engine i have, he even raced with the engine i have in years
> past.  So a bit of good luck there, just need some extra info on fitting the
> clutch.  I can see that it has a sprocket for the chain drive and the axel
> shaft will go into it but will it be fine on the axel shaft alone or need
> other mounting points to hold it?
>
> Cheers!
>
> On 4/30/07, Stephen Burke <sburke at burkesys.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 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
>> >
>> 
>