[Kartbuilding] Check out The Brakes and Sprocket mountings

[Stephen Burke]

Hi Jack,

How many teeth are on the sprocket on the engine, and how many teeth are 
on the sprocket on the rear axle?

The most common cause of lack of power, is the fact that people have the 
wrong gear ratio. That coupled with large wheels and a heavy chassis makes 
if difficult to take off and get going.

In my experience you'd need a gear ratio of 5:1 (10 teeth on the engine 
sprocket and 50 teeth on the rear axle). It can be tough to get sprockets 
these sizes however. An example of these can be seen at:
http://kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/Kart_Clearance_and_Memories/DSC01024.JPG.html
http://kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/Kart_Clearance_and_Memories/DSC01172.JPG.html

Did you mention you had a converter? I take it this is a torque converter? 
Can you tell if it is slipping much? Does the drive belt get warm? If the 
belt is heating up and slipping, you will need to increase the size of the 
sprocket on the rear axle. This will provide more torque.

Best of luck,
-steve


On Wed, 4 Mar 2009, Nvris4evr wrote:

> Hello
> I have a complete go kart( that even runs) BUT I am having a problem  with
> power .Seems there is not enough power getting to the wheels.Do I need  bigger
> sprocket on axle and or the sprocket on the converter. The  engine  is an 8
> hp.I have replaced  the axle,new bearings,and put 4  locking collars to prevent
> axle shift. Engine  sprocket is in perfect  aliment with axle sprocket.PLEASE
> HELP :-)
> thanks in advance
> Jack B  (Teeshot4)
> **************