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By Chad Shaw

Once in a while we experience troubles in our go cart engines. While it's easier to just have a mechanic take a look at it, you may be charged an arm and a leg to have it fixed. What you don't know is that there are some engine troubles you can fix without a mechanics expertise. You don't need to run to a mechanic each time you experience a weak spark or no spark on your engine. For instance, if you're engine uses points then you can try changing the plug and replacing the points. Performance problems are a longer discussion but it involves gapping the coil in order to improve the engine's power.

Before we discuss anything deeper, we need to familiarize ourselves with engines. If you remove the recoil starter, you will see a magnet on the flywheel and a coil. There is no need to remove the coil if you're changing the points though you need to check the gap. Under the flywheel, you can locate the condenser and the points. The gaps in the points are at.020 inches. Although you can reuse the points when you file them, you can also replace them at a very affordable price because the parts are not really expensive.

Now, when troubleshooting go cart engines, it is advisable to start by taking out the recoil starter housing such that the starter recoil clutch and the flywheel are exposed. Use channel lock pliers to grip the clutch and then turn it counter clockwise to remove it. A stout screw driver will help keep the flywheel from moving while you are on the process of removing the clutch. Keep in mind that the flywheel should be handled with care because it is made of cast iron which is brittle.

Sometimes, the go carts starter fails to catch or it is too sticky that it makes it difficult for the spring to recoil it. To solve this problem, open up the clutch using a cold chisel. Do not lubricate the bearings in the interior. You can remove the stickiness by using a carb cleaner eliminate dirt and grease. Do not put grease on the bearings because lubrication will only make dirt stick to it and thus make the clutch even stickier.

There is a special puller that can be used to pull out the flywheel but 2 or 3 jaw puller will work just as good. You only need a slight turn to loosen the flywheel. After you have removed the flywheel, you will notice that the points are now exposed. Remove the screws and take a close look at the entire system. Check to see if there's a moisture or oil behind the cover. If you see any, install new seals. Moisture and oil can contaminate the points and hasten its fouling.

You can purchase brand new points kits at any hardware store or lawn mower dealer. Check to see if there are signs of burning or unusual wearing on the contact points. After, remove the condenser and rocking arm. Put in the new ones but be careful not to strip the small bolts. You can now gap the points at a suggested distance with the help of a feeling gauge.

Lastly, seal the hole where the wires poke out of the cover with an RTV gasket material. Re-check the coil and gap and then place the clutch and housing back. It's as simple as that and you're good to go. However, if the problem is not solved then it probably really needs expert opinion.

When you reinstall the flywheel on a go cart engines, you have to give it a little tap on the surface using a wooden mallet. The tap should be done evenly all over the whole surface so that the pressure is not concentrated on only one fin or thrust it unevenly. Go carts are fun vehicles and can be a problem at times because they are mechanical but if you have some knowledge about the way they work then you can fix issues yourself. Troubleshooting manuals can always offer simple solutions to the most difficult problems.

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By Jill Kaestner

Go karting is the most accessible form of motor racing and is a popular sport for people of all ages, experience and budgets. However, if you want to pursue the sport at a competitive level you need to invest in quality go kart parts and accessories. Even for having a go kart hobby or using it for fun, it is vitally important that you purchase safety gear. In spite of the relatively low speeds of go kart racing compared to other motor sports, go karts are still dangerous and accidents do occur. Karts can travel up to 60mph and are very open and exposed with minimal built-in safety devices. It is therefore crucial that you are adequately protected.

Helmet

The first thing that needs to be bought is a helmet which is undeniably the most essential piece of motor racing safety gear. You will be required to wear one even for practising at your local go kart club. Cheaper helmets are made of fibreglass, while a higher quality one for competitions to give greater crash protection is made of carbon fibre. There is also the option of full-faced or open-faced design. Open-faced helmets are more comfortable and give better driver visibility but they obviously provide less protection for the face. It is a matter of personal preference but some competitions only allow drivers to wear full-faced helmets. Those who engage in professional go kart racing may desire and be required to wear a helmet with a HANS (Head and Neck Support) device. This forces the impact during a crash into the chest muscles and away from the neck in order to prevent whiplash and minimize serious neck injury.

Race Suit

With the possibility of accidents in go kart racing you need to purchase a race suit to help protect yourself from injury. These suits are made from flame-resistant material such as nomex to protect from burns should fuel in your go kart ignite in a crash. They also protect the ribs and chest against impact. It is advisable to buy a higher quality race suit which will offer greater protection and last longer than a cheaper version. It is also very important that the race suit fits properly.

Gloves

Karting gloves protect the hands from the normal blisters and abrasions that occur when racing and also help protect them from damage in case of accident. Gloves also absorb sweat, thereby improving the driver's grip on the steering wheel and making the ride much more comfortable.

Boots

A go kart driver should invest in a pair of high quality boots as most accidents occur due to incorrect or insufficient footwear. Boots should be light and have mesh panels to provide ventilation. Thin anti-slip soles are best in order to have good pedal contact and grip. You can also purchase oil and fuel resistant overshoes to slip on over your boots in wet conditions.

Additional Gear

There are additional go kart parts that provide extra safety. Some karters wear a neck brace to avoid their head moving too much. This can take the form of a foam ring or a more complex restraint. Others, especially children, will often wear rib protectors, as well as knee and elbow pads.

Go karting is a thoroughly enjoyable sport but remember it carries risks and there is nothing more important than ensuring your safety.

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