

Some higher end clutches for racing will only engage at 2000, 3000 or even higher, to maximize the grab of the clutch and the engine power. It is important that the engine speed be regulated so that when the gocart is stopped, the clutch is fully disengaged. The clutch bells can become very hot if the engine is allowed to run at idle into partial engagement. The speed of the engine can thus be gradually increased, and the engagement will gradually increase as well. When the engine speed increases the centrifugal force on the weights increases by the square of the speed. The clutch operates by taking weights that are mounted on the engine shaft, and flinging them out to the hub/bell of the clutch driver. They are easy to mount, and are not hard on the budget (cost: $30-$40.) There are several clutch systems that are use in go karting:Ĭentrifugal clutches are the most common, and the most cost effective clutches on the market. Typical damage is heat damage, where the clutch will begin to not grab as well, and also the internal components will become excessively worn, to the point where the clutch may fall apart or become inoperable. If the load does not start to move after about 10 to 15 seconds, the clutch could heat up excessively, to the point where damage to the clutch will occur. This is an important consideration, when matching up clutches, to the load/gearing system.Ĭlutches become very hot, if left to engage, or try to make a load move. The disc that you placed on the spinning disk will not suddenly start rotating, but will gradually start rotating until the speed of the two discs is the same.ĭuring the engagement process, heat was being given off, due to the frictional interataction between the two discs. The engagement process is similar to taking a spinning disk and placing another disk (that is not spinning) onto it. Heat is given off as the load member starts to catch up to the engine speed.
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The clutch gradually engages the load by slowly taking the driver of the engine and pressing it against the load member. To get the engine to gradually engage the load, a clutch is placed between the engine, and the load. The engines need to be gradually introduced to the load, or otherwise they will stall, or quit. Typically, gas engines do not have instantaneous torque, like an electric motor.

Go Kart Clutches: Which Kind Should I Use?.

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