Go Kart Maintenance Step by Step Guideline

If you are an avid go kart owner, then you probably already know the ins and outs of go kart maintenance. If you are a new owner though you may have gotten a quick run-down. First and foremost, of course always follow your owner’s manual if you have one.

This is just a general guide that you can use. Since there are so many different makes and models of go karts. If it is a build it won’t have a guide. So the suggestions made here are just for general reference. Keeping your go kart up and running does take some regular maintenance.

With regular maintenance though you can help stave off a lot of big problems. You can also be rest assured by keeping up with your go kart maintenance, that your go kart will be ready to go when you are. Keep reading for general maintenance tips and things you should check at the end of your go karting season or when it will be stored for a while.

Here is the area we will go over things to check regularly throughout the time you are using your go kart. Some will also include how to do instructions, so you can do many things yourself. Saving yourself money having to have someone else do it. Remember, though in doubt it is best having someone skilled to do it.

The approximate amount of tension needed is ½ inch of movement in the chain. When checking tension check between the clutch and sprocket. Over tightening will reduce chain life and you will lose horsepower. You will also end up with unwanted clutch engagement when you want to idle. 

Easiest way to check alignment is to rotate the drive wheel backward. While doing that check that the chain is feeding straight back onto the back sprocket. The chain should be riding in the center of the sprocket. If not, you will have to add or remove the spacers on the drive wheel axle until it is correctly aligned.

Check for worn out parts, if the chain has too much slack or isn’t fitting in between sprocket teeth right it is time for a new chain. Also make sure to check sprocket too, if the teeth have become pointed it is time to replace it as well.

Oil Maintenance

Checking the oil is pretty common sense but next is some tips on oil changes and maintenance schedule. So you know the easiest and best ways to handle the oil maintenance.

There are two ways you can change the oil some engines have a square headed bolt at the bottom of the block. If you remove this the oil will flow to the lowest point of the engine. This is also the best for removing the sludge that may have accumulated at the bottom. This route can also be very messy. The other way is to remove the engine and dump the oil, or tip the whole kart backward and let the oil out a filler hole into a pan.

Also another trick many will do for a more efficient oil change is to bring the motor up to operating temp. However, the engine and oil will be very hot, so it can make pulling the engine a no go way of changing it. 

Your oil changing schedule should be according to your engine specs. One of the biggest known manufacturers Briggs suggests changing the oil every 25 hours or once per season. If you are lucky enough to live where you can ride all year, you will be doing it more frequently than once a season.

End of Season Checklist of Things to Do

If you are someone who does have to put the go kart away for the season, there are things that should be done. So here is a great general checklist of what those things are. 

FINAL INSIGHT

Hopefully this information helps you to keep your go kart running in tip top shape. I know maintenance can sometimes seem scary. However, go kart maintenance is easier than you think and by doing it will save you harder more difficult work sooner than it has to be done. That’s all for today, I would love to hear any comments or questions that you have about Go Kart Maintenance