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International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide

GO KARTING!
A Guide To The World's Most Popular Motorsport.

Kart Expo International

Spring is not far away, so therefore it’s time to think about tuning up your fun kart for the long “season” ahead. Below, I have listed a number of items for your maintenance checklist. Maintain your kart’s “health” and it will last longer with fewer problems, which equals more fun!

Two important areas of maintenance for a 4-cycle engine are engine oil and air filters. Maintaining a “clean” engine will prolong its life.

ENGINE OIL: The oil must be constantly monitored throughout the year. If the engine oil was changed in the fall, a simple check of the oil level will suffice. If you did not change the oil in the fall, drain the lubricant, dispose of it properly and replace oil drain plug. Then refill the crankcase according to manufacturer’s specs.  If you have lost the owner’s manual, a good rule of thumb is to fill the crankcase with about three-quarters of a quart of oil and then check the level in the engine adding additional if necessary. Replace the oil fill plug. Next, remove the plug wire and cap from the spark plug and pull the recoil through a number of times to lubricate the internal engine parts which have been free of sufficient lubricant for a number of months. Note: Do not remove the spark plug only the cap/wire. If you remove the plug, oil will be splashed out of the engine.

AIR FILTER: Inspect the air filter and replace if necessary. Be sure to check the filter throughout the season and keep an extra one handy. Check and/or replace the filter if you use your kart on a particularly dusty surface.
 

Following are other areas that require close attention, too!

FUEL – Ideally, fuel should be drained from your kart in the fall and a gasoline stabilizer should be run through the carb before storage. If not, drain the old fuel and dispose of the old gasoline according to EPA standards. Old gasoline may gum up the carburetor and result in poor performance and/or hard starting. Replace old fuel with clean, fresh gasoline.

CHASSIS INSPECTION – With the kart on a stand or off the pavement, check all frame rails for cracked welds and stress fractures. If cracks are found, contact the manufacturer for details on how to repair the frame. Better safe than sorry!

WHEELS – Spin all the wheels check for worn or damaged wheel bearings, and replace when necessary. Most good bearing today are sealed so they must be replaced and cannot be repacked.

THROTTLE AND BRAKES – Check throttle and brake cables and rods for correct travel and operation. Lubricate throttle and brake pivot points with light oil.

STEERING SPINDLES – Inspect the steering spindles and those with grease fittings should be repacked and maintained according to manufacturer’s specs.

TIE RODS – Inspect all tie rods and rod ends to make sure they are operating properly. If worn, replace them. Lubricate each with light oil.

BUMPERS/BRUSH GUARDS – Go around the karts and check and tighten all bolts. Check any cotter pins that may be part of the assembly. Replace any missing hardware with proper nuts, bolts and lock washers.

TIRES – Inspect the tread and inflate to the proper tire pressure as described in the owner’s manual. If manual has been lost, inflate according to tire pressure as shown on the tire. Check toe in/toe out by measuring the front side of the rim then the back inside of the rim. Adjust to manufacturer’s specs.

DRIVE SYSTEM – Check the rear sprocket alignment, worn belts and or defective or damaged chain. Chain should have about 3/8” or 1/2” play. Drive chain should be lubricated every two hours throughout the season with a good chain lube. Check to make sure chain guard is properly positioned.

AXLE – Make sure axle guard/cover is properly in place. Make sure axle nuts are tightened properly.

BRAKES – Proper brake operation is critical. Check pivot pins and return springs, and lubricate to assure free travel. Check pads for excessive wear and replace if necessary. The disc or rotor, on live axle karts, must move freely on the axle and should be checked to see if bent or damaged. Adjust brakes per specs.

Next, with the kart off the ground, fire up the engine and let it idle. Check the rear drive system: belts/chain, wheel and tire alignment, throttle travel and brakes. Any carb adjustment can be made now as well.

Test-drive the kart on a flat, safe surface, looking for proper control: steering, braking and throttle response. Also check the condition of the steering wheel, seat, seat belt, etc. If everything is in order, roll it back in the garage or barn and wait for spring.

Take care and remember to always wear a helmet, keep long hair tucked under the helmet, and don’t wear dangling clothing while driving. Kids should ALWAYS be supervised. Be safe and have fun!
 
 

END

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