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FUN TIMES

TUNE-UP TIME FOR FUN KARTS
By Darrell Sitarz

The snow is melting. The kids are getting cabin fever, and you’re sitting in front of the boob tube, watching a “reality” program. Well, the reality of it is, Spring is not far away, so 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. Print this list to use every Spring, and your kart will be ready to go by the time the first Crocus blooms.
Maintain your kart’s “health” and it will last longer. Fewer problems = 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. (Do not over fill the crankcase.) Replace the oil fill cap. 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!

SPARK PLUG—
The heart and soul of the engine is the spark plug. Remove the spark plug and check for wear. A dirty, worn spark plug should be replaced using the same or equivalent plug as recommended by the engine manufacturer and gapped to specs as well. Note: It seems that cleaning today’s spark plugs does little to help their effectiveness. (Hint: Buy one or two extra spark plugs so you will have them when needed.)

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.

SEATBELTS—
Check the seatbelt for wear and tear. Replace if necessary. Check attachment points and tighten any loose connections.

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. Belts on torque converters should be checked and replace if worn. Hint: When replacing the belt, write down the belt number where it can be easily located as numbers on belts often wear off making it is difficult to determine the correct number and style.

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.

PASSENGERS—
Unless the kart is designed for two people, never, ever allow two people to ride in a kart and above all, NEVER drive a kart with a small child in your lap. One sudden bump or stop may cause the child to be crushed into the steering wheel by the drivers body weight. This is a dangerous practice.

SAFETY—
Take care and remember to always the driver should always wear a helmet, keep long hair tucked under the helmet, and don’t wear dangling clothing while driving. Passengers in a two seat kart should also wear a helmet and be aware of long hair and dangling clothing (scarves, ties, sweatshirt pulls, etc.) danger. And finally… Kids should ALWAYS be supervised.

Be safe and have fun!

END

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