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International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide

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

Kart Expo International

A. Hourly Maintenance Checklist
The more you use your fun kart, the more care and repair will be necessary. Here is an hourly engine maintenance checklist for the kart owner to reference.  If you have any questions, please refer to the operator’s manual the accompanied your kart.

REGULAR SEASONAL MAINTENANCE
Check Oil Level
Remove debris from around the muffler

AFTER 5 HOURS OF USE (New engine only or in extreme conditions)
Change the oil and air filter

AFTER 25 HOURS OF USE
Change the oil
Service the air filter assembly
Clean the fuel tank and line
Clean the carburetor float bowl (if equipped)
Inspect the recoil rope for wear
Clean the cooling fins on the engine block
Remove debris from the blower housing
Check engine compression
Inspect governor springs and linkages
Inspect ignition wires
Inspect muffler
Replace the spark plug
Adjust the carburetor
Check the engine mounting bolts and nuts
 
 

B. Small Engine Maintenance Tips

Fun kart owners can avoid many small engine problems and save money on parts and repairs if they follow a regular maintenance schedule. Again, check the operator’s manual for complete information for your specific engine.

COMMON STORAGE PROBLEMS
Unstabilized gasoline left in an engine will gum up the carburetor
Unlubricated engine parts can corrode over time
Moisture can accumulate in the ignition system
 

SIX MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR SPRING OR FALL

DRAIN THE GASOLINE – Run gas out of the carburetor to reduce the likelihood of carburetor and fuel system being covered with a sticky, varnish-like film. This can be achieved by adding a fuel stabilizer and running the engine until empty.

Editor’s Tip: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you drain your gasoline and add it directly to your car’s fuel tank (if it’s fairly full). Old, diluted
Gasoline won’t harm your car engine and will help save the environment.

CHANGE THE OIL – Changing the oil will prevent particles of dirt in the oil from adhering to engine parts.

Editor’s Tip: To prevent the possibility of emissions during winter storage, cover over the vented fuel cap with aluminum foil and secure with a rubber band.
 

LUBRICATE INTERNAL PARTS – Inject about ½ ounce of engine oil through the spark plug hole.

Editor Note: To better spread the oil throughout the cylinder, re-install the spark plug and SLOWLY pull the recoil rope (starter cord).

INSPECT THE SPARK PLUG – Always check the spark plug in the spring and fall. Replace the spark plug with the recommended plug if necessary.

SERVICE THE AIR FILTER – Remove and clear or replace the air filter if it appears to be clogged with dirt and debris.

REMOVE DIRT AND DEBRIS – Debris tends to accumulate in all crevices and opening around the engine. Remove debris and clean thoroughly.
 

Article Courtesy: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
 

END
 

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