How To Tune Go Kart Engines

By Miles Z Runeskowzer

Tuning racing go kart engines as part of a go kart hobby can be a vital skill to have when it comes to keeping these motors up and running at top efficiency. Even though these engines are small, they're all packed with performance for their size. Take some time to plan out a regular tuning and maintenance schedule, though. And remember, there are four main types of these motors.

Go kart engines are divided into four categories. The most prized is an engine with an aluminum bore and two roller bearings. There's one bearing on each side of the crankshaft. It's fairly difficult to find, though, and probably not worth all the trouble it would take to find and then tune. The second type, a double-bearing steel bore is equally as popular. These two engine types win a lot of races.

The last two types are both single roller bearing examples, though one has a steel bore and the other an aluminum one. The bottom line is that all four of them can produce great performance as long as they're built up correctly and then maintained and tuned properly. Remember to always perform regular oil changes without fail. After the oil change, remove and inspect the engine's spark plug, taking care to look over the plug's electrode for carbon accumulation and scoring. Replace it, if this is present.

Always use a gapping tool to ensure the gap between the electrode and the plug is from.025 and.030 in distance, depending upon the plug and engine specification. If the plug looks good, just re-gap it and re-seat it back into the engine. Next, check the spark plug wire for signs of wear. A bad wire - one that's cut or excessively worn -- can significantly reduce engine performance. Replace it if needed.

The air filter comes next. Remove and inspect it for excessive dirt or clogged-up surfaces. Replace it if required. You can take a compressed air hose and blow out any light surface dirt from a filter that's not excessively dirty and keep using it until it is. Now it's time to check the fuel-air mix of the carburetor. Tighten the needle valve all the way down and then back it out about 2.5 turns, which should make for a perfect mix of gas and air. In-depth tuning with a timing light can be done, too. Just download a guide for doing so and follow it to the letter.

Just as with changing the oil and air filters, routine engine tuning will keep you running. Follow a regular maintenance and tuning schedule for these engines, which usually means tuning at least yearly, if not twice yearly. For engines used for serious racing, do this more often. - 21393

About the Author:

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