Go kart carburetor

Types of Go-Kart Carburetors

Gokart carburetors are an essential part of the go-kart engine as they mix air and fuel to ensure combustion takes place. Carburetors are divided into different types based on various factors, including the number of venturis, the method of operation, and the type of fuel metering. Here are some common types of go-kart carburetors.

• Slide Carburetors

  Slide carburetors, also known as slide valve carburetors, are a common type of carburetor used in go-karts. Instead of a conventional choke mechanism, these carburetors use a sliding piston to control the airflow. The slide valve is directly connected to the accelerator pedal through a linkage system. As the driver presses down on the pedal, the slide valve moves up, allowing more air to flow into the carburetor, and the engine responds by increasing speed. Slide carburetors offer better throttle response and are often preferred for racing and high-performance go-karts. They come in different sizes, including 28mm, 30mm, and 32mm, depending on the engine's displacement and tuning.

• Diaphragm Carburetors

  Diaphragm carburetors are another common type of carburetor used in go-kart engines. Instead of a sliding piston, diaphragm carburetors use a diaphragm to control airflow and fuel metering. The diaphragm is connected to a fuel pump and responds to changes in fuel pressure. As the driver presses down on the accelerator pedal, the fuel pump activates, and the diaphragm moves to increase fuel flow into the engine. Diaphragm carburetors offer good fuel metering and are often used in 2-stroke go-kart engines. They are less sensitive to fuel pressure variations and provide consistent performance. Common sizes for diaphragm carburetors range from 22mm to 28mm, suitable for most 2-stroke go-kart engines.

• Walbro Carburetors

  Walbro carburetors are a specific brand of diaphragm carburetors widely used in go-kart racing and small engine applications. Walbro carburetors are known for their precision engineering, reliability, and high-performance capabilities. They are often used in high-performance go-kart engines for competitive racing. Walbro carburetors come in various models and sizes, such as the WG, WT, and WYK series, each designed for specific engine configurations and performance requirements. These carburetors typically feature adjustable high-speed and low-speed jets, allowing tuners to optimize fuel metering for different racing conditions and engine setups.

• Briggs and Stratton Carburetors

  Brigg and Stratton carburetors are specifically designed for 4-stroke engines. Briggs and Stratton is a renowned manufacturer of small engines and ignition system components, including carburetors. Briggs and Stratton carburetors are designed for specific engine models and performance levels. They are often used in go-karts powered by Briggs and Stratton four-stroke engines, which are popular in recreational and competitive go-karting. Briggs and Stratton carburetors typically come in teardrop or float designs. They are known for their durability and reliability, making them suitable for go-kart applications that require consistent performance.

Specification and maintenance of go-kart carburetor

Before buying a carburetor for go-kart, people need to understand its specifications. Here is a complete guide to go-kart carburetor specifications.

• Carburetor Size:

  The carburetor's size controls the air and fuel mixture that goes into the engine. For most go-karts, a carburetor between 18mm and 30mm in size is good. The exact size depends on how powerful the engine is. A bigger carburetor works better for high-powered engines.

• Number of Venturis:

  Venturis are holes in the carburetor that help create airflow. Go-kart carburetors usually have 1 or 2 venturis. More venturis give a better air-fuel mix, which is better for engines with more power.

• Choke System:

  The choke helps the engine start by making the air-fuel mix richer. Carburetors can have manual, electric, or automatic chokes. A manual choke is the simplest and cheapest option.

• Jet Size:

  Jets control how much fuel goes into the engine. The size of the jets needs to match the engine for proper tuning. Common jet sizes range from 100 to 160, depending on the carburetor size and engine specs.

• Float Height:

  The float controls the fuel level in the carburetor. Correct float height is important for good engine performance. Float height should be between 6 to 12mm, depending on the carburetor model.

• Material:

  Common materials for carburetors are aluminum and zinc. Aluminum is more durable and resists heat better than zinc.

Maintaining the go-kart carburetor is important to keep it in good working condition. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to maintain a go-kart carburetor:

• CLEANING: It is important to regularly clean the go-kart carburetor to remove any dirt or residue that may clog it up. For cleaning, users need to take it out and use a carb cleaner spray to clean all the parts. They should also use compressed air to blow out any leftover dirt.
• CHECKING THE FUEL LINES: This involves checking the fuel lines for any cracks or leaks and replacing them if damaged. Users should also ensure the fuel lines are properly attached to avoid fuel leakage.
• CHECKING THE JETS AND NEEDLES: At this stage, users have to open up and check the jets and needles to ensure they are not blocked. If they find any blockage, they should use the carb cleaner spray to flush it out. They can also use small wires to remove tough clogs from the jets and needles.
• ADJUSTING THE FLOAT HEIGHT: This entails removing the float bowl to access the jets and needles. Then, they should check the float height measurement with a ruler. If it is not within the recommended range, users need to adjust the float arm until the height is correct.
• REASSEMBLING: After completing all the above steps, users should put back all the parts of the carburetor and tighten the screws properly to avoid any air leaks. They should also reconnect the go-kart to the battery and ignition system before starting it up.

How to choose go-kart carburetors

It's no secret that a carburetor is a key component for karts to run smoothly and efficiently. But with so many options available, how do retailers source the right carburetor for every go-kart? Worry not, as we reveal all the insider tips on how to choose the right carburetor for any given engine.

First things first, it's important to understand that carburetors are designed with specific functions to meet. For instance, a 2-stroke carburetor is ideal for 2-stroke engine go-karts, while a diaphragm carburetor is suitable for engines that require precise fuel metering under varying atmospheric conditions. Thus, the first step in choosing the right carburetor is identifying the engine type and its requirements.

Next, it's important to consider the size of the carburetor. Go-kart carburetors come in different sizes, with the size determining the amount of air and fuel they deliver to the engine. A larger carburetor provides more power at higher RPMs, while a smaller one enables better low-end torque and fuel efficiency. As a rule of thumb, buyers should source carburetors that match the engine's size and performance requirements to ensure optimal performance.

Buyers should also consider the material used to construct the carburetor. Go-kart carburetors are mostly made of metal, and each type offers a different advantage. For instance, aluminum carburetors are lightweight and resistant to corrosion, making them a popular choice for go-karts. On the other hand, brass and copper are known for their superior wear resistance and excellent corrosion properties. Ultimately, the material choice will depend on the buyer's budget and the go-kart's requirements.

It's also important to consider the throttle response when choosing a carburetor for go-karts. Different carburetors offer varying throttle responses, with some offering more immediate and others offering gradual response. This is largely dependent on the type and size of the carburetor. For instance, a large, well-tuned quad carburetor will provide a more immediate throttle response compared to a smaller, single carburetor. As a general rule of thumb, go-karts designed for speed and performance require a carburetor with an improved throttle response.

Finally, buyers should consider the ease of tuning and adjustment when selecting a go-kart carburetor. Different carburetors offer varying levels of tunability, with some designed to be easily adjusted using simple hand tools. Others come with more complex components that require specialized tools for disassembly and reassembly. If possible, it’s advisable to go for carburetors that can be easily tuned and adjusted to accommodate specific altitude and temperature conditions. This ensures the go-kart delivers optimal performance under various conditions.

How to DIY and Replace Go-kart Carburetor

To replace a carburetor, first, the old carburetor is removed. This is done by loosening the screws that hold it in place and disconnecting any linked cables. Next, the new carburetor is prepared by ensuring it matches the specifications of the engine. This includes checking the size of the throttle and the arrangement of the mounting bolts. Once ready, the new carbureator is placed onto the engine's intake manifold. It is then secured with the mounting bolts, and the linked cables are reattached. After completing these steps, the go-kart's fuel system is primed, and any air trapped in the system is removed. Finally, the go-kart is started to ensure it runs smoothly with the new carburetor.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace a go-kart carburetor.

• Gather the necessary tools: Before starting, have the right tools handy. These include a wrench set, screwdriver set, pliers, and possibly a torque wrench. Choosing the right-sized carburetor for the engine is important, as it affects performance. Research and ensure the new carburetor fits the engine's specifications.
• Secure the go-kart: Ensure the go-kart is on a flat surface and stable. This prevents any movement or tipping over while working on it.
• Disconnect the battery: To avoid any electrical issues or short circuits, disconnect the battery before starting any work on the go-kart.
• Remove the old carburetor: Start by loosening the clamps holding the carburetor in place on the go-kart. Carefully disconnect any linked cables, noting their original positions for reassembly. Unscrew the carburetor from the engine using a wrench, and gently pull it out. Be cautious of any gasket material that may come off with the carburetor.
• Prepare the new carburetor: Install the gasket onto the new carburetor, ensuring a proper seal between it and the engine. This prevents any air leaks that could affect performance. Connect the linked cables to the new carburetor, following the notes taken during disconnection.
• Install the new carburetor: Position the new carburetor onto the engine's intake manifold. Secure it with the mounting bolts, tightening them evenly to avoid any warping of the carburetor body. Ensure it sits flush against the manifold, and there are no gaps.
• Reconnect the go-kart's fuel lines: Carefully attach the fuel lines to the new carburetor. Ensure they are positioned correctly and securely to prevent any fuel leaks.
• Reconnect the battery: Reconnect the battery, ensuring the connections are clean and tight.
• Start the go-kart: Turn the ignition key to start the go-kart. If it doesn't start immediately, check all connections, cables, and fuel lines to ensure everything is in place. Once started, allow it to run for a few minutes, checking for any unusual sounds or signs of leaks.

Q and A

Q1: How often should I clean my go-kart carburetor?

A1: It is recommended to clean the carburetor at least every 10 to 20 hours of use, or when dirt and debris are visible. However, if users frequently operate their go-karts in dusty environments, they should clean it more regularly.

Q2: What kind of tools do I need to disassemble the go-kart carburetor?

A2: Basic hand tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and possiblyTorx or hex drivers are needed. Specific tools might vary depending on the carburetor model.

Q3: Is it necessary to use a carburetor cleaner spray?

A3: While it is not absolutely necessary, carburetor cleaner sprays are highly effective and designed to dissolve deposits and clean hard-to-reach areas. Using a dedicated cleaner is safer than using gasoline or other solvents, which may not be as effective.

Q4: Can I clean a go-kart carburetor without removing it?

A4: Yes, there are aerosol carburetor cleaners that allow users to clean the outside and some internal parts without removing it. However, disassembling it for a thorough cleaning provides better results and ensures optimal performance.

Q5: How do I know if my carburetor needs cleaning?

A5: Symptoms indicating it needs cleaning include difficulty starting, rough idle, loss of power, increased fuel consumption, or excessive exhaust smoke. Visually checking for dirt and deposits is another way to tell if it needs cleaning.