Rec and Sports

How To Tune Go Kart Engines

Tuning racing go kart engines yourself is an important and needed component of maintaining any good engine for a go kart. While relatively tiny, these motors can pack a punch when they’re tuned to tight performance standards. It just takes a bit of smart planning, for the most part. Now, there are normally four separate types of these motors which need to be looked at.

The four types of engines start with the most prized, which is one of double-bearing specifications, and with a bore made of aluminum and a crankshaft featuring a roller bearing on either side. It’s a little rare, though, and maybe not worth the hassle. This is because an engine with a steel bore and a twin- bearing set-up is just about as popular and useful, and it wins many races, too.

The last two engines consist of engines of either aluminum or steel bores and a single roller bearing next to their crankshafts. Any one of these four engines can be very competitive if they’re built up properly and then tuned correctly. As for tuning, keep in mind that the most important activity – after regular oil changes — is the inspection and care of the single spark plug. Remove and inspect the plug on a scheduled basis, taking care to examine the electrode for signs of carbon build-up and any burnt or scored surfaces.

Always check the distance between the plug tip and the electrode. Usually, the gap will need to be between.025 and.030, according to engine specs. Take a gap tool and space it out or close it in, if necessary. After that, insert it back into the engine and then go over the plug wire’s surfaces for cuts or abrasions. Any damage to the wire can cut down on top engine performance.

The next step is to remove and inspect the air filter, and replace it if it’s too dirty or clogged. If not, just take a lightly-powered compressed air blower and blow it out. It’s also important that the fuel-air mixture going from the fuel line into the engine’s carburetor be adjusted. Just use a screwdriver to adjust the needle valve in the carb. Tighten it in a clockwise direction until fully down and then reverse it for 2.5 turns. After that, most other tuning will revolve around using timing lights to determine bottom and top dead center on cam rotation. Just download a guide on how to do so and go from there.

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.