Go Cart Parts: Which Ones Will Give You The Most Problems?

A go cart is made up of many go cart parts that all must work flawlessly together for it to achieve top speed and stability. In addition to the go cart tires, frame, and engine there are many other go cart parts, any of which have the potential to malfunction and reduce optimum performance. Some of these additional go cart parts are the chain, steering mechanism, and clutch, but there are many others.

If you expect to buy a reliable go cart for your go carting fun there are several things about go cart parts you need to understand. Buying a go cart with existing problems will result in a greater cost of repair over time as well as increased frustration. To keep long-term costs to a minimum while maximizing performance requires us to look at what types of problems can occur with the various go cart parts and how you can spot them before buying a lemon.

Examining Go Cart Parts in Used Go Carts is Important

If you are in the market for a used go cart, which of course consists of many used go cart parts, there are many things that can tip you off as to whether or not it is a good purchase. Examining each of the go cart parts carefully will give you a better chance at purchasing a high quality vehicle.

Make sure the chain is big enough for the go cart, that it isn’t rusty, and that the links are not worn or sloppy. Also make sure the clutch is working properly and not wobbly. If it’s wobbly it usually signifies that a bearing is worn out and needs replacement.

The Engine is One of the Most Important Go Cart Parts

It’s always a good idea to start up the engine and take it for a test drive. The engine is one of the most important go cart parts and is where many things can go wrong. If the engine shows any sign of smoke it usually means that oil is being burned. If you start up the engine and it smokes while sitting there idle, it means there’s a lot of oil getting past the rings and onto the piston where it’s burning during the combustion phase. This is a very bad sign and usually implies some major engine repair in the not-too-distant future. If you see smoke only when driving the go cart, the engine will typically go a bit longer before repairs are needed, but they will be needed soon.

If there is an audible knocking in the engine as it’s running it usually implies that the engine was used while low on oil at some point in its history. Without proper oil levels the motor can overheat and cause all sorts of serious problems. In all likelihood, a knocking noise will mean you need a complete engine overhaul.

An engine in good shape will only require one pull to get it started. If it’s hard to get started it could mean many things, but most typically loose rings, low compression, faulty carburetor, or a loose intake manifold. Most of these problems will need minor repairs, but are fixable.

Loose steering linkages can be caused by many things, some of which will be easy to fix while others may be more difficult. The loose linkages themselves will normally just need tightening, but they can be an indication of other larger problems. For example, a vibration in the go kart may be causing the linkage looseness. Vibration can be the result of a bent axle or a drive train problem, both of which may require some major work. If it’s a bent rear axle you will usually be able to notice wobbly wheels as well.

The steering system is another one of the more important go cart parts. If you notice the front tires being worn unevenly it is indicative of a steering system misalignment. Check to see if the frame has any cracks in it, especially on the under side. If there are visible cracks they must be repaired.

Some of these problems may seem small at first, but when you add up all the repair costs of the various low quality go cart parts it can become substantial. If you’re in the market for a used go cart be sure to examine all of the go cart parts very carefully or have a knowledgeable friend do it for you. Buying a go kart that’s in good shape, and that is made with quality go cart parts, will save you a lot of money and frustration over the long haul.