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Written by Vic R
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- 125CC Engine Temperature (in Winter)
- Put a towel over the engine and radiator. This will keep your engine warn until the next session.
- Tyres
- Allow tyre temperatures to cool in the shade before adjusting pressure.
- Once pressures (cold) are adjusted, put the tyres into direct sunlight. This will preheat the tyres prior to use.
- Nitrogen helps reduce pressure changes caused by heat.
- Use less pressure on hot days.
- On cold days, leave kart in sun prior to race. This will help warm the tyres and engine.
- Mounting tyres
- Apply soapy water to rims. The pressure required to pop the beads will only be about 25 lbs. (10 parts water to 1 part washing detergent)
- Apply sealing silicone to rims. The pressure required to pop the beads will only be about 15 lbs.
- Minimise the use of water to mount tyres. Water turns into vapour when heated and affects pressure.
- Spark Plug
- Do not remove when the engine is hot. Damage to the thread can occur.
- A spark plug that is not tight enough results in improper heat transfer and higher than normal electrode temperature. Too tight and damage to the thread can occur.
- Sprockets and Chains
- Sprockets made from composite materials instead of alluminium last longer and are more efficient. For higher power engines such as Leopard and Rotax, O-ring chains last far longer.
- Sprockets and chains will last longer if they are turned around after a couple of meetings.
- Accelarator/brake cables
- Use machine oil or similar on the cable before inserting into cover. This will allow the cable to slide freely.
- Use a soldering iron to solder the ends of the cable. The solder stops the cables from fraying.
- Wheel alignment
- Before aligning you wheels, centre the steering wheel and lock into place using ocky straps. After wheel alignment, ensure that the distance from the the rear axle to the outside of each front axle stub is the same.
- Prime the carburettor before starting the engine.
- Rotax - Remove the fuel line from the overflow tank and blow into it. This pressurises the fuel tank and forces fuel into the carburettor
- Other Engines (without clutches)
- Unscrew spark plug (leave spark plug connected and ensure plug earthed)
- Place hand over air intake or carburetter intake
- Manually rotate rear wheels (until fuel has moved throught the fuel line up to the carburettor)
- Manually rotate the real wheels two full revolutions without restricting air flow to carburettor
- Replace spark plug
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Chassis Setup 