Go karts can vary in their complexity, with some being just a simple frame equipped with basic components.
Regardless, every go kart needs an engine to operate.
The engine serves to create motion by turning an axle which the wheels are connected to.
The gear ration between the engine and the axle determines the torque and speed that the go cart will have.
To prevent the go kart from rolling when idling, a clutch is added to the engine.
The clutch only engages the drive system when you press down on the pedal.
However, the kart may roll slowly if the brake is not pressed down.
Off road go karts are almost always equipped with beefy engines that have the power to climb hills.
While they are loud, they are the only type of engine that can propel such a heavy vehicle.
Briggs and Stratton as well as Honda are two companies which craft reliable and powerful go cart engines.
However, they do not often explicitly label the engines for use in go karts.
All you need to look for is an engine with a horizontal mounting plate.
The horizontal engines provide simple connection to the go cart axle because the rotation is on the same axis.
Users must maintain their go kart engine by replacing parts that become worn.
The fuel filter is designed to remove impurities in the fuel line and prevent them from getting into the combustion chamber.
The air filter does the same thing, except that it is filtering air.
Spring loaded control arms can jam up if dirty and must be inspected regularly.
A jammed air filter can result in a go kart which has low power or will not start at all.
Using an engine that is powerful enough for the application is important in creating the right kart.