HELP WITH COMER 50 ENGINE

Ronald Zouein · Joined: 25 Oct 2012 Posts: 2

Hey Folks,

My son's recently started racing, did his first meeting a couple weeks ago and the kart failed us after a very strong practice session.

What happens is that the engine takes time to start. You pull on the string quite a few times and you feel the engine is kinda choked. If it starts, the minute he hits the gas the engine chokes and dies. If it doesn't die it kinda bogs. Not sure what the problem is.

Secondly, would love any tips you've got that we can apply to optimize the power of the kart. Obviously within regulation. Can't change the 58 Jet, nor the 85 sprocket/gear. What else can we do?

Appreciate any advice.

Cheers,
rz

Curt Smock · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 2:18 pm Post subject:

difficult to say Ron. make sure the fuel cutoff is open.
your post doesn't list a location but if it's cold weather make sure you warm the engine on the stand.
check to make sure the carb is secured tight and the intake as well.

make sure the clutch bearing is lubed frequently.

check for broken clutch springs

I once had a C50 that needed a great deal of choke to run and ran bad. It turned out the case was uneven creating an open cylinder. see if there is exhaust coming from some where besides the muffler. you may need to remove the muffler to see the backside of the engine.
also if the previous owner was not running a woodruff key the flywheel may have slipped causing the timing to be off and cause this condition.
Can you check with the previous owner to see if they can diagnose this problem?
Is there a kart shop near you?

the speed is in the driver. get lots of seat time and try to teach momentum

Not speed related but here's some thing to keep in mind
1) keep your pull rope lubed with Triflow or silicone spray to extend it's life. Don't pull the rope all the way out, that will shorten it's life. Have a spare starter plate ready to go. It's not if but when you break it, and it's never at a good time, but with practice you'll be able to change it fast enough to make your event.

2) Take a spare plug plug and stubby plug wrench to the grid with you.

3) as I mentioned, keep your clutch bearing lubed.

Kyle Tilley · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 24

Been a long time (seems like) since kid karts for us. Agree with Curt, a lot of practice and seat time will go a long way with going faster.

Make sure ur fuel is mixed very well. Check jet, take it out and use air hose to blow it out. Small dirt particles or gelled oil in fuel will cause more problems than u think.

Kart should start in 1-3 pulls though.

Helpful hints to make kid kart ROLL better are not big secrets but will pm them to u so u might compete better against ur local competition. GL and have fun!

Adam Castelucci · Joined: 14 Aug 2011 Posts: 12

It's actually a fixed 89 tooth sprocket. Sounds to me like either a base gasket or crank seal gone bad. It's able to barely run then when you give it gas by opening up the slide it bogs out. Way too much air. Start it up and while running spray carb cleaner around all gaskets. If you see a decrease in rpm you'll know that's your problem.
Alot of speed is in the driver. However, don't let anyone tell you these engines are equal. Once a driver gets to a certain level of ability (a competitive regional or national level) it becomes 80% engine and 20% driver. Don't beat yourself up over an ill performing motor. Teach your kid to drive and once you feel he's maxed his potential in the kid kart move up. Our two best days of racing were the first day we started in kid karts...and the day we got out.
Good Luck.