Kid Kart, Need Help Please

Brad Fish · Joined: 03 Oct 2008 Posts: 45

Hi All,
I just picked up a used Gold Puffo Kid Kart (50cc Comer) for my son who will be just old enough to hit the track in the spring.

The kart has some issues that I'm trying to work through and was wondering if I could get some help, or even better, some PICTURES!

I'm very concerned about the trottle and brake cable connections at the foot pedals. The cables are simply wrapped around the pedal arm and tied off with a clamp. Seems really Hokey to me and there has got to be a better way.

I've been searching the net for pictures of other kart set ups but the poor picture resolution prohibits me from getting as close to the pedals as I need.

Thank you all very much for your help.

Brad

Curtis Ruth · Joined: 24 Jul 2001 Posts: 656

That is really about how it is done. To prevent freying, sometimes I run the cable through a small bit of hose around the pedal. Very simple and effective. This is what you will find from kid karts all the way to Shifters.
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Jason Lee · Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 8:04 am Post subject:

Where are you located at Brad?
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Brad Fish · Joined: 03 Oct 2008 Posts: 45

I am in Rochester, NY

Thanks.

Jason Lee · Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 9:33 am Post subject:

Too far from Indy to bring your kart over and let us look at it. Wink

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Like a fat kid playing dodge ball.

Curt Smock · Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 11:30 am Post subject:

Brad,

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures.
The brake should usually be a solid threaded rod. It connects to the pedal through what looks like a washer welded to the pedal and a pin through the master cylinder. the cable is fine for back up, but not the primary.

The gas pedal should also be a steel rod but it only goes about halfway back, then transitions to a cable at the return spring.

if you strain your eyes a bit you can make out on this pic.
http://www.coyotekarts.com/kid_kart.htm

there are a variety of ways of doing the trottle. you can run the cable around a hook in the pedal (put it through some tubing to avoid chafing) then secure the ends together with a part you can get at any kart shop.
always have a spare spring for the carb. they disappear when you handle them! good luck!

Brad Fish · Joined: 03 Oct 2008 Posts: 45

Thanks Curt,

Does it make a difference that the kart has a mechanical brake? It basically looks like a disc brake you would see on a mountain bike.

I basically drive by Coyote headquarters on my way home. I wonder if they have a kid kart in the show room that I can take a look at.

rusell kirkman · Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 2:36 pm Post subject:

Brad

The First person is correct as far as the hose. What you want to do is cut off about a two inch piece of fuel hose and run it through the eyelet and feed your cable through. This will keep your cable from fraying there. I had to learn this one the hard way when i had a throttle cable break at the grid because I didnt have the hose there. I also believe you are talking about the light weight brake system which is actually a mtn bike brake and it is 100% mechanical. This is a good brake system to have..IMO

al nunley · Joined: 13 Nov 2006 Posts: 3032

Your right, it does look hocky, but that's how a lot of people do it. Why? Because it's cheap. There are a lot of better ways to do it, but they all cost more. Still, people don't have much trouble doing it this way.
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45 years, in and around karting

Todd Kovi · Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 11:31 am Post subject:

We ran the same kid kart (Birel) for 2 years with no issues and the same cable setup....even with a larger, stock mechanical brake. If you put a little bit of axle grease on the cable where it enters the housing or fitting it will help keep it from fraying.....just inspect each time before hitting the track....they work just fine.

As Al stated....lots of different ways to do it but it is pretty cheap and works....a second safety cable on the brakes might bring piece of mind.

Todd

Max Wood · Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:23 pm Post subject:

Brad,

I live in on the west side of Rochester, and drive by Coyote as well on my way home. We probably live close together. I'd be happy to take a look at the kart and help you. I've been at this for a long time, and had two kids go through kid karts. I'll PM you my cell number. Let me know if you'd like my help.

BTW - Coyote's pedal linkages are quite different than the Euro chassis (Gold).

Don Zerangue · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 3:17 pm Post subject: Phots

Brad, email me your email adress and I'll email you photos of a Top Kart with Comer 50 and a Top Kart with Comer 80. I'll send some detail photos to help answer your questions. FYI click on my "Profile " for email address.
Don

Dale Seeley · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 5:19 pm Post subject:

Brad,
Did you and your dad autox a blue formula car (Reynard?) with the Finger Lakes crew about 10 years ago?

Dale

Brad Fish · Joined: 03 Oct 2008 Posts: 45

Hi Dale,
Yup, it's me and we're still autocrossing the Ralt.
Long time no see.
You racing cars or karts these days?

Dale Seeley · Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 11:38 am Post subject:

Did cars for a bunch of years, mostly One Lap stuff, now I'm "that dad" that you see around who thinks his kid is the best driver in the world, just too short to reach most of the pedals Laughing

But really, my son and I are having a good time playing with karts, tricky little buggers compared to cars....