How does the clutch work on a golf cart? Golf cart clutches, working together, provide a smooth start up and take off, and smooth acceleration and deceleration. As the engine spins, internal flyweights cause one drive clutch sheave (pulley half) to slide in along its main shaft toward the other sheave, which is fixed to the engine crankshaft.
What is a golf cart clutch?
When we refer to the clutch or CVT, we're referring to two components — the drive clutch (or primary clutch) and the driven clutch (or secondary). Essentially, when your golf cart clutch is working, you're assured a smooth start-up and take off, as well as a largely smooth acceleration and braking.
How does a go-kart clutch work?
The clutch is a type of automated gearbox that is actuated as the engine’s RPM rises. The clutches on your go-kart are the most crucial component of your racing engine. There are a few things you should know about the disc that engages and sends you racing down the course at full speed. A non-variable transmission is a go-kart clutch.
Why is my golf cart clutch not engaging?
This could be due to a battery that is not working or due to some issues with the clutch system itself. Fixing the battery will usually help you resolve the issue of your golf cart clutch not engaging.
How do electric golf carts work?
In the most basic sense, your electric golf cart works by providing electric power from a battery pack to a motor that turns your wheels. Everything else involved is just a way of controlling when and how much of that power is being delivered. The battery pack is pretty basic.
How does a golf cart clutch system work?
0:463:28How a golf cart CVT slip drive clutch works - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the rear drive clutch actually separates it widens causing the belt to drop down into the clutchMoreAnd the rear drive clutch actually separates it widens causing the belt to drop down into the clutch.
What does the secondary clutch do on a golf cart?
Yamaha driven clutches are better known as a secondary clutch. This clutch attaches to the rear end and is used to propel your golf cart to higher speeds. The clutch is closed until the motor turns over.
How do you check a golf cart clutch?
Watch out for these telltale signs of a malfunctioning golf cart CVT that is in need of repair or replacement:A sudden inability to maintain even slow speeds when heading uphill or changing elevation.Slowing down to a crawl, then speeding up, then slowing again, seemingly without reason.Jolting during startup.More items...•
Why is my golf cart clutch not engaging?
The battery might be the key reason for the clutch not engaging. If the battery is faulty, the clutch systems will fail to generate enough power and will not function. If this is the case, it is advisable to replace or fix the battery and the issue should be resolved.
Why would a centrifugal clutch not engage?
Centrifugal Clutch Won't Engage If your clutch won't engage, It usually means that the engine idle speed is different to the clutch idle speed. This can result in damage. To correct this, change the spring or change the engine speed to below the clutch idle speed.
How does a belt clutch work?
0:405:29How A CVT Works by TEAM Industries.mov - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLike the primary clutch it has a stationary. And a moveable sheath belt pinch force in the secondaryMoreLike the primary clutch it has a stationary. And a moveable sheath belt pinch force in the secondary clutch is generated by a compression spring and a torque sensing element called a cam or helix.
Can you adjust a clutch on a golf cart?
If you are unsure about removing the drive belt or the clutch, then you can adjust it. Just take out the belt and wound it again with the secondary clutch according to the requirements, and your problem should be fixed.
How do you tighten a clutch belt on a golf cart?
There is no scope for tightening or adjusting the drive belt in the Club Car golf carts. The only option you have is to replace the drive belt. You may come across suggestions like loosening the bolt and adjusting the belt and re-tightening the bolt.
Why does my gas golf cart go slow uphill?
A fully charged battery can create up to 24 volts. With a voltmeter, determine how much current you need by checking if your cart will move on flat ground with a dead battery. If your golf cart's speed drops significantly as it ascends an incline, your batteries may be weak and need replacement.
What is the most common problem associated with clutch?
Experiencing Clutch Problems? Here Are The Most Common Issues.The master or slave cylinder might start to leak. Hydraulic and cable-operated are two kinds of clutches. ... The throwout may wear out. ... The clutch disc may be worn out. ... The flywheel may become warped. ... Your pressure plate may be worn out.
How do you diagnose a clutch problem?
You are most likely to notice this when putting the car in reverse and first gear.Slipping. This is exactly what it sounds like. ... Burning smell. A burning smell many times goes hand-in-hand with a failing clutch. ... Noises. ... Sticky or stuck pedal.
What does it mean when clutch not engaging?
A clutch that won't engage at all means there is serious damage somewhere. Check for a bent linkage, a seized slave cylinder, or a seized throw-out bearing. Beyond those, check for binding in the linkage, a corroded cable, or a failed friction plate.
What happens when your golf cart clutch is working?
Essentially, when your golf cart clutch is working, you're assured a smooth start-up and take off, as well as a largely smooth acceleration and braking.
What does it mean when a golf cart starts jolting?
Slowing down to a crawl, then speeding up, then slowing again, seemingly without reason. Jolting during startup. A 'cranking' sound when starting up the golf cart.
How to tell if a golf cart is bad?
Watch out for these telltale signs of a malfunctioning golf cart CVT that is in need of repair or replacement: 1 A sudden inability to maintain even slow speeds when heading uphill or changing elevation 2 Slowing down to a crawl, then speeding up, then slowing again, seemingly without reason 3 Jolting during startup 4 A 'cranking' sound when starting up the golf cart
What is CVT clutch?
The CVT is comprised of two separate clutches that are connected by a thick drive belt. When we refer to the clutch or CVT, we're referring to two components — the drive clutch (or primary clutch) and the driven clutch (or secondary).
What does CVT mean in golf carts?
The golf cart clutch or CVT (which stands for Continuously Variable Transmission) may be easy enough for you if you're used to stick-shift driving with your regular vehicle. However, because many people these days don't drive stick-shift, they have a difficult time adjusting to the clutch when they purchase a new or preowned gas-powered golf cart.
How does an electric golf cart work?
How Does a Golf Cart Work. In the most basic sense, your electric golf cart works by providing electric power from a battery pack to a motor that turns your wheels. Everything else involved is just a way of controlling when and how much of that power is being delivered. The battery pack is pretty basic.
How do golf cart batteries work?
Batteries work by changing chemical energy into electrical energy. Different types of batteries use different types of chemical reactions to do this, but for the most part they’re all very similar. We did a whole article on golf cart batteries ...
What is a golf cart solenoid?
We did a write up on golf cart solenoids if you want to get deeper knowledge, or learn how to test them. Like I said before, a solenoid is basically a switch, but more specifically, it’s a relay, meaning that it’s a switch that uses one circuit to control another.
What is an inductive throttle sensor?
What that really means is when you push down your electric golf cart accelerator, you’re actually pushing a rod through an inductive sensor coil. The sensor coil uses this to tell the speed controller how much voltage to consume.
How many volts does a golf cart battery pack have?
The battery pack is pretty basic. It could be anywhere from 6 to 48 volts, but it’s usually 36 or 48 volts on most newer electric golf carts. The battery pack’s power is routed to the motor, but along the way, it is changed by a solenoid and a speed controller to give you only the power you’re asking for and only when you’re asking for it.
How long have electric golf carts been around?
Electric motors have been around for a couple hundred years, and honestly after around the 1890s, not a whole lot has changed.
What is the part of a motor that moves?
The part that is moving is called the rotor. It’s essentially a rod wrapped in copper wire that reacts to the electromagnetic forces in the stator. With only those two parts, the rotor would find the attractant pole of the stator, and then the motor would stop. That’s what the commutator is for.
How to stop clutch from coming apart?
Gently place the crowbar behind the clutch and apply pressure. The clutch might slide off and come apart. Make sure to add even pressure at the same intervals otherwise you might end up breaking a part. If none of these techniques work, you can try cutting some relief on the clutch.
Why is my clutch not engaging?
Sometimes a belt that does not have the correct tension and is loose may cause the clutch to not engage properly. It might help to clean out any rust on the clutch system as this could also be the cause of this issue. Rectifying these problems could help resolve the clutch issue.
Why is my cart not smooth?
When you’re driving up a hill or even on a flat surface and notice that the cart transmission is not smooth, then it clearly indicates that the issue lies with the clutch system. Another common problem a lot of people face is a jerky start. The cart while starting up might give out a few jerky movements.
Why does my clutch make a squeaking noise?
Sometimes this issue of the clutch not fully engaging but slipping could be caused due to the dirt build-up inside .
Why does my clutch get stuck?
Another cause could be a bad spring. Sometimes, if the spring in the system is bad, it could cause the clutch to get stuck. Try replacing the spring and check if the problem is resolved. If none of these work, you might have to replace or rebuild the entire clutch system.
What is CVT in golf carts?
Golf carts have a special technology called CVT which stands for Continuous Variable Technology . This technology allows the user a smooth drive without having to worry too much about changing gears. Every golf cart will have a clutch consisting of two parts namely the primary clutch and the secondary clutch.
Can a clutch be smooth?
If you’re driving up a hill, any problems with the clutch can be easily noticed. The clutch system will not be smooth and the speed will be erratic. These are some of the common problems observed due to issues with the clutch system.
1. Increasing the pressure points
Your clutch will come in with 6 shoes installed, that is 6 pressure points on the Engine drum when it engages with the shoes.
2. Adjusting the go kart clutch for higher RPM
If you want your Engines to engage at a higher rpm, then you’ll have to shorten the springs. If the springs are in the circular form then you can cut 2-3 loops from the open end, but do keep in mind, if you shorten it too much then it will be really hard to reassemble the clutch. When you shorten the spring, the centrifugal force at which they will engage increases.
3. Replacing the spring in the clutch
Instead of cutting off some loops from the spring in your existing clutch, you can replace it altogether with a new spring. There are springs in the market with higher stiffness, meaning they will engage at a higher rpm. For example, Max-Toque has different colors of springs with the black one being the highest stiffness.
How does a centrifugal clutch work?
The centrifugal clutch uses the centrifugal forces generated as it rotates to either engage or disengage the clutch mechanism. The exact design and layout of centrifugal clutches varies, but most operate as follows: The crankshaft from the engine is connected to a central drive shaft within the centrifugal clutch.
How does a clutch lever work?
When the clutch lever is engaged, it pushes the springs, which lift the pressure plate and allow the clutch friction and drive plates to spin freely from one another. This allows the outer basket to continue rotating while the inner basket stops rotating. By allowing the inner basket to stop rotating, the power from the engine is prevented ...
What is a secondary clutch?
The secondary clutch also has a stationary sheave and a moveable sheave that house the drive belt. The moveable sheave has a compression spring and a helix that determine how far apart the moveable and stationary sheaves are in relation to one another.
What does a locked clutch plate do?
As the crankshaft rotates the outer basket, the locked clutch plates cause the inner basket to rotate as well, which in turn rotates the transmission input shaft, which in turn drives the gearbox, chain and rear wheel (s). When the clutch lever is engaged, it pushes the springs, which lift the pressure plate and allow the clutch friction ...
What is the inner basket of a crankshaft?
The crankshaft from the engine is connected to a drive gear that's part of the outer clutch basket. As the crankshaft spins, it rotates the clutch basket. Within the outer basket is a smaller inner basket called the clutch boss, which is connected to the transmission. Between the inner and outer baskets are a set of friction clutch plates ...
What type of clutch is used on motorcycles?
There are three types of clutch systems used on motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides: multi-plate clutch, centrifugal clutch, and sheave clutch. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations.
What prevents clutch shoes from coming into contact with the inner face of the clutch drum?
The tension of the spring (s) prevents the clutch shoes from coming into contact with the inner face of the clutch drum. When the crankshaft rotates the drive shaft, the drive shaft rotates the spring (s) and the clutch shoes.