what does a torque converter do on a golf cart

A go-kart torque converter

is a device that helps to transfer power from the engine to the drive axle. It does this by slowing the engine speed down as it drives through the converter, and then increasing it back up as it exits, which helps to keep the wheels turning.

Full Answer

How does a torque converter work in a car?

As you know, a torque converter is a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and it’s able to automatically adjust the gear ratio between the driven pulley and the jackshaft, depending on the engine’s rpm. Even though a torque converter can deliver different levels of torque at different rpm ranges, you’re still able to adjust it.

Can you adjust a go-kart torque converter?

Even though a torque converter can deliver different levels of torque at different rpm ranges, you’re still able to adjust it. In this guide, I’ll go through a step-by-step process on how to adjust a go-kart torque converter so that you can follow along.

How do you adjust the spring on a torque converter?

The short answer is that you’ll need to adjust the spring on the torque converter by moving it to one of the pre-drilled and numbered holes. As you know, a torque converter is a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and it’s able to automatically adjust the gear ratio between the driven pulley and the jackshaft, depending on the engine’s rpm.

What is the difference between a torque converter and a clutch?

The way a torque converter operates compared to a clutch is very different. The main difference is that torque converters idle before they engage and they start to engage at around 1,700 RPM. Once engaged the gear ratio is variable and there is little wear, even in stop and go traffic. The same can’t be said for clutches.

What is the purpose of torque converters?

A torque converter is a type of fluid coupling that transfers rotating power from a prime mover, like an internal combustion engine, to a rotating driven load. In a vehicle with an automatic transmission, the torque converter connects the power source to the load.

What does torque do for a golf cart?

The torque of the motor equals the pulling power of the motor, which may not necessarily translate into increased speed but will increase the power. Torque is an important factor to consider, both on and off the golf course, as even a steep hill can prove challenging for a standard cart.

What does a torque converter do on a go kart engine?

Torque converters are great for lower end torque, as they have the ability to adjust the gear ratio depending on the engine's RPM. This makes it ideal for heavier or off-road go-karts.

Is a torque converter necessary?

Things like transmissions and torque converters are essential for a lot of cars, but they do make the drivetrain less efficient, so designers won't use them if they're not necessary. Finally, certain types of automatic transmission also do not need a torque converter.

How can I increase the speed of my golf cart?

6 Ways You Can Make a Golf Cart FasterAdd More Torque to Your Golf Cart.Upgrade Your Golf Cart's Motor.Improve the High-Speed Controller of the Cart.Add Better Golf Cart Tires.Use a Higher Powered Golf Cart Battery.Watch the Weight in Your Golf Cart.

How do you increase the torque on a EZGO golf cart?

EZGO TXT Torque is Too LowBuy and fit a new Alltrax 500A controller along with the fan.Install a new solenoid.You can change the rotary switch for forward/reverse and fix a new heavy-duty F/R switch.Go for an all-new 48 V battery pack.Change the cables to suit the new 48 V pack with the appropriate lengths.More items...

Do you need a torque converter for a go kart?

Torque converter/CVT is ideal for off-road go-karts with frequent start-stop situations, If you're using a heavy kart with big tires or if you're going to climb hills then get a Torque converter. The Centrifugal clutch is ideal for high-speed Go-karts with small wheels on flat tracks.

Is a torque converter a clutch?

Your vehicle's torque converter is the same as the clutch of a vehicle with a manual transmission. However, unlike a manual transmission vehicle, it uses fluid to transmit power to the transmission preventing your engine from stalling and allowing the transmission to change.

What is the difference between a clutch and a torque converter?

The main differences between centrifugal clutches and torque converters are: Centrifugal clutches connect the engine to the transmission, while torque converters allow the engine and transmission to run independently from one another.

How do you know when your torque converter is going out?

6 Signs of a Failing Torque ConverterLoss of Acceleration. ... Slipping Between Gears. ... Vehicle Won't Shift at All. ... Transmission is Overheating. ... Transmission Fluid Leak. ... Bad Transmission Fluid.

What causes torque converter failure?

Many torque converter failures can be caused by excessive friction, which means the torque converter's needle bearings are damaged. Also, a faulty seals or faulty clutch solenoid can be to blame. A faulty seal can allow fluid to leak and become contaminated. A bad torque converter can damage a transmission.

How much does a torque converter cost?

Most auto repair shops will charge someone anywhere from $600 to $1000 for a torque converter replacement job. If you would rather do the replacement job yourself, then a new torque converter will cost anywhere from $150 to $500. The exact cost depends on the make and model of your vehicle.

Difference Between Torque Converter And Clutch

A clutch consists of a pressure plate and a friction disc wedged between the pressure plate and the flywheel. The flywheel spins when the clutch lever is depressed, however, the torque is no longer delivered to the drive train.

Do Torque Converters Add Horsepower?

A torque converter is something like an automatic clutch that complements the automatic gearbox by providing an extra-low gear that allows sluggish tire rotation much below the first speed’s real gear ratio.

Which One Is Better

When it comes to go-karts, there are two main types of transmissions: torque converter and clutch. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so which one is better ultimately depends on your needs and driving habits.

Final Thoughts

So, what is a go-kart torque converter? A go-kart torque converter is a device that helps to transfer power from the engine to the drive axle. It does this by slowing the engine speed down as it drives through the converter, and then increasing it back up as it exits, which helps to keep the wheels turning.

What is torque converter?

A torque converter is a mechanical device that is attached to the side of the engine. As you can see in the image above, it runs on a two-pulley system. The smaller pulley, called the driver pulley, is attached to the engine’s crankshaft. The larger pulley is referred to as the driven pulley. The driver pulley is connected to ...

What is a transmission in a go kart?

A transmission provides controlled mechanical power from the engine to the rear axle of the go-kart. You’ll most likely come across go-karts that use a torque converter or a clutch, as a transmission. When it comes to transmissions, there is a long-standing battle between torque converters and clutches. There is no doubt that both of these ...

What is a go kart clutch?

On the other hand, a go-kart clutch is a non-variable transmission. This means that it has a fixed gear ratio, which is set by the crankshaft sprocket and rear axle sprocket sizes. The gear ratio remains the same across all RPM ranges of the engine.

Does a go kart move?

This means that even though the engine has started, the go-kart doesn’t move. Once the engine reaches an RPM of about 1,500+ the driver pulley starts to clamp on the belt, which in turn engages the driven pulley. The rotational force is subsequently applied to the jackshaft and rear axle, giving your go-kart motion.

Is a torque converter the same as a clutch?

A torque converter has the same function as a clutch. They’re both different types of go-kart transmissions, but they each have their own distinctive advantages. Before we explore them further, let’s take a look at how both transmissions work on a go-kart.

What is torque converter?

A torque converter takes the place of a clutch in cars with an automatic transmission. Unlike a manual clutch, it uses fluid to transmit mechanical power from the engine to the transmission. While a manual transmission has a flywheel and clutch discs, automatic transmissions have a flexplate and torque converter.

Why is torque converter needed?

This is required to have enough power for acceleration. While a car is in operation, the engine must always be running. However, when the vehicle stops, the wheels, axles, and driveshaft are no longer spinning.

Why does an impeller spin?

The impeller spins. Because the impeller is welded to the torque converter housing, it spins as well. The impeller distributes hydraulic fluid across the housing to the turbine. It does so using centrifugal force.

How does a turbine work?

The turbine is connected to the driveshaft, which turns the axles and wheels. The turbine sends fluid back towards the impeller as it spins. The fluid passes through the stator in the center of the torque converter. The stator multiplies torque as it returns to the impeller.

How does a stator work?

The stator receives fluid from the turbine and flings it back towards the impeller, multiplying the amount of torque produced. The torque multiplication is especially powerful when the impeller and turbine are spinning at very different speeds. Fluid - The torque converter housing is filled with transmission fluid.

What are the components of a torque converter?

The major components of a torque converter are the impeller, the turbine, and the stator. There’s also the fluid itself, and often a lock-up clutch. All are contained within the housing of the torque converter, which connects to the engine’s flexplate (sometimes called the flywheel).

How to tell if torque converter is bad?

Common symptoms of a bad torque converter can include shuddering, overheating, or slipping of gears.

What is torque converter?

As you know, a torque converter is a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and it’s able to automatically adjust the gear ratio between the driven pulley and the jackshaft, depending on the engine’s rpm . Even though a torque converter can deliver different levels of torque at different rpm ranges, you’re still able to adjust it.

What does it mean when you adjust a torque converter?

When you adjust the torque converter you’re actually moving the end of the spring into a different hole. What this does is tighten the tension on the spring. The tighter the tension on the spring, the more torque your torque converter is able to deliver. However, you should be mindful that more torque also means more wear on the components.

How to reassemble a torque converter?

The reassembly of the parts is simple and straightforward. Simply, place the parts back onto the torque converter in reverse order. Firstly, place the spring back with the fixed cam back against the torque converter. Ensure that the end of the spring is inserted into the hole of the torque converter, just as it is on the fixed cam.

What does more torque on a torque converter mean?

Always keep in mind that more torque also means more stress on the components.

What causes tension between the cam and the face of a cam?

There is the movable face with cam, that is attached to the fixed cam. The tension between the face and the cam is caused by the red spring in between. The end of the spring is set to an adjustment hole numbered with 1. The default hole that your spring is set to is 1.

Can you remove the chain on a torque converter?

You also won’t be required to remove the chain or belt when adjusting your torque converter. You’re also able to remove the nut, snap ring, cam and spring while you’re go kart is stationary on the floor. It’s recommended to work on go-karts while it’s on a stand, as they provide you with better access to components.

Can you change the spring type on a torque converter?

If your torque converter already has pre-drilled holes and you want to add another one, make sure you use equal gaps and the exact same hole diameter. You can also change the spring type (usually they come in different colors) in order to adjust the torque converter output.

What is torque converter?

As you know, a torque converter is a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and it’s able to automatically adjust the gear ratio between the driven pulley and the jackshaft, depending on the engine’s rpm . Even though a torque converter can deliver different levels of torque at different rpm ranges, you’re still able to adjust it.

How to adjust torque converter on go kart?

So, how do you adjust a torque converter on a go-kart? The short answer is that you’ll need to adjust the spring on the torque converter by moving it to one of the pre-drilled and numbered holes.

What does more torque on a torque converter mean?

Always keep in mind that more torque also means more stress on the components.

What causes tension between the cam and the face of a cam?

There is the movable face with cam, that is attached to the fixed cam. The tension between the face and the cam is caused by the red spring in between. The end of the spring is set to an adjustment hole numbered with 1. The default hole that your spring is set to is 1.

Can you remove the chain on a torque converter?

You also won’t be required to remove the chain or belt when adjusting your torque converter. You’re also able to remove the nut, snap ring, cam and spring while you’re go kart is stationary on the floor. It’s recommended to work on go-karts while it’s on a stand, as they provide you with better access to components.

How much horsepower does a golf cart need?

These vehicles will have motors with 5 to 10 horsepower, and controllers that can deliver 300 to 600 AMPS.

What is the most important part of a golf cart?

Even though the speed controller is probably one of the most important parts on your golf cart, not many people understand how they work or what they do. In this guide, we breakdown the speed controller so you have a complete understanding of their functions, and hopefully come out with the knowledge to make an educated decision on the type ...

Why is a speed controller important?

The Importance of the Speed Controller. The main objective for the speed controller is, as the name implies, to control the vehicle speed. Let’s say you try to operate that old DC motor without a controller. Any time you apply throttle, the full battery current and voltage is sent to the motor.

What is the function of a speed controller?

In addition to controlling the vehicles speed, there are a few other functions that speed controllers can offer, regardless of the motor you are using. Battery Current Limiter: This protects the battery from excessive discharge. This also pulls back the battery current as it depletes, which prevents cell damage.

Do AC motors require a sensor?

Device Support on SPF ( Speed of Position Feedback): AC motors can require a sensor in order for the controller to operate smoothly and efficiently.

Can you run a golf cart without a speed controller?

If your golf cart is running an AC or Brushless DC motor , you won’t be going anywhere without a speed controller. In these specific types of motors, electrical signals fire back and forth which reverse in direction at different times. This must stay consistent, and has to be timed precisely with the motors rotation.