[edwynlow]

Upon reading other thread in the forum, it is good to change your oil every few races.. what if the kart is used for only practice? and what brand of oil is the best?

[Jules]

Guys.. recently just got my very own 1st kart.. a Swiss Hutless. So what are the few major things to learn about the kart, in terms of doing things on yourself?

congrats.....learn to do some simple things first, which dun need much tools or none.

pump ur tyres, check pressure,
refuel
fix ur battery
oil ur chains, check chain tension
check ur radiator for water
prime ur carby
start and warm up on bench

and at end of day....wipe down ur kart with a rag.

The above need very minimum tools - none mostly. And that would be a good start.

For tools, I will tell u in person.

have fun

[edwynlow]

congrats.....learn to do some simple things first, which dun need much tools or none.

thanks sifu.. shhh.. keep it a little low profile ya~

pump ur tyres
check pressure
refuel
fix ur battery
oil ur chains
check ur radiator for water

this i reckon i know how to do it..

check chain tension
prime ur carby
start and warm up on bench

for the above.. sifu, how much is tense? how much is loose? prime - how? for how long do i need to warm up the kart?

and at end of day....wipe down ur kart with a rag.

this shouldn't be a problem for me.. but i heard there are things that can't be wipe or even spray it with water when cleaning the kart? is there such?

sorry for so many questions.. hehehehe~ so many things to learn

[gp8]

In Australia we have a jumbo Ford Transit van with capacity for 3 karts on racks, all fitted out with tool cabinets, storage cabinets for race wear, helmets etc. racks for engines (usually at least 3 spares), axles, plastics and complete rear assemblies, tyre and rim racks...and a kitchenette (fridge, sink, combi oven and cappuccino machine )

We do all the work and repairs on our karts except for engine work which is done by one of two engine builders we use depending on engine type.

Its very convenient as the van is secure and ready to go at a moments notice, making a quick trip to the track very easy. Its also great for both transport to and support at regional races.

Here in Asia the logistics involved in racing leads us to consider either replicating what we have in Australia (extremely expensive) or seek team support for our activities - but with me trying to keep my nose out of kart setup so I don't annoy the mechanics too much!

From having helped me work on his karts since he was 8 years old, my son has a pretty good handle on how it all works and the cause/effect of a wide range of setup changes. Now he's learning how to communicate his wishes and thoughts with his team mechanics here. We have been very lucky in securing full team support for his program this year.

The team support allows us to solely concentrate on my sons driving technique rather than having to worry about engines, setup and spares as well, whilst still allowing him to be heavily involved in setup and kart dynamics.

Having said all that, its not all clear weather sailing as each team has it's own methods, processes and work practices, which are different to those that we have developed ourselves.

[edwynlow]

Besides all the stuff mention by Jules on checking, warming up the kart and etc.. what else do we need to learn about our own kart?

[Jules]

Besides all the stuff mention by Jules on checking, warming up the kart and etc.. what else do we need to learn about our own kart?

well, u asked abt washing karts and yes, this can be done but best done when u have a compressed air to dry things.......and a liberal coat of Wd40 at the corect places to prevent corrosion also helps.

they are many other things to learn, ranging from simple i.e. chain tensioning to harder ones like engine tuning, plug reading and of course - DRIVING so let's take one step at time.....

talking abt maintenance - we use to burn our exhaust with petrol to clear the clogged holes from oil residue.....talking abt hardcore!

[petari]

I'm an european driver, and i do about everything at my own, .. or actually in the years beetween 10and 13 my dad and me worked togheter... now i know everything about the kart at makes everything by my selvf. only renovation i can't do for my selvf. cause there are special rules in denmark for opening an engine and so, not because i can't, i think that the kids should learn to fix things for them selvf. ofcurse its an luxury to get everything done by the team, i wouldn mind it, but if it was like that for me, i woudn't have eny feeling of the kart

Regards 15 year old Rotax driver, Denmark.