New Guy Needs Help

[supermanbsu]

Hey Everyone. I recently bought a kart on a really good deal before learning much about it. I am wanting to get some laps in but I am so new, I do not know some very basic start up issues. I have a TM K9B shifter on a birel chassis (2002). The kart is ready to roll, it just needs someone who knows what they are doing! I drained all the fluid from the kart before the winter season, but now I'm not sure of the following:
1) fuel to oil ratio. I was encouraged by the previous owner to use 110 octane and I have a supply of redline oil...I'm just not sure on the oz of oil per gallon of fuel to use.
2) Water in the radiator. I also have water wetter for the system, but I am not sure how to properly use the bleeder screw to get the air out of system.

It's a really nice machine and I don't want to mess it up because I don't know what I'm doing. I apologize for my elementary education regarding these issues.
Any help I can get or a redirect to some how-to's would be great. Thanks for your time!

[Marc Miller]

Welcome to karting.

1. 6oz to a gallon would be a decent start.

2. Bleeding the system is fairly easy. Add about 2 cap fulls of redline water wetter per gallon, just enough so the water is a light pink. Fill the rad until water is near the top, then lift the rad side of the kart up about 50-70 degrees to "burp" it. This allows water to flow into the engine cavity and air to escape. When you set it down, the water level should be lower.... repeat this 2 times or so and that should be sufficient.

When you start the kart, let it run at a decent idle, then you can check the water level in the rad while it is running... top it off a little if necessary.

Feel free to ask any Q's you like. If you get a chance to visit the track - come on out. Lots of people there that could help you out.

[supermanbsu]

OKay, next question...where is the bleeder screw and should it be loosened before I add the water?

[Marc Miller]

you shouldn't need to use a bleeder screw if you burp it properly.

[supermanbsu]

What kind of damage can be done if you try to pull start the kart in the wrong direction?? I'm afraid I was trying to get the kart to start by pulling the tire the wrong way!

[supermanbsu]

In other news...once I do get it started...how do I shut it off? I feel really embarrassed about my lack of knowledge. I have tired to look up this stuff online and youtube and there is nothing out there with such limited knowledge.

[Marc Miller]

First I'll answer your first question.....

Lots of damage can be done by trying to start your kart backwards - so avoid that. You may have wanted to start out at a mechanic school or a lower powered kart first.

Shutting off the kart can be done a couple ways... you can pull the choke, which loads it with fuel and will kill the motor - or just slow down the wheels (if it is in gear on the stand) with the brake until the motor dies. If it is in idle... put it in gear, hold the brake and slowly let out the clutch until it kills the motor.

[Jason Lee]

Where are you located at?

If your close to the Indy area you can hang out with us on a test or race day. This will get you up to speed quickly.

[Marc Miller]

What kind of damage can be done if you try to pull start the kart in the wrong direction?? I'm afraid I was trying to get the kart to start by pulling the tire the wrong way!

I STRONGLY suggest you bring your kart out to MRP (www.michianaracewaypark.com) for a practice day - better yet, enroll in one of our "mechanic schools" so you will learn as much about the kart as possible before you make expensive mistakes.