Novice

[Gerald Mueller]

Bought a AR30 Birel chassis (I beleive that is what the previous owner said it was). I am interested in finding info on proper maintenace procedures/practices to ensure proper functioning (ie, things to check, clean, etc. lifespans of components). Later on, when my son has began his racing (just in the seat time mode) tuning the chassis. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Garry Lobaugh]

Lets make sure you know what you have first. The left rear bearing hanger where the brakes are located is the plate with the serial number and the model number. Please check that out. Record the serial number for future reference.

Birel has yet to publish a set up manual. Here is why. Each driver is different. Each part of the country has different temp and track conditions. So for them to publish something would be a potential liability due to variation.
First off, in the states, each sanctioning body has a different spec on tires. Then we are dealing with different horsepower consideration.
Can you imagine the difference in driving styles? So until you can tell me about the above conditions or attend your local driving school to develop an "on track game plan" then it is rediculous for us to provide a set up sheet. Besides, a customer might want to blame the kart, when in fact, most situations of low performance is a result of the connection of the brain with the feet of the driver in the seat. Come to the MRP School, and I guarantee you will know the set up for just $275 in 4 hours. Sorry for the promo, but let me know where you are and I'll set you up with one of our 40 MRP/Birel Performance centers in North America, and I will personally guide them through your needs. Garry

[Gerald Mueller]

Garry,
I will find the serial number as you say. Thanks for the info. I live in Portland, Oregon. I am not yet at that stage about setting up the kart. The reason I contacted you was for info on "care and feeding" of the kart chassis, i.e, what should I check, lube, etc on the chassis and related parts. In other words, Preventive Maintenance to ensure long life and minimize breakdowns at the track. Thanks, Gerry

[Sam Cooper]

Mr. Mueller -

Let me see if I can help..

1) Every nut & bolt should be checked every time the kart is taken to the track, and should also be checked periodically through the day. Any nut that has a nylon insert (Nylock nut) should be changed if it will turn with ease. A good supply of nuts & bolts would be a good idea.
2) You should keep your kart very clean - Birel karts love to be shinny red! Not to mention, it's easy to find leaks or damage on your kart when it’s clean! Just remember - "A clean kart is a happy kart" :-) We use diluted Simple Green to keep the bodywork clean, and WD-40 as a cleaner on the motor and chassis - never use carb cleaner on you chassis, as it will cause it to fade or peel. After a good cleaning we use Tri-Flow lube on our bearings...
3) Things that wear out –
· Bearings (they will make a noise or feel loose)
· Brake pads (too much pedal travel)
· Tires
· Springs

That is for the chassis – The motor is another subject :-)

Hope this helps! If not - post another reply with a specific area your needing help with and we will get you fixed up!

BTW - Garry's Speed school will answer every question you have and then some!

[Gerald Mueller]

Thanks Sam and all who answer my posting. I learning big time but all of you are making that learning curve little easier to handle. Did the bearings on my sons kart this weekend and all went smooth. Thanks so much for the help/advice. Gerry Mueller

[Jean Stafford]

Gerald,

Sam missed one point of wear that may be in your chassis.
Check the spindle, or Kingpin bolts. Some individuals replace them with softer than norman bolts that have insufficient straight area to support the spindle. As a result the thread rests in the "pills" and wears out rapidly. The result is an inability to hold camber adjustments. After a race the camber will be greater than when you started, and when you release the tension on the kingpin they seem to spring back where they belong, only to do the same thing the next time out.

Replace the kingpin bolts with the hardened, more expensive, units of birel Manufacture only.

Jean Stafford
www.staffordsracing.com

[Garry Lobaugh]

Good thought here Jean. I can't tell you how many customer karts come through the door for checking during the winter and I'll bet 90 % have one or more king pin bolts bent. A simple check by the customer afer each race is important at the track or when the prepare for the next outing. Simply loosten the bolt, rotate it and watch the alignment of the bottom of the bolt relative to the turning radius. Every customer should have at least one or two king pin bolts in their spare parts inventory to keep the kart aligned properly. Garry