A go-kart jackshaft is a mechanical component that transfers rotational force between the crankshaft and the axle. In essence, a jackshaft is a long shaft, which actually looks like an axle and is located in between the engine crankshaft and the rear axle.
How do go-kart jackshafts work?
The difference with a go-kart jackshaft setup is that in between the crankshaft and the axle, there is a jackshaft with two additional sprockets. This means that the crankshaft transfers its rotational power to a jackshaft, instead of directly to the axle.
What is a jackshaft on a car?
A jackshaft is often just a short stub with supporting bearings on the ends and two pulleys, gears, or cranks attached to it. In general, a jackshaft is any shaft that is used as an intermediary transmitting power from a driving shaft to a driven shaft.
How do you calculate the jackshaft ratio for a go kart?
In order to calculate the jackshaft ratio for your go-kart you need to calculate the both sprocket ratios and multiply them. You start by dividing the number of teeth of the jackshaft by the number of teeth on the crankshaft sprocket.
What is included in a jackshaft kit?
A jackshaft kit contains the jackshaft, key way, two sprockets, two bearings, two bearing hangers, collar and a key stock. If you get the individual parts yourself, you’ll need to match the item dimensions, which could take quite a while.
Does a go-kart need a jackshaft?
A jackshaft is not required for racing go-karts but is intended for off-road go-karts or homemade go-karts that aren't able to align the crankshaft with the axle directly or have a torque converter. It's more common in motorcycles and snowmobiles.
What is the point of a jackshaft?
A jackshaft, also called a countershaft, is a common mechanical design component used to transfer or synchronize rotational force in a machine. A jackshaft is often just a short stub with supporting bearings on the ends and two pulleys, gears, or cranks attached to it.
How do you make a go-kart jackshaft?
3:006:03Go Kart Jackshaft Fabrication - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right here we go one piece of cardboard there sitting on the frame. The other one is prettyMoreAll right here we go one piece of cardboard there sitting on the frame. The other one is pretty close lined up kind of hard to work the camera.
What is a jackshaft sprocket?
The jackshaft sprocket transfers the power from the engine to the rear axle by way of the chain and is a very important part of the drive system. Itincludes two set screws and a 3/16" keyway slot.
What is a torque converter for go-kart?
Torque converters are variable transmissions for go-karts that are attached to the side of the engine. They provide a variable gear ratio and are therefore ideal for lower-speeds, heavy stop-and-go situations or climbing uneven terrain.
What is a jackshaft drive?
A jackshaft is an axle-like device that is driven from one object and drives another object. Many machines use a jackshaft to operate accessories that cannot be directly run from a power source. A common jackshaft drive is found on a snowmobile.
How do you set up a jackshaft?
2:023:13Off Road Go Kart Jackshaft Setup - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe whole engine is mounted on slotted holes. In the engine plate. So it's very simple system weMoreThe whole engine is mounted on slotted holes. In the engine plate. So it's very simple system we slide it as close to here as we can get it cut the chain to the correct length.
Is a torque converter better than a centrifugal clutch?
Centrifugal clutches are suitable for power transmission applications involving high speeds, while torque converters are suitable for power transmission applications involving heavy loads.
How do you calculate go-kart gear ratio?
What is Gear Ratio? In a go-kart or minibike, the gear ratio is the ratio of angular speed of the engine crankshaft to the angular speed of the axle. For example, let's say you have a stock predator 212 engine that is rotating at 3600 rpm and your axle is rotating at 600 rpm, then the gear ratio is 3600:600 or 6:1.
How do you move a Go-Kart sprocket?
Follow These Steps:Loosen the front or rear sprocket.Use a straight long object like a key stock.Hold key stock flat against the rear sprocket.Align the front sprocket with the key stock.Lock the sprocket in place.