Engineered for maximum performance at affordable prices. Manufactured in the USA for full throttle fun since 1996.

Yerf-Dog Go-Kart Service Tips

 
 

Proper care, driving, storage and maintenance of your vehicle is critical for years of safe, enjoyable use. We encourage owners to read and adhere to the Owner’s manual and Service manual recommendations.


Throttle Cable
Brakes
Spark Plug
Air Cleaner
Kart Lubrication
Chain Tightening
Chain Lubrication
Centrifugal Clutch Lubrication
Torque Converter
Fuel
Oil
Engine


Throttle Cable
Inspect throttle cable condition and operation. Replace cable if it has become worn or kinked. Lubricate cable with cable lubricant to prevent premature wear or corrosion. Make sure spring, rod and fasteners are in good condition.


Brakes
Check the brake cables for kinks or signs of wear that could cause sticking or failure. Lubricate brake cables with an available cable lubricant to prevent premature wear or corrosion. Make sure spring, rod and fasteners are in good condition.

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Spark Plug
The spark plug is located on top of the Go-Kart engine

Standard spark plug: Champion RN4C only.

To inspect spark plug do the following:

1. Disconnect the spark plug cap.
2. Clean up dirt from around the spark plug base.
3. Remove the spark plug. This can be accomplished by using the spark plug wrench.
4. Replace spark plug if electrodes are pitted, burned, fouled with deposits, or porcelain is cracked.
5. Check electrode gap with wire feeler gauge and set gap at .030.
6. Install spark plug, tighten securely

Spark Plug Reference Chart for Yerf-Dog Go-Karts.

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Air Cleaner
The air cleaner will accumulate dust and should be replaced after every 100 operating hours. If riding in dusty areas, the filter will need to be replaced more frequently. A dirty air filter will cause Go-Kart to run poorly.

To inspect filter:

1. Remove wing nut and cover. Remove paper element.
2. Inspect element for condition
3. Replace filter if needed. Filters can be purchased at any authorized Tecumseh dealer.

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Kart Lubrication
After every 3 hours of use, lubricate the following items with a couple of drops of SAE 30 oil.

a. Steering pivot points
b. Steering spindles

c. Steering tie rod pivot points
d. Pedal pivot points

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Chain Tightening
The drive chain will wear with use and requires periodic adjustment.

Chain slack is measured by pushing down on chain between the two sprockets. The amount of slack should be 3/8”-1/2”. To tighten chain, loosen the four bolts on the bottom of the engine and pull the engine backwards. Note: Go-Karts with centrifugal clutches, the engine will need to be pushed forward.

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Chain Lubrication
For long life of chain, lubrication is required before each ride. This can be accomplished by using a non-oil based graphite spray. Do not use oil or grease on the chain. Oil and grease attract dirt and dust, which will shorten the life of the chain.

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Centrifugal Clutch Lubrication
The centrifugal clutch will provide many hours of use if maintained properly. Cleaning and lubrication is necessary for long life and trouble free operation. The clutch should be lubricated after every 2 hours of operation.

Centrifugal clutch maintenance:

a. Remove the drive unit cover.
b. Clean all dust and dirt residue from all surfaces.
c. Lubricate clutch with SAE 30 oil. This is accomplished by placing oil around the base of the clutch while turning the wheel to work the oil into the clutch bearing.
d. Reassemble drive unit cover making sure it is securely in place.

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Torque Converter
The torque converter will provide many hours of use if maintained properly. Periodic cleaning and lubrication is necessary for long life and trouble free operation.

Torque Converter maintenance:

a. Remove the drive unit cover.
b. Pull the torque converter off of the drive shaft.
c. Clean all dust, dirt and belt residue from all surfaces using an evaporative solvent.
d. Re-lubricate all parts of torque converter with a dry lubricant such as a non-oil based graphite spray. NOTE: Do not get any lubricant on the face plates which come in contact with belt.
e. Reassemble drive unit cover making sure it is securely in place.

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Fuel
Fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline. DO NOT USE LEADED GASOLINE.

Filling instructions:

a. Clean area around fuel cap.
b. Add “unleaded” regular gasoline, slowly to the gas tank. Use a funnel to avoid spilling.
c. Install fuel cap and wipe up any spilled gasoline.

! NEVER FILL FUEL TANK INDOORS. NEVER FILL FUEL TANK WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING OR HOT. DO NOT SMOKE WHILE FILLING FUEL TANK.

! NEVER FILL FUEL TANK COMPLETELY. FILL TANK TO ½” BELOW BOTTOM OF NECK TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR FUEL EXPANSION. WIPE ANY FUEL SPILLAGE FROM ENGINE AND EQUIPMENT BEFORE STARTING ENGINE.

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Oil
Engine oil SAE 30
Change engine oil after first 2 hours of use and then after every 25 hours of use.
Check engine oil after every 5 operating hours and before each use. Oil level should be between the full and add marks on the dipstick.

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Engine
Refer to Tucumseh operators manual and maintenance instructions for full service instructions

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