Tuning your go kart engine is very important in keeping your go kart running at optimum levels. Even though these engines are small, they’re all packed with performance for their size. Take some time to plan out a regular tuning and maintenance schedule, though. And remember, there are four main types of these motors.

The first type of go kart engine is very popular, and it has a bore made of aluminum – called a cool bore – with roller bearing on either side of the crankshaft. It’s very high-performance, though a little rare and maybe not worth all the trouble it would take to get one. The second type can fill in just as nicely, and it features bore made of steel with the same roller bearing set up. Also, it can win just as many races.

The remaining pair consists of single-bearing engines, with either an aluminum or a steel bore. All four motors, really, can be extremely competitive in racing, as long as each is built up and then tuned properly. And when tuning and maintaining a go kart engine, remember that regular oil changes help the most. After that comes inspecting and tuning up the sole spark plug. Remove and check it over regularly. Look for accumulated carbon on the electrode, in addition to any scoring on the electrode surface.

Always check the distance between the plug tip and the electrode. Usually, the gap will need to be between.025 and.030, according to engine specs. Take a gap tool and space it out or close it in, if necessary. After that, insert it back into the engine and then go over the plug wire’s surfaces for cuts or abrasions. Any damage to the wire can cut down on top engine performance.

The next step is to remove and inspect the air filter, and replace it if it’s too dirty or clogged. If not, just take a lightly-powered compressed air blower and blow it out. It’s also important that the fuel-air mixture going from the fuel line into the engine’s carburetor be adjusted. Just use a screwdriver to adjust the needle valve in the carb. Tighten it in a clockwise direction until fully down and then reverse it for 2.5 turns. After that, most other tuning will revolve around using timing lights to determine bottom and top dead center on cam rotation. Just download a guide on how to do so and go from there.

Just as with changing the oil and air filters, routine engine tuning will keep you running. Follow a regular maintenance and tuning schedule for these engines, which usually means tuning at least yearly, if not twice yearly. For engines used for serious racing, do this more often.