Step 1 – Remove the Nut, Snap Ring, Cam and Spring
In order to adjust your torque converter, you must get access to the spring. Firstly, you’ll need to remove the nut and the snap ring that is located on the fixed cam. After you have removed the snap ring and the nut, proceed to remove the fixed cam and the spring from the torque converter. Leave the rest in place as it is. You also won’t be required to remove the chain or belt when adjusting your torque converter.
You’re also able to remove the nut, snap ring, cam and spring while your go kart is stationary on the floor. It’s recommended to work on go-karts while it’s on a stand, as they provide you with better access to components. However, a go-kart stand is not required for this process.
Step 2 – Adjust the Spring
Now that you have removed the nut, snap ring, cam and spring, you can start to adjust the spring setting on the torque converter. If you take a look at the image above, point 4 indicates the torque converter adjustment holes. You’ll usually find three pre-drilled holes where the end of the spring can slot into. By default, it will be in slot number 1.
The next step is where the actual adjustment happens. You can detach the spring from the fixed cam and place the end of the spring into a different numbered hole. The holes are marked as 1, 2 and 3. The higher the number you place the spring into, the more torque your go-kart torque converter will produce.
If your torque converter doesn’t come with hole labels, then you may use this illustration for further reference. With all of the holes pointing up, the sequence is in reverse order: Hole 3 (left), Hole 2 (middle) and Hole 1 (right).
For a quick insight, you can use the reference below:
- Hole 1: For flat roads (Normal Torque)
- Hole 2: For inclined or uneven roads (More Torque)
- Hole 3: For off-road usage (High Torque)
Step 3 – Reassemble the Nut, Snap Ring, Cam and Spring
Now that you have decided which setting to adjust your torque converter to, it’s time to reassemble the fixed cam with the spring. The reassembly of the parts is simple and straightforward. Simply, place the parts back onto the torque converter in reverse order.
Firstly, place the spring back with the fixed cam back against the torque converter. Ensure that the end of the spring is inserted into the hole of the torque converter, just as it is on the fixed cam. You’ll see that the fixed cam has two flat sides in the hole, so ensure that they are aligned when you slot it back in. Here it gets a little tricky, keep pressing it fully in and go to the next step.
Step 4 – Preload the Spring and Assemble the Snap Ring and Nut
You’ll now need to preload the torque converter. This is done by turning the fixed cam that you are holding against the torque converter in a counterclockwise direction until it hits stop. You’ll have to do all this, while pressing the fixed cam against the torque converter.
While still pressing, take the snap ring and place it back on. This holds the fixed cam in place and the spring of the torque converter is preloaded. Now all you have to do is to screw in the nut. That’s it!
