Grand Prix Clutch Seminar Part 1: Jackshaft Clutches

The first video in our series of grand prix seminars in 2021. In part 1 we break down how the jackshaft clutch works, how to tune it and how to maintain it.

[@rhondamims-brown]

Nice video John, my son is showing an interest in karting and I was recently trying to explain the centrifugal clutch to him. This should do the job as he's a visual learner.

[@slicktires2011]

great content!

[@kevingonzalez1092]

Hey John, I just purchased a grand prix gokart with a KT100 engine. I'm having trouble. With the throttle. the guy I bought it from says that the clutch is set for somebody that weighs 180 pound. I'm 140 pounds so he said it would need to be adjusted..

[@foxvalleykart670]

Kevin, I'll be happy to talk with you about this, and any other questions you might have. I'm tied up today, but any evening next week would work. Why don't you email me at [e-mail] and we'll set it up.

[@mehnazmehreen8122]

Sir, is this a shifter kart? If it's not, then what's the clutch used for, if there are no gears to shift?

[@kennyskomputers1009]

Basically the clutch goes onto the jackshaft (I believe that’s the name) and that shaft is always spinning. The clutch basically only engages once the motor reaches a certain rpm automatically which makes spins the whole assembly causing the chain to start moving and powering the rear end. I probably did a horrible job explaining that, but I tried. If you still want to find out you should call John at Fox Valley Kart. He can explain it wayyyy better than I can.