The engine of a go-cart for racing or for fun is comprised of many parts. These include brake parts, chain & links, throttle parts, sprockets, torque converters, centrifugal clutches and other parts.

In this article, we will be discussing tips and techniques on taking care of your racing go-cart's engine parts specifically on its chain and spark plugs. We will also include in the discussion, the proper ways of lubricating the engine.

First of all, a go-cart owner should have the proper tools in maintaining his go-cart. An inventory of his tools should include the following:

* a wrench for spark plugs
* an oil squirt can with spout
* a clean gas can. A small, plastic can would be preferable.
* a chain breaker tool
* some connecting links
* extra chains
* a set of standard tools
* low pressure tire gauge

Maintaining Chains:
Chains are also called rollers that are part of engines in go cart racing. When the racing go-cart's engine is running, its chains rub back and forth with each other. To maintain these from wearing off, here are some tips we can do:

- Lubrication must be applied along each side link of the chain. This lube should be allowed to stay on the chains for about 8 to 10 minutes to allow it to penetrate and evaporate before starting the racing go-cart's engines. Otherwise, the centrifugal force will sling it away. Aside from this, the main drive sprocket and the clutch sprocket should be aligned perfectly so as not to rub with the side links. The horsepower of the engine of the racing go-cart will be absorbed if rubbing occurs.

- When stretched chains (which always occurs over time) are tightened, always make sure that the tension in the chain is the proper and desired chain tension for the go-cart's race engine. A tight chain does not only put friction on the roller bearing and the bushing but it can also make the cart move in neutral position even without a driver steering it.

- When installing a new or sprocket or clutch in the engine of your racing go-cart, install a new chain unless this is very new. Do not cut new chains into very short ones. Removing links can always be done but you cannot attach more than half a link.

- Always determine first pitch size of the chain your machine needs. These are sometimes stamped on the chain. Typical American-made go cart engines for races and for fun have chain sizes as #35, #40, #41, and #42 chain.

Tips for Maintaining Spark Plugs:

- Always follow your go-cart racing engine's manual when removing, inspecting and adjusting spark plugs. The electrodes are supposed to be free of carbon and excess oil in order for the go-cart's racing engine to perform well during racing.

- Always see to it that the gap between the electrodes - also called the spark plug gap - is .030 inches. Measure this with a wire feeler gauge.

- Coat the threads where the spark plug will be attached with anti-sieze compound or graphite grease before installing the racing go-cart's engine. This will make the plug easier to remove during inspections.

- Always replace a go-cart's racing engine's spark plug at least once a year. This ensures engine performance in optimum level and easy engine starting.

Guidelines in Engine Lubrication:

Oil change in the crankcase must be done 2 hours after operating your racing go-cart's engine. And this should happen 25 hours after each use. This is done to ensure that the engine's internal parts are properly lubricated and to avoid expensive repairs brought about by extreme engine wear.

Before we proceed, always remember that the spark plug wire should be disconnected and should not be able to make any contact with the spark plug before the change oil procedure.

1. The first step is to take out the oil fill plug which is located at the engine base's rear side. Tip the go-cart slightly backward, blocking the front end. The drained oil should be placed in a suitable container.

2. Next, put back the oil fill plug and tighten this securely. Put the go-cart's engine back into a level position and refill the oil.

3. Before using the go-cart, check its oil level. Doing this only takes a few seconds.

Instructions in Storing Go-carts When Not in Use

1. Place the go-cart in the outdoors.

2. By allowing the go-cart's race engine to run, drain the carburetor and the fuel tank. Excess fuel can be drained by using a suction or by using clean rags and towels to absorb the oil.

3. Remove the spark plug of the racing go-cart's engine and pour an ounce of clean lube through the cylinder's spark plug hole. Slowly crank the engine of the go-cart in order to spread the oil and put the spark plug back again.

4. A go-cart's race engine will be affected when starting and performing when old stored gasoline will be used so do not store gasoline over a season.

5. More importantly, never store fuel and gasoline in storage and buildings that have open flame.