A go-kart jackshaft is a mechanical component that transfers rotational force between the crankshaft and the axle. In essence, a jackshaft is a long shaft, which actually looks like an axle and is located in between the engine crankshaft and the rear axle.
How do go-kart jackshafts work?
The difference with a go-kart jackshaft setup is that in between the crankshaft and the axle, there is a jackshaft with two additional sprockets. This means that the crankshaft transfers its rotational power to a jackshaft, instead of directly to the axle.
What size jackshaft do I need for a go kart?
Full Length 3/16" Keyway, 1-1/4" of 5/8-18 Fine Thread on Both Ends. These are Universal Jackshafts for: Manco, American Sportworks, Yerf Dog, Carter Brothers, Ken-Bar Streaker, Kartco, Road Boss and many other American Go Karts.
What is a jackshaft on a car?
A jackshaft is often just a short stub with supporting bearings on the ends and two pulleys, gears, or cranks attached to it. In general, a jackshaft is any shaft that is used as an intermediary transmitting power from a driving shaft to a driven shaft.
What is included in a jackshaft kit?
A jackshaft kit contains the jackshaft, key way, two sprockets, two bearings, two bearing hangers, collar and a key stock. If you get the individual parts yourself, you’ll need to match the item dimensions, which could take quite a while.
What is a jackshaft in a go kart?
Why do go karts have jacks?
How does a crankshaft work on a go kart?
What is a jackshaft?
Why is it important to maintain a jackshaft?
Why do you need a jackshaft?
Does Balabay77 have a jackshaft?
See more
Does my go-kart need a jackshaft?
A jackshaft is not required for racing go-karts but is intended for off-road go-karts or homemade go-karts that aren't able to align the crankshaft with the axle directly or have a torque converter. It's more common in motorcycles and snowmobiles.
What is the point of a jackshaft?
A jackshaft, also called a countershaft, is a common mechanical design component used to transfer or synchronize rotational force in a machine. A jackshaft is often just a short stub with supporting bearings on the ends and two pulleys, gears, or cranks attached to it.
What is a jackshaft sprocket?
The jackshaft sprocket transfers the power from the engine to the rear axle by way of the chain and is a very important part of the drive system. Itincludes two set screws and a 3/16" keyway slot.
What is a jackshaft clutch?
By Chaz Wyland | Updated April 12, 2022. The jackshaft is a long metal rod or shaft that plays an integral part in the function of a snowmobile. This part takes power generated by the clutch and transfers it to the chaincase. It's a critical piece of the drive train that helps propel the sled on the snow.
How do you make a homemade jackshaft?
2:195:44how to make a jack shaft - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother way that you can do a jack shaft is by taking an old rim. Now you see the inside of theMoreAnother way that you can do a jack shaft is by taking an old rim. Now you see the inside of the bearings. Here inside here there's the barons.
What is a torque converter for go-kart?
Torque converters are variable transmissions for go-karts that are attached to the side of the engine. They provide a variable gear ratio and are therefore ideal for lower-speeds, heavy stop-and-go situations or climbing uneven terrain.
How do you set up a jackshaft?
2:023:13Off Road Go Kart Jackshaft Setup - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe whole engine is mounted on slotted holes. In the engine plate. So it's very simple system weMoreThe whole engine is mounted on slotted holes. In the engine plate. So it's very simple system we slide it as close to here as we can get it cut the chain to the correct length.
What is a jackshaft on a snowmobile?
A jackshaft is an axle-like device that is driven from one object and drives another object. Many machines use a jackshaft to operate accessories that cannot be directly run from a power source. A common jackshaft drive is found on a snowmobile.
How do you measure a Go-Kart sprocket?
To determine a clutch sprocket teeth number from a given gear ratio with a given rear axle sprocket teeth number, simply divide the rear axle sprocket teeth number by the first number in the ratio (ie: 60 divided by 5 = 12) to give 12T.
How do you find the gear ratio on a go-kart?
In a go-kart or minibike, the gear ratio is the ratio of angular speed of the engine crankshaft to the angular speed of the axle. For example, let's say you have a stock predator 212 engine that is rotating at 3600 rpm and your axle is rotating at 600 rpm, then the gear ratio is 3600:600 or 6:1.
How do you remove a jackshaft bearing?
0:000:45Jackshaft removal 2 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn there there's nothing holds a NN. I mean it's tight but. So now when I give that a whack or twoMoreIn there there's nothing holds a NN. I mean it's tight but. So now when I give that a whack or two on that side that should drive this bearing out of this side and slide the jack shaft over.
What is a motorcycle jackshaft?
The jackshaft connects the starter motor to the starter driven gear on the outside of the clutch basket. This article uses 1998 Road King as an example, but a similar set up is used on 1990 and newer big bikes.
What is a jackshaft?
A jackshaft is often just a short stub with supporting bearings on the ends and two pulleys, gears, or cranks attached to it. In general, a jackshaft is any shaft that is used as an intermediary transmitting power from a driving shaft to a driven shaft.
When was the jackshaft invented?
One of the first uses of the term jackshaft in the context of railroad equipment was in an 1890 patent application by Samuel Mower. In his electric-motor driven railroad truck, the motor was geared to a jackshaft mounted between the side frames.
What is a countershaft?
The countershaft and the lathe spindle each carried cones of different-diameter pulleys for speed control. In 1872, this definition was given: "The term countershaft is applied to all shafts driven from the main line [shaft] when placed at or near the machines to be driven ...".
When did the term "jack shaft" come into use?
In these early sources from New England mills in 1872 and 1880, the term "jack shaft" always appears in quotes. Another 1872 author wrote "Gear wheels are used in England to transmit the power of the engine to what is usually called the jack shaft.". By 1892, the quotes were gone, but the use remained the same.
What are pulleys on a mill shaft?
The pulleys on the jackshafts of mills or power plants were frequently connected to the shaft with clutches. For example, in the 1890s, the generating room of the Virginia Hotel in Chicago had two Corliss engines and five dynamos, linked through a jackshaft.
1. Gear Ratio and Speed Calculator
You can easily calculate your desired gear ratio and top speed of your go-kart by entering the engine speed, engine sprocket teeth, axle sprocket teeth and tire height. There’s also an option to enable a jackshaft if you’re running a torque converter instead of a clutch.
2. Gear Ratio Chart
Here’s a comprehensive go-kart gear ratio chart that accounts for the most common sprocket sizes. This chart shows the gear ratio for engine sprocket sizes from 8 – 20 teeth and axle sprocket sizes from 50 – 110 teeth.
3. What is a Gear Ratio on a Go-Kart?
Understanding the importance of optimal great ratios will enable you to maximize the efficiency and power output of your go-kart. Finding the proper gear ratio will allow you to also increase or decrease the go-karts output torque and top speed.
4. How are Go-Kart Gear Ratios Calculated?
Determining the gear ratio on your go-kart is simple. All you need to do is divide the number of teeth on the rear axle sprocket by the number of teeth on the clutch/engine sprocket.
5. Calculating the Top Speed With Gear Ratios
Knowing the gear ratio, rpm and tire height will also allow you to calculate your go-kart’s top speed. I’ll spare you the slightly complex calculations, but you can use the gear ratio and top speed calculator that I have created for this. Here’s a quick summary of the information you’ll need:
What is a jackshaft in a go kart?
A go-kart jackshaft is a mechanical component that transfers rotational force between the crankshaft and the axle. In essence, a jackshaft is a long shaft, which actually looks like an axle and is located in between the engine crankshaft and the rear axle. It’s sometimes also referred to as a countershaft, although the term jackshaft is more ...
Why do go karts have jacks?
The main reason is because it allows a go-kart to operate without the axle being aligned with the crankshaft. This means that the power source can be at a different location and both crankshaft sprocket and axle sprocket do not need to align.
How does a crankshaft work on a go kart?
The crankshaft transfers the rotational power to the axle with the use of two sprockets and a roller chain. The difference with a go-kart jackshaft setup is that in between the crankshaft and the axle, there is a jackshaft with two additional sprockets. This means that the crankshaft transfers its rotational power to a jackshaft, ...
What is a jackshaft?
Generally speaking, jackshafts are a more common component in motorcycles, snowmobiles and farm implements.
Why is it important to maintain a jackshaft?
Maintaining a go-kart jackshaft is very important, as they are responsible for transferring the rotational power from the crankshaft to the rear axle. If the jackshaft isn’t maintained well, it can lead to loss in power and potential go-kart damage if your chair breaks.
Why do you need a jackshaft?
As you now know the main reason for running a jackshaft setup, there are also other benefits. It also gives you more flexibility to gear your sprockets, as you have a total of four instead of two. Secondly, due to the jackshaft acting as a pulley, it reduces the physical stress on the sprockets and chain.
Does Balabay77 have a jackshaft?
Balabay77 runs an interesting jackshaft setup on a racing go-kart. Jackshafts are generally not required for racing go-karts where the frame is wide enough to run with a traditional setup instead. However, this was a fun project for them.
