18 Comments

  1. i got this go cart for my grandkids for christmas and they just started riding it. 2 times actually and after about 10 minutes the belt starts slipping and smoking so its just setting in my shed.how do i tighten up the belt or whatever the problem is.

    1. Duane – do you mean the torque converter belt? If so see
      https://gokartnerds.com/common-go-kart-torque-converter-problems-and-how-to-fix-them/

      With your kart being so new, it was most likely that the pulleys were not aligned and caused the belt to slip and wear out.

      Also check out the Owner’s manual (link below). You also may want to check with Coleman or wherever you purchased the kart.
      Owner’s Manual:
      https://www.colemanpowersportsusa.com/KT196

  2. Check to make sure the weld did not break on the chain sprocket to the frame. This happened to ours howere Coleman warranties their product so contact them directly, they are more than happy to help.

  3. I pulled the plastic housing and left it off. Less heat build up and the smoking problem went away immediately

  4. Our go-kart just stopped one day. The wheels wouldn’t turn. After removing the cover, I saw a hex cap screw from a sprocket had worked loose and backed out enough to be in contact with the adjacent pulley. Wedged in this way was keeping the wheels from turning. Turned out the other hex cap screws were loose also. Once these were tightened it ran fine.

  5. I just recently bought on for my kids, they used for about a week, and now it runs but the cart seem to jerk at take off anyone know at this could be

  6. So glad I found this page! Maybe you can help me? I found a 2012 coleman kt196 for only $250. But, it’s been sitting for a few years. I haven’t picked it up yet, we are scheduled to go get it next Friday. But I’m trying to find everything I might
    Need to replace. The seller says it was running perfectly fine before parking it.
    The brakes are locked up because of it sitting, but he said he will fix that for me. What are some problems I might find because of it sitting? I’ve got a cart ready that includes air filter, fuel filter, spark plug, ignition coil, carburetor assembly, brake caliber kit, and 10w30 oil.
    If it doesn’t run I know it’ll probably need a motor which is $220.
    Other than all that, idk what else to cover to get a go kart running like new again. So any advice would be appreciated!

    1. These are great Go Karts. I just did three engine conversions from the original KT196 engine to the 212cc Predator from Harbor Freight. It is a bolt on replacement. Interestingly, all three of the original engines had broken brackets inside the engine that connect the piston rod to the cam shaft. It is definitely an issue but for $120 (Black Friday Special) the Predator is more powerful and bolts right on.

      What I learned doing the swap. Start by removing old engine, remove carburetor to access throttle cable, remove torque converter (10mm) bolt). A impact driver easily removed this bolt. I placed Torque cover, torque converter, bolts and belt in cover as these will go on new engine. Remove engine mount bolts and engine will come right off.

      To prep new engine, place on work bench, Drain and then fill with 10w-30 oil to spec, remove carburetor as you will need to access throttle linkage hookups under carburetor. I had to loosen the throttle linkage so it would move freely. If you are going to use the kill switch you can either remove the one on the Predator or wire it into the one on the KY196 or eliminate it altogether. Lots of videos available on this. You will also need to take the black forward cover bracket off old engine and install it on engine block screw by oil dipstick. There wasn’t a screw hole for the top cover bracket so I just didn’t install it. You are ready to mount motor. Place motor on go Kart frame and bolt in place. Install torque converter starting with brass spacer, I added one thick 3/4″ I.D. washer also, plate with bearings, then belt and finally springs and cover. You will need to purchase a 5/16″x2″ -24 (fine thread) bolt to secure torque converter. I recommend cleaning torque converter while it is off. Fine grit sandpaper works great. Next install Throttle linkage. You will have to push gas pedal and adjust linkage to get correct setting for slow idle. Install carburetor and you should be good to go.

      The 212cc Predator is slightly more powerful and delivers much more punch than the original motor.

    1. Bought one last week from Tractor Supply. It was returned by the original purchaser after a week. TS told me the recoil pull start was not consistent and since it was returned they would give me a 25% discount. Nothing wrong with the pull start. The motor was LOCKED UP. I took the discount, loaded it up, and stopped at Harbor Freight to buy a Predator 212 ($149.00) on the way home. Today I finally got the Coleman motor apart. The rod had seized onto the crankshaft. Only issue installing the HF Predator was clutch belt alignment and tension. I had to open the motor mounting holes to move the motor about 3/16″ left and 1/8″ back.

  7. I purchased a Honda gx200 with a 2 7/16 inch shaft, which it calls for, to replace the engine.
    When I began to reinstall the torque converter I noticed that the shaft was too short and that the original engine had a shaft about 1/2 inch longer and so the converter would not bolt onto it. What is going on here?

    How do I fix this?

  8. We’ve had a KT196 for about 3 years now from TSC. If the kids and their friends hadn’t hit so many trees I’d call it flawless. It’s been rolled, smashed into, covered in mud, through cornfields, and has hit trees or stumps too many times to remember. Besides the steering being knocked out of place numerous times, the thing just keeps going. It’s a beast. I did have to weld the front axles, after its 7th or 8th tree encounter. Other then that, the only maintenance I’ve done is change oil. Hours and hours of abuse on the original belt.

  9. Is there anyway to make this a little quieter ? Its a little loud for my grandson but were wearing hearing protection. Thanks ALL!!!!

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