A couple of 13hp Kawasaki Questions Before I jump into the Build ...

BrewCityMusic

SO ... Finally started to order parts for the 2010 MPT, but before I screw up the budget too badly I have a few questions for You 13hp drivers, as this is my first non F/R-engine cart ...

First, the sound of the engine reminds me of a beefed-up Club Car or a Yamaha (which obviously makes sense) however exactly HOW loud is this cart supposed to be compared to an old-school 295/350? I ask because the cart is exceptionally clean, and *can* purr like a kitten at lower RPM's, but it seems to grow exponentially (and annoyingly) louder under heavy accel or load, is this normal?

Second, There really doesn't seem to be a "coast" mode when driving the cart, is this normal? With any of my other carts, when You get up to high RPM's and let off, the cart coasts. with this one it almost seems like the clutches stay engaged for a longer time, almost mimicking "engine braking" - will a new set of TEAM clutches alleviate this issue because it's driving me crazy trying to get used to it (and I doubt I ever really will) ?!?

Third (sorry, I know I said a "couple" but now I'm remembering more) the pedal adjustment, WTH ?!? There's got to be a way to eliminate the six or seven feet of pedal travel ( ) prior to the engine actually starting (although the microswitch spins the starter almost as soon as you touch the pedal) - where exactly do I adjust this excess cable out without screwing everything up and having to chase cable-adjustment issues for the rest of the afternoon?

These are the major concerns I have with the cart at the moment, they could just be little quirks associated with the "new" design (of which I am growing less and less impressed everytime I drive the cart) or are they just things I need to address due to the cart having sat for a few years prior to me obtaining it? Thanks in advance as always, EZGO has their 20% and free shipping again so if I need the clutches I would like to jump on them now (although if I can avoid it I will, the clutches on there are brand new Kawi's, so new in fact they still have the inventory stickers on them) - HELP !!!

BGW

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

DOOmsman

There really doesn't seem to be a "coast" mode when driving the cart, is this normal? With any of my other carts, when You get up to high RPM's and let off, the cart coasts. with this one it almost seems like the clutches stay engaged for a longer time,

This is called back shift which sledders want to keep the engine at peak hp rpms.
it is controlled by the stiffness of the secondary spring and or the pre wrap in the secondary.

BrewCityMusic

so I would assume that the TEAM clutches (being a springless design from what I've heard) would eliminate this and give me the "coast" back?

DOOmsman

Brew I have no experience with team clutches so I can't say.

kgsc

Well it is sad to say but I don't drive my RXV with the team setup enough to answer this 100%. I think because there is no spring in the drive clutch trying to push it open you will have like was mentioned and have like a power braking kind of feel. Mine has the team clutches because when I bought it the drive clutch had a ridge in it that made it squeal.. very annoying. Replaced the back one because I had heard bad things about them and the team kit was cheaper than just the replacement drive clutch.. Maybe they are trying to put regen on a gas cart ??

BrewCityMusic

Hmmm ... I guess the best thing to do is just tear into it, I finally found a thread with a couple of tweaks to get the throttle cable straightened out, as long as I have it up and apart I guess I'll check the gaskets on the exhaust, etc - my Nivel order should be here tomorrow w the lift tires and rims, etc so I should have it together by tomorrow night or Fri morning and the sale on the clutches runs through Friday so I'll hopefully have a few hours to shake things down before I pull the trigger on new clutches.

Either way, I guess I don't really MIND the cart, it's basically brand new so if it turns out to not be "My Thing" I can bump up the next project and find this one a new home :)

kgsc

OK, my 2 cents for throttle setup.. Cart lock in N, I disconnected the cable at the back and loosened the gov bracket. Pushing the pedal will try to start and I adjusted the idle until it would sit and idle, ie the engine spinning faster than the SG,. Then loosened the bolt holding the gov bracket to the shaft and made sure it was as far as it could spin until it hit a stop on the shaft. Tighten that. Now, with that held against the gov stop, tighten the other nut for the linkage going to the carb. Now put the cable back on and adjust to the speed you want.. On mine the bracket was rotated on the shaft coming out of the diff such that even with the cable all the way out it would not reach top speed.

BrewCityMusic

Thanks, Amigo - that's going to make life a LOT easier, I do believe .... Just took a fast run to the mailbox and back (about a mile each way) - when I back off the gas, the belt/clutches stay engaged and keep the motor turning over until I get down to about 2mph, that CAN'T be right. I mean seriously, engine braking all the way from 22-24mph back to basically a stop, no WAY that can be the design.

Can it?

kgsc

To be honest, I really don't remember..I haven't been on the team cart in a month..been driving the workhorses with the Robbins.. I know it does do some braking and I take advantage of it pulling trailers down boat ramps.. Maybe your idle rpm is too high..

BrewCityMusic

it stays engaged (the entire drivetrain - to the extent that it keeps spinning the motor) with my foot entirely off the pedal, all the way from top speed to almost zero ... It's like neither clutch disengages at all until the cart comes to a total stop, THAT I know isn't right ... I'm going to take a run with the box off and the other half driving, see if I can't figure out a bit more ...