Newbie, have multiple questions.

Yttermayn

I'm a newb just learning about small engine stuff. I bought a 4 wheel 80's par car with what I believe to be a harley davidson engine in it as a learning project, and 'cause I always wanted a go-cart as a kid.
What I started with:
The kid I bought this thing from had done some hacks on it (which in fairness to him were probably on top of other hacks). As a result, I am not completely sure of how everything is originally supposed to be set up. The control cables were either missing or just a mess. The (columbia) carb throttle post was mangled. Some of the wiring has been hacked. The muffler and air cleaner were missing. The engine appears to be a hybrid of columbia and harley.
What I've done so far:
I bought an old 3 wheel harley and took the missing pieces plus the carb and transplanted them onto the columbia. The Muffler in particular took some welding make it fit on the mounting bolts, and I had to weld up a pipe to connect it to the engine. With those changes I believe the engine is now mostly 70's Harley (based on the drawings in the Harley service manual). I corrected the wiring and replaced the solenoid. I swapped out a flat tire. The cart now runs pretty good, I got up to 21 MPH measured by GPS.
The cable that used to connect the governor arm to something near the throttle (this area was a mess, mind you) was, well, not connected to anything. The plastic plug the governor arm rests against is worn down to a nub, so I removed the arm and spring holding it on.
Now on to the questions:
I didn't notice any difference between when the governor arm was installed and pushing against the primary, and when it was totally removed. How is it supposed to work? There seems to be conflicting information on this forum as to the function and importance of this part. I've seen it mentioned that it functions by limiting the travel of the throttle. Is that true?
I've seen posts saying that the governor protects the engine from damage due to "over reving", and other posts that say it is only there to limit the cart to "safe" golf course speeds. Which is it?
I noticed also that at higher speeds in, say, the 17-21 mph range, that there is a vibration present. It isn't alarming, but I would like to eliminate it if I can. I reckon it's roughly in the range of 50Hz.
I will include photo's later. Let me know if there's any particular areas you'd like a photo focused on.
Thanks everyone! I've already learned quite a bit just reading older posts here!

BGW

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GC newbie

Sounds like my Harley/CPC mish mash project I've been working on. Looking forward to seeing pics of yours.
Yes, the governor is to keep from over-revving down hills etc by limiting how far the throttle can open. As I understand it this engine is not designed for high rpms so probably not a bad idea to get the governor working to prolong engine life.
I just got mine running good and haven't had a chance to check speed with GPS but 21 sounds like high end of normal ballpark for cruising speed.
If you check my post I've got some good pictures and video so you might get an idea of what's "normal". Mind you mine is a chop/hack job too. No shame in a unique ride. ;)

Yttermayn

Ok, so it's not there to prevent engine damage on level ground, just down hill.
One other question: are these carts meant to idle? I was reading the service manual and the carburetor has an idle adjustment. If so, when should it idle? What is the sequence of events that gets you idling? I have been under the impression that the engine is only supposed to run when you press the accelerator pedal.

GC newbie

Yeah That's a good question. Maybe they're just referring to low throttle setting? Mine doesn't idle either, it's either driving or the engine is off.

OlrustysGhost

I think the idle screw is to adjust the carb for starting. If it was fully closed how would it get air? I dunno, it makes sense to me..... I'm working on a 78 Harley 3 wheeler IF it ever gets warm enough to get back to the shed.

tew45

The cart is not meant to Idle. 21 MPH is good. Most folks completely remove the governor. Most Columbia and HD parts are the same depending on the year. Download the service manual. set the low speed at the manual setting. You ar is good shape so far!

Yttermayn

Thanks tew45! I have noticed the similarities. I am not sure if I want to mess with the low speed or not at this point. I am thinking I'll do more with the engine when we have a little nicer weather, since I don't have a garage.

Lochlin

Yeah, take that governor arm off. It can add to your noise from the clutch rubbing against it. It's not doing anything anyway. I don't think these carts have an over reving problem as much as they do an overuse / overheating problem. They were intended to drive a short distance then stop. Then drive another short distance then stop, etc. Driving them a long distance non-stop can allow the engines to get a bit too hot and cause some issues. This is why later carts (82+) added the cooling shroud over the engines to help distribute air to keep them cool.

Oh, that vibration can be a million things. I have three of these carts and they all make noises. It's part of their personality and only one time did I locate a source. My ended up being a throttle cable not that I know what was wrong with it. For lack of any other ideas I replaced the throttle cable and the vibration went away. That being said, it wasnt worth the effort. Who knows, yours could be that governor arm!

Tew is correct that the HD / Columbia engines are pretty much unchanged from the early 70s - 1985. There are a couple of differences though starting with the 1982 year with the most important being that in 1982 HD / Columbia switched to a Comet-type secondary clutch.

Yttermayn

Thanks for the great info, Lochlin. Any idea how hot is too hot?