First Step Instructions

• 1). Check the oil level in the engine before trying to start it. Most engines arrive with no oil in them to prevent spillage in shipment. Do not attempt to start the engine prior to adding some oil. Remove the oil dipstick and examine the level of oil indicated by the stick gauge. Remove the oil filler plug and add oil.
  
  
• 2). Add fresh gasoline to the gas tank. Do not use stale gasoline, as it can gum up the engine carburetor. Do not attempt to fuel the go-kart indoors or in an area that is poorly ventilated. Replace the gas cap. If the engine is equipped with a primer, push the primer three times to force the fuel into the engine and start the flow of fuel.
  
  
• 3). Drain both the oil and gas from the engine when storing the go-kart for an extended period of time. The Briggs and Stratton Engine Owner's manual recommends a 30-day maximum amount of time for storing an engine with fuel or oil in it. They also suggest using a gasoline additive.
  
  

Maintenance for the Go-Kart Engine

• 1). Check oil level before each use. If the engine is in continued usage, check the oil level every five hours. Change the oil every 50 hours of use or when removing the go-kart from storage.
  
  
• 2). Clean the air filter or cleaner cartridge regularly. If the go-kart is being used continuously, clean the air filter every 25 hours of use. Change or clean the air filter if the go-kart has been in storage for longer than 30 days.
  
  
• 3). Remove the screws that secure the cover the filter cartridge and lift the cover. Wash the pre-cleaner, which is the wire screen positioned over the filter in a solution of liquid detergent and water. Some engines come with a foam filter instead of a metal one; you can clean these the same way as the metal ones. Dry thoroughly. If the screen is dirty and cannot be cleaned, replace it immediately. Tap the cartridge to remove particles from the recesses of the cartridge. If it is excessively dirty, replace it immediately. Replace the cartridge and screen pre-cleaner, and screw the cover back on the air cleaner.
  
  
• 4). Clean engine and parts with a wire brush to remove debris from the rotating screen located next to the pull cord. Do not use water to rinse the debris off, as this could damage the interior of the engine. If racing the go-kart on a dusty track, you may need to perform the cleaning more often than recommended.
  
  
• 5). Check spark plugs every 100 hours of continuous use or every season. If the spark plug has excessive carbon deposits, use a wire brush to scrape off. Use a tester to determine if the spark plug needs to be replaced.