New Kart Owner (I think)

Posts: 22 · Padawan Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 22 Pictures: 0

I just purchased the SunL kart from a local dealer. It is for my two boys, ages 12 & 7. The first week it stayed in the shop due to flooding problems. Found this to be a bad fuel "modulator" or petcock attached under the tank. 2 days to order the part and it now runs much better. However, I've had to readjust the floats as well. The boys were riding this past weekend and due to vibration, the exhaust bolt came out and it ended up breaking the pipe where it attaches to the motor. I now have it being welded.
Since the purchase, I've read that SunL in NOT the kart to have. What else do I have to look forward to for "maintenance" of this kart. I'm tempted to take it back and ask for my money back. Any suggestions???

Posts: 67

Frame breakage and so forth.

Good luck getting your money back, you might report to the SunL sucks thread for preveiws and tips.....

http://www.buggynews.com/topic6970.html

Posts: 22 · Padawan Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 22 Pictures: 0

Do I see a welder on the wish list????? Hopefully not, but who knows. This thing will probably not see anything other than a few hills and my yard. I hope it lasts longer.

Posts: 74 · Enthusiast Joined: 04 Sep 2005 Posts: 74 Pictures: 0

slow train,

Which model do you have?

Search this forum and you'll find lots of good advice. I have the 150cc "B" 2005 model and recommend the following:

1. Tighten all nuts/bolts and use "Loctite" where necessary. All karts should have this done.

2. Lubricate the reverse cable. Somewhere on this forum there is a great thread about this.

3. Lubricate the lower A-arm bushings on the front end - some dissassembly required.

4. Change the engine oil soon with good quality oil. Make sure the reverse gear box is lubricated well.

5. Be aware that connections in the electrical box have a history of becoming loose and causing problems. Either re-crimp them now or do it as needed.

6. Some guys adjust the front shocks so that they are at the stiffist setting to counteract the "bump steer" problem. I didn't notice enough of a difference and reset mine to the softest setting to keep it more comfortable of a ride.

7. Keep a close eye on the chain. You'll probably need to tighten it occasionally.

8. Take some time to search this forum for things I have forgotten.

I understand that you want to return your kart, but if you end up being stuck with it, don't let all the negative SunL hype discourage you. I have beat mine pretty well and have had good luck with it, with no replacement parts ever needed (except my ignition switch is on the fritz right now, which I intend to repair myself). Let us know what happens.

Posts: 4500

now cmon not everything about sunl's are bad. Newbuggier put a TRX300 in his, and its still in one piece!

Might as well get a performance exhaust while to replace the broken one.

Good luck!

Posts: 22 · Padawan Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 22 Pictures: 0

Thanks for the info. I'll have to check on the exact model. I know it is a 150FS, with the GY6 motor. I purchased it from a local dealer who sells the Kazuma and Red Cat ATV's. He also has lots of the 110cc choppers, scooters, etc. He did tell me that if the new petcock did not fix the problem, he would give money back. The petcock did work, but more problems have risen. (exhast pipe) I guess the money back deal is off.
I will have to give the going over with loctite for sure. This was the first "larger" kart the dealer had sold. Not a good start. Looks like I have some work to do over the holidays........

Posts: 22 · Padawan Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 22 Pictures: 0

Got my pipe back and it looks good. I seen where one can "gut" the stock exhaust to help performance. How much louder does this make the kart? I have neighbors who work nights and I want to stay in the good with them.
Picking up extra bolts for supporting mount, should be back together tonight.

Posts: 22 · Padawan Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 22 Pictures: 0

The model I have is the SLGK-150FS. Pipe is back on along with retro rubber mounted muffler. I used loctite on the exhauset studs into the block ( I had to replace them due to thread damage.) The rear mount for the pipe now has loctite and a rubber mount.
It still wants to load up when coming down from speed. I leaned it out 1/4 turn, but couldn't tell much. But hey, the boys got to ride today in beautiful weather even into darkness to try the lights. They said it was "CCccuuuoooooOOOLLL". Anyway, we're riding for now.........

Smile

Posts: 9861

The 150cc sunl frames seem to be holding up okay. Most of the problems have been with the 250cc versions.

Just follow the recommendations on the board here and it should be okay. One o the main disadvatages of SUNL is lake of support. But it sounds as if your dealer is trying to help so it probably will work out okay for you in the end.

-Steve

Posts: 22 · Padawan Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 22 Pictures: 0

Thanks for the report, Hopster. It seems to be running good and staying together. I'll continue to check bolts, lube and loctite as needed.

One other question. I tried to put a fuel filter in line with carb, but it wouldn't start. Filter was installed correctly. You could see gas in the filter. I put a straight line back on and the kart fired right up. Don't really understand, but the filter is on the bench.