How to Get My Dingo Go-Kart in Neutral

Dingo Go-Karts have been in production since the 1990s. The go-karts, made formerly under the brand name of Manco are manufactured by American SportWorks, headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana. These vehicles are belt and chain driven, utilizing a torque converter to establish a safe yet fun speed for the rider. The normal "gear" position for the vehicle is in neutral as it is not until you increase the RPMs that the vehicle drives. If you cannot get your Dingo into neutral, or a nondriving position, there are a few options to rectify the problem.

Things You'll Need

  • Socket set
  • lubricant
  • flat and Phillips screwdrivers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn off your go-kart and let it completely cool off. You will be working around the exhaust and other hot motor parts that will take some time to cool. Remove your spark plug wire to prevent the motor from accidentally starting.

    • 2

      Remove any covers or trim that impede your view of the belt and chain. Examine the belt and chain for wear or bad spots and replace them as needed.

    • 3

      Check your belt tension and location. Your asymmetric belt should be located on the smaller pulley when in neutral and, due to its shape, will move a larger drive pulley when the centrifugal force is applied when you increase RPMs.

    • 4

      Reduce your RMPs. On most Dingo motors, take the air filter off the motor to expose the carburetor. You can increase the gas mixture by turning the adjustment screw in small increments.

    • 5

      Verify that the pulleys are aligned appropriately. You will usually notice uneven or broken belts as a symptom of this problem as well. Fix as needed by adjusting the pulley's shaft with a socket.

    • 6

      Rotate the driver and the driven pulleys by hand to verify they turn smoothly. If they show wear or do not turn even with the rear of the go-kart jacked up, replace them.

    • 7

      Check the tension of the drive chain. If it is so tight you cannot move it up or down, it may cause your Dingo to move or surge even while in neutral.

    • 8

      Inspect the clutch for obvious wear. Abuse, lack of lubricant, incorrect tires and other factors can lead to a bad clutch which will allow the vehicle to move while in neutral.