How To Remove the Governor on a Go Kart in 14 Steps

  • By: Kevinsmak
  • Date: January 12, 2023
  • Time to read: 9 min.
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To prevent the go-kart from going too fast, there is a device called a governor. Its location and connection to the throttle suggest that it should be close to the motor.

If you want additional power and speed from your go-kart, you can remove the governor. The question of how to detach the governor from your go-kart may arise.

Go-kart governors can be removed by finding the linkage that connects it to the chassis and then severing it. A socket wrench, pliers, and a screwdriver are among the instruments that will be required for this task. To disengage the throttle connection and free the governor, these tools will be required.

What is a Governor on a Go-Kart?

The governor controls how fast a go-kart can travel. Its location and connection to the throttle suggest that it should be close to the motor. The function of the governor is to restrict the go-rate kart’s speed.

When you press the accelerator, the governor will allow more air into the engine by widening the throttle opening. Because of this, the motor is forced to run more efficiently, increasing its speed.

But if you take your foot off the gas, the governor will prevent as much air from entering the engine, slowing it down.

How To Remove the Governor on a Go Kart

Before you begin, you will need to gather a few tools, including:

  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A flathead screwdriver
  • An adjustable wrench
  • Pliers

Once you have gathered your tools and located the governor, you follow the steps below:

Step 1: Remove the Engine from Your Go-Kart

In order to get started, remove the engine from your go-kart. To do this, you’ll need to disassemble the engine and set it down on a table or workbench.

When the engine is installed, removing the speed governor requires draining the oil to gain access to the component inside.

Before attempting to take your engine off its mount, you should disconnect the drive chain, the fuel lines, and the nuts. When you’re done here, take the engine and set it on a stable surface like a table or workbench.

Step 2: Drain Out Oil From Your Engine

You must now drain all of the oil from your engine. Some of the interior parts must be accessed, and this is made simpler when oil is not in the way.

First, unscrew the drain plug so the oil can drain. When the oil has been completely drained, you can put in the plug again.

Step 3: Disconnect the Fuel Lines

The next step is to disconnect the fuel lines. You’ll need to do this to safely remove the carburetor without spilling any fuel.

To disconnect the fuel lines, start by loosening the clamps that hold them in place. Once you’ve done this, you can pull the fuel lines off the carburetor.

Step 4: Remove the Carburetor

The next step is to disconnect the fuel lines. This is necessary to prevent fuel from leaking while you remove the carburetor.

Start by releasing the clamps that are holding the gasoline lines together. When you’ve finished, you can disconnect the gasoline lines from the carburetor.

Step 5: Take Off the Air Filter

The air filter protects the engine from debris by sitting atop the carburetor. First, loosen the wing nut that’s holding it to the wall.

The carburetor’s air filter can then be removed. Avoid breaking the filter in the process of removing it.

Step 6: Locate the Governor 

The governor is typically located close to the engine of the go-kart. Depending on the type of go-kart you own, it could also be on the engine’s side.

It’s a little cylinder thing that sits on the throttle linkage and controls the speed. The governor needs to be located, and its linkage must be severed before it can be removed.

Step 7: Disconnect the Throttle Linkage

The linkage between the governor and the engine is known as the throttle. The screws holding it in place must be loosened using a screwdriver or wrench before it can be removed.

The throttle linkage must be detached from the governor, which may be done once the screws have been released.

Step 8: Remove the Side Cover Bolts

The side cover is secured by these nuts and bolts. To reach the governor, you must first remove them.

To loosen the bolts, you’ll need an adjustable or socket wrench. Assuming you’ve already removed the governor’s bolts, you can remove the side cover.

You can get to the governor by taking off the side cover and unscrewing its bolts.

Step 9: Re-align the Governor Arm for Removal

The arm of the governor must be in the proper position for removal. Loosen the center bolt and rotate the arm until it is back where it should be.

Step 10: Remove the Center Bolt

The center bolt keeping the governor’s arm in place can be taken out after the arm is in the proper position. This nut is often situated in the middle of the governor.

In order to loosen the bolt, a wrench is required. After the bolt is taken out, the governor arm can be detached from the go-kart’s control mechanism.

Once the central bolt is taken out, the governor arm may be detached from the go. kart.

Step 11: Remove Governor

You can now remove the governor from the go-kart. You will have unlimited speed and power once the governor is disabled. When driving without a governor, extra caution should be used.

To get to the governor, you’ll have to take apart a few different parts.

Lock Pin: This small metal pin holds the governor in place. It is located on the side of the governor.

Shaft Key: The shaft key is a metal piece that fits into the slot on the governor shaft. It is located on the side of the governor.

Bearing Retainer: The bearing retainer is a metal ring that holds the bearings in place. It is located on the side of the governor.

Governor Gear: The governor gear is a small, metal cog on the governor’s side.

Washer: This helps to secure the governor gear in place. It is located on the governor’s side.

Clip: The clip is a small metal ring holding the governor’s shaft. It is located on the side of the governor.

Step 12: Reconnect the Throttle Linkage

It is possible to reattach the throttle linkage once the governor has been eliminated. For this, you need only perform Step 2 in reverse.

Reattach the linkage to the bracket holding the governor first. The screws should be cinched back down thereafter.

Step 13: Check Timing & Re-Align Camshaft & Crankshaft

With the governor out of the way, you can now double-check the timing and realign the camshaft and crankshaft. This can easily be accomplished by referring to the go-kart’s owner’s manual.

Step 14: Re-Install Side Cover

You can replace the side cover after you’ve double-checked the timing and realigned the camshaft and crankshaft. This is easily accomplished by starting with Step Three and working backwards.

Reinstall the side cover first. Reinstall the bolts and ensure they are snug.

What To Do After Removing the Governor from Your Go-Kart

Since you have disabled the go-kart’s limiter, you must be extra careful.

Test Drive

Take your go-kart for a spin just after you take out the governor. You can get a sense of the increased speed and power in this way.

Drive with extreme caution, please.

Check for Leaks

Check for leaks in your go-kart after removing the governor. Verify that every nut and bolt has been securely fastened.

Adjust the Carburetor

After taking out the governor, you’ll have to fine-tune the carburetor. Keeping your go-kart in such pristine condition will guarantee its top performance.

This can easily be accomplished by referring to the go-kart’s owner’s manual.

Check the Timing and Re-Align the Camshaft & Crankshaft Regularly

Due to the absence of the governor, regular camshaft and crankshaft alignment and timing checks are required. This will reduce the likelihood of engine failure in your go-kart.

Keep an Eye on Your Speed

Keeping a close eye on your speed is essential when driving without a governor. Drive safely and within your abilities.

Maintaining a constant and accurate mental image of your environment is essential. It’s risky to drive fast without a governor since you might not notice impending threats in time.

Keep in mind that not everywhere permits fast driving, such as

  • School Zones
  • Hospitals
  • Residential Areas

It’s also vital to know the varied speed restrictions for the various routes you can encounter. You should avoid getting pulled over for speeding at any cost.

Be Prepared for Breakdowns

You should expect more breakdowns in your go-kart if it doesn’t have a governor. You should always be prepared for the unexpected.

Having an extra set of tools in the car is also a smart idea. In case maintenance is required, you will be ready.

Tips To Remember When Removing a Governor on a Go-Kart

The following are some things to keep in mind when taking off the governor on your go-kart:

Check the Manual

Before attempting to take the governor out of your go-kart, it’s a good idea to consult the owner’s manual. Assuring proper procedure and protecting the go-kart from harm is the goal here.

Wear Protective Gear

Wearing safety equipment while tinkering with a go-kart is a must. Earplugs, goggles, and gloves are all part of this gear.

Have a Friend Help You

Repairing a go-kart is a task that is much easier with a friend’s assistance. This is the only way to guarantee successful and risk-free completion of the task.

Get a Professional

You can always take your go-kart to a mechanic if you are uneasy about removing the governor on your own. They can handle everything for you, and they’ll get it done right.

When driving without a governor, extra caution should be used. If you frequently drive at high speeds, you might want to upgrade to a governor that can handle greater speeds.

Why Would You Want to Remove the Governor on a Go-Kart?

There are times when you may wish to take the governor off of your go-kart.

More Speed

Get rid of the governor, and the go-speed kart’s will increase. As you would imagine, this has both positive and negative implications in the context of racing.

A go-kart without a governor requires a higher level of caution from the driver.

Better Climbing

Get rid of the governor if your go-kart has problems getting up steep inclines. Go-kart hill-climbing performance will improve if the governor is disabled.

More Power

Without the governor, the go-kart will be more powerful. If the governor is removed, the engine can rev to higher speeds.

Go Kart Governor FAQs

Final Thoughts

You must take the engine out of your go-kart, empty the oil, unscrew the governor, and then reinstall the engine before you can remove the governor. When driving without a governor, you should also check for leaks, adjust the carburetor, and monitor your speed.

Before removing the governor, make sure you have followed all the directions in your go-kart’s manual. By doing this; you may be sure that you are performing the task correctly and without endangering the go-kart. Karting bliss.


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