The basics
- How often: after every race, clean the bodywork, engine, brakes, air filter, tyres, wheels and chassis. The carburettor and clutch can be done less often.
- How long: anything from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the parts.
- Where: the garden, driveway, garage, or a designated area at the track. (I did an oil change on the kitchen island once!)
Whether you're a seasoned racer or, like us, a privateer parent, regular cleaning keeps your child's kart working properly for longer. You wouldn't drive your car on squeaky brakes, so why risk your child's safety? It also gives them some responsibility for looking after their kart.
Get those Marigolds on and start cleaning! Be warned, if your kids are anything like Zenico, getting them to touch the greasy parts is like pulling teeth.
Depending on your kart, you won't need to do everything below, but this is the gold standard. For a Honda Cadet it's mostly wiping over, cleaning and lubricating. For other classes it's a mix of the following.
Part by part
| Part | What to do |
|---|---|
| Chassis | Remove grass, mud and debris with a stiff brush. Apply a good degreaser with a cloth and check for rust or damage. |
| Bodywork | Use mild soap or detergent and a soft cloth. Rinse the panels with water and dry them. |
| Wheels | Soap and water for mud. Degreaser for tough stains. |
| Tyres | Brush off debris, wash with tyre cleaner and dry. Check pressures. |
| Seat | Wipe fibreglass, carbon or plastic seats with a damp cloth and mild soap. |
| Engine | Clean the outside with degreaser and a cloth. Ask a mechanic about cleaning the inside. |
| Air filter | Rinse with soap and cold water, soak, rinse, dry and re-oil. |
| Steering wheel | A mild cleaning solution and water on a soft cloth. |
| Carburettor | Regularly clean the outside with carb cleaner. |
| Fuel tank | Remove, clean and replace if needed. |
| Clutch | Take apart, clean with brake cleaner, lubricate and replace worn parts. |
| Axle | Remove, clean with degreaser, lubricate and check for bends. |
| Brakes | Brake cleaner on the disc, lubricate moving parts and bleed the brakes. |
| Pedals | Wipe with a damp cloth, and use a brush for the fiddly bits. |
After cleaning
Let every part dry completely before you put it back together, to prevent corrosion. Avoid drying in direct sunlight, which can warp and discolour parts. Lubricate the chain, clutch and air filter after cleaning.