GoPowerSports Bolt Go-Kart Kit
Complete Assembly Manual - Edition 1.0
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Safety Information
- Tools & Requirements
- Parts Inventory
- Pre-Assembly Preparation
- Assembly Stages (1-8)
- Initial Testing
- Maintenance Schedule
- Troubleshooting Guide
- Support Resources
- Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the GoPowerSports Bolt Go-Kart Kit! This premium bolt-together go-kart has been engineered for both beginning and experienced builders. Your kit features:
- 98cc (3HP) engine standard configuration
- Speeds up to 26mph (stock)
- Complete bolt-together design - no welding required
- Adjustable pedal positions
- Upgradeable to 212cc engine
- Premium frame components
Project Requirements
- Assembly Time: 4-6 hours
- Workspace: 10' x 10' minimum
- Working Surface: Level concrete floor
- Assistance: Some steps require two people
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Safety Information
IMPORTANT: Read all safety instructions before beginning assembly
Required Safety Equipment:
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Closed-toe shoes
- Protective clothing
Assembly Safety:
- Keep work area clean and well-lit
- Keep children and pets away from assembly area
- Use proper lifting techniques for heavy components
- Follow all torque specifications
- Double-check all safety-critical connections
Operational Safety:
- Minimum operator age: 13 years
- Maximum weight capacity: 400 lbs
- Always wear DOT-approved helmet
- Never operate under the influence
- Follow all local regulations
- Maintain safe operating speeds
Required Tools
Primary Tools:
- Torque wrench (10-50 ft-lbs range)
- Socket set (metric and standard):
- 13mm (primary size)
- 9/16"
- 13/2"
- 10mm
- 13/16"
- 15/16"
- 1-1/16"
- Allen wrench set:
- 4mm
- 5mm
- 6mm
- Adjustable wrenches (2)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
Specialty Tools:
- Chain break tool (recommended)
- 7/32" drill bit
- Center punch
- Tape measure
- Level
- Thread locking compound
Optional Tools:
- Impact wrench
- Socket extensions
- Universal joint adapter
- Anti-seize compound
- Paint markers
- Digital camera (for documentation)
Parts Inventory
Frame Components:
- Main frame rails (2)
- Front crossbar (1)
- Middle crossbar (1)
- Rear crossbar (1)
- Front axle assembly (1)
- Steering mount tubes (2)
- Seat support tubes (4)
- Armrest bars (2)
Hardware Packages:
- Primary Hardware Kit:
- M8x45mm bolts
- M8 nylon lock nuts
- Washers (flat and split)
- 60mm specialty bolts
- Steering Hardware Kit:
- Tie rod ends
- Steering shaft components
- Steering wheel mounting hardware
- Engine Mounting Kit:
- Engine mount bolts
- Chain
- Master link
- Clutch assembly
Pre-Assembly Preparation
- Inventory Verification
- Unpack all boxes carefully
- Check parts against inventory list
- Photograph any damaged components
- Contact support if parts are missing
- Sort hardware by size and type
- Label bags for organized assembly
- Workspace Setup
- Clear minimum 10' x 10' area
- Ensure proper lighting
- Place rubber mat or cardboard for protection
- Set up parts in assembly order
- Position tools within easy reach
- Prepare cleaning station
- Frame Preparation
- Clean all metal components with acetone/degreaser
- Remove any manufacturing oils
- Check all tubes for debris inside
- Verify all pre-drilled holes are clear
- Remove any burrs from cut edges
- Mark left/right components if needed
- Paint/Powder Coat (Optional)
- Complete dry fit first
- Mark all mating surfaces
- Mask threaded holes
- Sand surfaces if needed
- Apply preferred finish
- Allow proper curing time
Stage 1: Main Frame Assembly
- Frame Rail Positioning Locate main frame rails:
- Position rails parallel on work surface
- Verify pedal mounting holes are on TOP
- Space rails approximately 20" apart
- Front is end with pedal mounting holes
- Use blocks to raise frame 2" off ground
2. Crossbar Identification Front Crossbar:
- 5 holes in middle
- 4 holes on sides
- 1 hole on top
3. Middle Crossbar:
- 4 holes on top
- Extra hole goes on left side
4. Rear Crossbar:
- 5 holes on top
- Extra hole positioned left
5. Initial Bolt Placement
- Insert M8x45mm bolts in all top holes EXCEPT:
- Skip 4 front holes (cable mounts)
- Skip 2 middle holes (floor pans)
- Use 60mm bolts for rear corners
- Leave all bolts finger-tight
- Verify bolt heads are uniform direction
6. Bracket Installation Front Section:
- Install 5-hole triangular brackets (4)
- Position brackets flush against frame
- Verify bracket orientation matches diagram
7. Middle Section:
- Mount 4-hole triangular brackets (2)
- Align holes precisely
8. Rear Section:
- Position corner brackets
- Check for proper angle alignment
9. Front Axle Mounting
- Position spindle tops toward rear
- Verify two mounting holes at bottom
- Install mounting hardware loosely
- Check for proper spacing
Stage 2: Floor Pan and Support Structure
- Floor Pan Preparation
- Clean all mating surfaces
- Check hole alignment
- Verify pan orientation
- Label front/rear edges
2. Installation Sequence Front Floor Pan:
- Remove front bracket nuts
- Position pan carefully
- Follow under/over pattern
- Use mallet if needed for alignment
3. Middle Floor Pan:
- Align with front pan
- Maintain consistent pattern
- Verify all holes match
4. Rear Floor Pan:
- Complete pan pattern
- Check all seams
- Verify proper overlap
5. Hardware Tightening
- Start from center
- Work outward systematically
- Torque sequence:
- Hand tight first
- Snug with impact
- Final torque 18 ft-lb
- Apply thread locker if permanent
Stage 3: Steering Assembly
- Spindle Installation Preparation:
- 1x spindle body
- 1x nylon wheel spacer
- 2x nylon split bushings
- Mounting hardware
- Verify per spindle:
2. Installation Steps:
- Apply grease to mounting surfaces
- Install split bushings into spindle
- Position wheel spacer correctly
- Verify tie rod mounting points face forward
- Torque sequence:
- Hand tight
- Quarter turn with wrench
- Final torque to 18 ft-lb
- Check for free movement
3. Steering Shaft Assembly Components Check:
- 1x main steering shaft
- 2x lock collars
- 1x short lower bracket
- 1x tall lower bracket
- Mounting hardware
4. Assembly Order:
- Install bottom lock collar
- Mount short bracket (front position)
- Position tall bracket (rear position)
- Install top lock collar
- Verify shaft rotation is smooth
- Check for binding points
5. Tie Rod Installation Preparation:
- Lay out tie rod ends
- Note left and right threads
- Verify proper length adjustment range
6. Installation Steps:
- Thread rod ends equally
- Install in this order:
- Bolt
- Split washer
- Tie rod end
- Second split washer
- Nylon lock nut
- Leave slightly loose for alignment
7. Wheel Alignment Process Initial Setup:
- Position wheels straight
- Center steering shaft
- Mark center position
8. Adjustment Steps:
- Adjust tie rods equally
- Check toe-in (1/8" recommended)
- Verify steering range
- Lock jam nuts firmly
- Double-check all connections
Stage 4: Engine Mounting
- Engine Preparation Pre-Installation Checks:
- Fill with 10W30 oil
- Check all mounting points
- Verify clutch assembly
- Test pull-start operation
2. Clutch Installation:
- Mount clutch cover bolts first
- Install output shaft spacer
- Align clutch with keyway
- Torque clutch bolt (specific torque)
- Attach clutch guard
3. Engine Mounting Process Position Setup:
- Place engine on mount plate
- Align mounting holes
- Install mounting hardware:
- Split washers on top
- Flat washers below
- Leave loose for chain adjustment
4. Drive Chain Installation Preparation:
- Measure required length
- Mark chain at break point
- Verify master link orientation
5. Installation Steps:
- Break chain to length
- Route around sprockets
- Install master link:
- Clip faces away from clutch
- Verify clip orientation
- Check link security
6. Drive System Alignment Critical Checks:
- Sprocket alignment
- Chain tension (1/2" deflection)
- Engine position
- Clutch clearance
7. Final Steps:
- Torque engine mounts
- Secure chain guard
- Check for binding
- Verify smooth operation
Stage 5: Brake System Installation
- Brake Component Preparation Parts Check:
- Brake band assembly
- Cable and housing
- Mounting hardware
- Return springs
- Adjustment components
2. Mechanical Installation Mounting Steps:
- Position brake band
- Install mounting bracket
- Route cable properly
- Attach return springs
- Set initial adjustment
3. Cable Routing
- Follow frame contours
- Avoid sharp bends
- Secure with cable ties
- Allow for suspension movement
- Protect from heat sources
Stage 6: Control Systems & Electrical
- Pedal Assembly Installation Position Selection:
- Forward position (39" leg room)
- Rear position (33" leg room)
- Determine driver size
- Choose mounting position:
2. Installation Steps:
- Mount pedal brackets
- Install pedal stops
- Position return springs
- Set cable attachment points
- Verify smooth operation
3. Kill Switch Installation Wiring Process:
- Route primary wire along frame
- Strip wire ends properly:
- 1/2" strip length
- Clean copper exposure
- No stray strands
- Make connections:
- Wrap stripped end clockwise
- Secure under mounting bolt
- Apply electrical tape
- Test connection stability
4. Throttle Cable Setup Routing:
- Install cable housing clamps
- Route along frame rail
- Maintain gentle bends
- Secure with zip ties
5. Adjustment:
- Set idle position
- Verify full throttle reach
- Check return spring tension
- Set cable free play (1/8")
Stage 7: Seat Installation & Final Body Components
- Seat Mounting Preparation:
- Position seat on frame
- Mark mounting holes
- Drill with 7/32" bit
- Clean drilling debris
2. Installation:
- Install mounting hardware
- Add washers as needed
- Torque to specifications
- Check for stability
3. Safety Padding Installation Components:
- Roll cage padding
- Steering wheel cover
- Frame protection points
4. Application:
- Clean surfaces
- Apply adhesive if required
- Secure with zip ties
- Trim excess material
5. Body Panel Installation Sequence:
- Side panels
- Front nose
- Rear panel
- Check all fasteners
- Verify panel alignment
Stage 8: Final Assembly & Testing
- Pre-Start Checklist Mechanical Checks:
- All bolts torqued
- Chain tension correct
- Wheel alignment verified
- Brake adjustment proper
- Steering movement free
2. Safety Systems:
- Kill switch operation
- Brake light function
- All safety labels in place
- Guards and shields secure
3. Initial Start Procedure Preparation:
- Add fresh fuel
- Check oil level
- Clear area
- Support rear wheels
4. Testing Sequence:
- Activate kill switch
- Check choke position
- Start engine
- Allow warm-up
- Test all controls
5. Break-In Period Guidelines First Hour:
- Vary engine speed
- Avoid full throttle
- Monitor temperature
- Check for loose parts
6. Next Five Hours:
- Gradually increase speed
- Check adjustments
- Monitor chain tension
- Verify brake operation
Maintenance Schedule
- Before Each Ride
- Tire pressure check
- Brake function test
- Chain tension verification
- Control operation check
- Fuel level check
- Weekly Maintenance
- Clean air filter
- Lubricate chain
- Check all fasteners
- Inspect wear points
- Clean entire unit
- Monthly Service
- Change engine oil
- Grease bearings
- Adjust chain tension
- Check tire wear
- Inspect frame integrity
- Annual Maintenance
- Replace fuel lines
- Change air filter
- Check valve clearance
- Replace spark plug
- Inspect all bearings
Troubleshooting Guide
- Engine Issues Won't Start:
- Check fuel level/quality
- Verify kill switch position
- Examine spark plug condition
- Confirm choke setting
- Check air filter cleanliness
- Poor Performance:
- Clean carburetor
- Check valve clearance
- Verify timing
- Inspect fuel filter
- Test compression
- Drive System Problems Chain Issues:
- Proper tension (1/2" play)
- Sprocket alignment
- Master link security
- Lubrication state
- Wear inspection
- Clutch Problems:
- Engagement speed
- Wear patterns
- Spring tension
- Bearing condition
- Proper clearance
- Steering/Handling Issues Steering Binding:
- Spindle lubrication
- Tie rod alignment
- Bearing condition
- Frame alignment
- Tire pressure
- Handling Problems:
- Wheel alignment
- Tire condition
- Frame integrity
- Bearing play
- Suspension settings
- Brake System Troubleshooting Poor Braking:
- Cable adjustment
- Pad condition
- Drum surface
- Return spring tension
- Linkage wear
Support Resources:
- Community Resources Online Groups:
- Facebook: "Bolt Kart Builders"
- Video Tutorial
- Email: sales@gopowersports.com
Specifications
- Technical Data Dimensions:
- Length: 72 inches
- Width: 42 inches
- Height: 48 inches
- Weight: 165 lbs
- Performance:
- Top Speed (Stock): 26 mph
- Turning Radius: 12 feet
- Brake Distance: 25 feet
- Torque Specifications Critical Fasteners:
- Engine mount: 25 ft-lbs
- Wheel nuts: 55 ft-lbs
- Steering components: 18 ft-lbs
- Frame bolts: 18 ft-lbs
- Brake hardware: 15 ft-lbs
- Fluid Capacities
- Engine oil: 16 oz
- Fuel tank: 0.95 gallon
- Gear oil: 4 oz
- Grease points: As needed
Contact Information
GoPowerSports Support:
- Phone: 866-846-5278
- Email: sales@gopowersports.com
- Website: www.gopowersports.com
- Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM CST
Maintenance Log
[Include blank maintenance log sheets for:
- Oil changes
- Chain adjustments
- Brake service
- General maintenance
- Modification records]
This concludes the complete assembly and maintenance manual for your GoPowerSports Bolt Go-Kart Kit. Keep this manual for future reference and maintenance scheduling.