72 three wheeler, no power or top end speed

[crpntr]

Hello all, new to the forum and to the sport of golf carts. I received a 1972 Harley three wheeler as a gift this Christmas. This spring I took it out for a ride in the yard and could not get more than 8 MPH out of it.

After reading several threads here and on a few other sites, I figured it should go faster than that. There is no governor on it and seems to be all original.

Work I have done so far to try and improve it is, Removed and rebuilt the carb, replaced the reed valve and assembly, replaced the gaskets on both sides of the reed valve, replaced the air cleaner, spark plug, fuel filter and fuel lines, new belt, replaced the rollers in the secondary or driven clutch as well as the bushing. There is some play in the secondary shaft but the fly plate seems to move in and out no problem. The Primary clutch has oil in it and moves the belt to the top no problem. I have checked the points and the timing and they are OK. Points gapped to .022. There does not seem to be a fuel delivery or spark issue. Although I am a lowley carpenter and not a mechanic so I may be wrong, but the cart will start and run so.....After all that work I can get it up to 13-14 MPH now, but still no low end power. I can't climb a small hill in my ditch from a dead stop.

I want this cart for at the lake and it needs to climb hills as my cottage is halfway up a cliff. Hills everywhere.

BTW shouldn't I get more top end as well?

Any thoughts suggestions?

[tew45]

Check your compression. Should be around 90. Is the belt worn or slipping? Brake dragging? 18 to 20 MPH is normal with no governor.

[crpntr]

Compression is 90 lbs. New belt installed. Brake is not dragging. Could it be a clutch issue? How can you tell if the clutch is working under load?

[tew45]

It could be the clutch. Is the drive clutch face worn? Is the driven clutch working ? It sounds like everything else is in good working order!