5
TKM K4S 4-Stroke
Engine Running Instructions
Please Read Carefully Before You Use Your Engine
Warning: Identifies an instruction, which if not followed may cause injury or endanger the life of the
driver, mechanic or third party or may cause damage to your TKM engine.
General precaution and safety information for engine running
Warning: For the best possible engine operation, compliance with the advice regarding installation of
engine and equipment is required.
Warning: Modifications to engine or equipment are not allowed.
Warning: Besides the engine-specific installation advice, also take note of information from the
respective chassis manufacturer if available.
Before You Start Your Engine
Warning: Before engine operation, check through the Installation Guide and then read the Running Guide
to ensure all other steps are carried out, such as filling with oil and water before starting the
engine.
Water Coolant
The engine must be filled with coolant mixed with anti-freeze or a similar inhibitor before being started. Make
sure the inhibitor is suitable for aluminium engines and use either product at min 50% strength. When filling
ensure that the radiator top core is just covered and that the water has no airlocks in the system (see later
note). Replace pressurised radiator cap.
Warning: Not following this will lead to engine damage (e.g. breakage of cylinder).
Type of Radiator
The engine is normally fitted with the smaller engine mounted radiator which will normally run in the 70-75C
temp range. If fitted with the larger brake side mounted optional Enduro type radiator which is recommended
for hot climates, then a much lower temp range of 60-65C can be achieved. If the engine does not reach the
minimum specified operating temperature of 50C due to the low ambient temperature, then the cooling
efficiency of the radiator must be reduced by partially covering the radiator with adhesive tape or similar.
Note that above approximately 85C it is likely that small quantities of water coolant fluid may be released out
into the radiator catch-tank. Always ensure that the water coolant level is just above the radiator internal
core. You will need to refill the radiator just past the top internal core before you run engine again.
Warning: Do not remove the radiator cap or water coolant hoses during and immediately after kart
operation. Risk of burning & scalding.
Note
: If the coolant level is low you may well get sudden large up and down changes in temperature showing
on your temp gauge.
Note:
The quoted running temps are taken when racing on the track and not into the pits after a race, as
these temps will rise to higher levels because kart is now stationary with no cool air passing through radiator.
When starting the engine from cold the best and quickest way to warm it up is to start the engine and leave it
ticking over with driver suitably clothed and seated in kart. Keep a close eye on the temperature gauge and
switch off or drive as soon as it reaches 50C – 60C.
Warning: The engine operating temperature should not exceed 90°C as exceeding the engine
temperature could lead to serious engine failure.
Warning: For optional Enduro type radiator installation to the chassis please follow the instruction of the
chassis manufacturer if available.
