Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): not sure why go kart wont move, honda gc160, honda engines

Question
QUESTION: I'm having a few problems with my go kart i recently bought and im not sure if its the clutch or motor. I bought a new clutch and put it on there but it keeps slipping and get REALLY hot. But with the motor. It cranks up first pull but when the motor it only ran with the choke on so i had to turn the idle up a lot just so it will run with tje choke off. so it idles high and the whole kart tries to move forward when its idleing but when i give it throttle the clutch just slips. and the motor doesnt seem like its reving up right like it bogging down. I can get the kart going by pushing it but its slow and wants to cut out when I'm giving it full throttle. i cleaned the carb but I'm not sure if its the rings or something else. thanks!

ANSWER: If you remove the clutch, does the engine run normally?

With the clutch removed, can you turn the wheels easily by hand?

I would start with the engine first, no clutch, and get it running right first.

Is the engine model a Briggs 130xxx?

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The engine is a Honda GC160 5.0hp. I tried adjusting the motor with no clutch and i still had to turn the idle way up so it would run with no choke. and its almost like it revs up then revs down a little bit like losing spark or fuel or compression. Yes you can turn the wheels easy even with the clutch on.

Answer
Have you checked the valve clearances?  Valve specs at this link:

http://outdoorpowerinfo.com/engine_specs/honda_valve_gaps.asp

You'll have to sift through the various languages in this service manual to find it, but the procedure should be in here.

http://honda-engines-eu.com/en/images/991.pdf

Eric