My Murray Explorer

[AtrociousOne]

Not sure how old this this is, my uncle gave it to me last summer. It had a OHH60 on it (Tecumseh Power Sport 6HP). Recently I purchased a predator 212 from HF. Lots more torque. Not much more power. Went from a top speed of 30 to 35. I was having trouble holding speed in corners on gravel in my front yard, so I figured more torque, more slide. It worked out. Only modification I had to make to the predator was turn the flywheel cover so I could pull back correctly.

[Nodroz]

Wow, looks cool. Could you post a picture of you gearing setup?

[AtrociousOne]

Here is the comet 30 series clutch and torque convertor (belt is off because clutch is currently broken)


Here is the axle to jackshaft

[landuse]

Nice! Did everything bolt right on? Whats the matter with the clutch?

[AtrociousOne]

The engine you mean? Yes, just bolt and go. The back plate on the clutch sheared off so the belt has nothing to ride against and keep pressure. So the belt just smokes. I just need a clutch, It's been coming. The thing is worn out.

[tramont]

can i see how your brake is setup i have the same frame

[landuse]

Originally Posted by tramont

can i see how your brake is setup i have the same frame

I suggest you send a PM

[realfast89gt]

AtrociousOne, thanks for telling me about the engine swap. Sounds like what i should try since i want a little more torque and top speed, but not too much.

[Fabroman]

Originally Posted by realfast89gt

AtrociousOne, thanks for telling me about the engine swap. Sounds like what i should try since i want a little more torque and top speed, but not too much.

Changing your engine won't change your top speed, unless you replace it with an engine that revs higher than your current engine.

Maximum rpm is what gives you your top speed. A larger engine will provide more torque for acceleration but top speed is dependent on gearing

[toystory_4wd]

Originally Posted by Fabroman

Changing your engine won't change your top speed, unless you replace it with an engine that revs higher than your current engine.

Maximum rpm is what gives you your top speed. A larger engine will provide more torque for acceleration but top speed is dependent on gearing

True, but I have to qualify it-

More HP will not produce more top speed at the same theoretical max RPM, UNLESS-

Your gearing is a bit too steep for your current engine. In this case (possibly true for the OP), the original engine does not have enough power to push to max RPM under the load. In such a case, the increased HP and torque is enough to actually reach max RPM, thereby increasing the top speed of the kart. As the OP reported a 5 mph increase in top speed, either the above is true, or an engine fault or misadjustment prevented max RPM.

For every rule, there's an exception. I had a major awakening the day I managed to increase my top speed by gearing down...

[realfast89gt]

Originally Posted by toystory_4wd

True, but I have to qualify it-

More HP will not produce more top speed at the same theoretical max RPM, UNLESS-

Your gearing is a bit too steep for your current engine. In this case (possibly true for the OP), the original engine does not have enough power to push to max RPM under the load. In such a case, the increased HP and torque is enough to actually reach max RPM, thereby increasing the top speed of the kart. As the OP reported a 5 mph increase in top speed, either the above is true, or an engine fault or misadjustment prevented max RPM.

For every rule, there's an exception. I had a major awakening the day I managed to increase my top speed by gearing down...

Sounds logical to me

[Fabroman]

Originally Posted by toystory_4wd

True, but I have to qualify it-

More HP will not produce more top speed at the same theoretical max RPM, UNLESS-

Your gearing is a bit too steep for your current engine. In this case (possibly true for the OP), the original engine does not have enough power to push to max RPM under the load. In such a case, the increased HP and torque is enough to actually reach max RPM, thereby increasing the top speed of the kart. As the OP reported a 5 mph increase in top speed, either the above is true, or an engine fault or misadjustment prevented max RPM.

For every rule, there's an exception. I had a major awakening the day I managed to increase my top speed by gearing down...

Originally Posted by realfast89gt

Sounds logical to me

Totally makes sense

[AtrociousOne]

I think I'm going to invest into gearing next. Just need to shop around first. As far as the engine swap, I was just hearing noises I didn't like so I swapped. I think the top speed gain was simply because it's a fresh engine. Plus aftermarket parts are much more available for my predator. I never found anything for the tecumseh.

[toystory_4wd]

Originally Posted by AtrociousOne

I think the top speed gain was simply because it's a fresh engine.

That's possible, too, but falls under the same heading. If the engine is badly worn/out of tune, the power output drops, and you're back to not having enough power for the current gear ratio.

[AtrociousOne]

Correct. I believe I would have realized the same speed change had I just rebuilt the tecumseh. Just didn't want to.

[metricv2]

My ? is how did you run your throttle cable? I am trying to figure this out.... also did you try to take the clutch apart and lube it?