Buying my first go cart for the kids...

Status
Not open for further replies.

Ravencrew

New member
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Okay like I mentioned from my intro post I new to the game of Go-Carts.. I thought this would be a good starter for the kids and learn the basics of how to build or even modify the cart.. I will be picking it up tomorrow for $500.00. From the pictures it looks like it has be garaged for its entire life. It is a dual seater the tires are a bit worn but the owner says it runs like a champ and the engine is a subaru something 6.0 hp. Wish me luck.. I know the kids will love it. I will post a pic once I get it in my hands.
 

Ravencrew

New member
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Okay picked up the new toy.. I dumped the old fuel and noticed the gasket around the bowl was wayy rotten. Replaced that and I'm now going to go through the entire carb for a clean-out. I noticed small pieces of the gasket in the bowl. I figure better safe then sorry and just give it a going over before I surprise the boys with it. I did have one question is there an easy way to make it a live axel since most of the driving will be done in the dirt?? Anyways here are a few pics. wouldn't mind adding some suspension to it too. My how the list starts to go on and on.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3742.jpg
    IMG_3742.jpg
    55.7 KB · Views: 24
  • IMG_3740.jpg
    IMG_3740.jpg
    73.7 KB · Views: 32
  • IMG_3739.jpg
    IMG_3739.jpg
    82.4 KB · Views: 35
  • IMG_3741.jpg
    IMG_3741.jpg
    82.7 KB · Views: 35
Last edited by a moderator:

Ravencrew

New member
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Nope its not.. the other one I was looking at had a subaru this one was 100.00 cheaper. Thought I could use the money saved for more parts.
 

OzFab

Well-known member
Messages
15,615
Reaction score
69
Location
Warwick Qld, Australia
Did the other kart have a live axle or suspension coz, if it did, it would've been cheaper that converting this one...

A live axle conversion can get pretty involved & pricey; a suspension conversion is worse :worried2:
 

qtband

Well-known member
Messages
1,766
Reaction score
61
Location
St. Louis, MO
I would let the kids ride this one, as is, for a while. After a year or so, clean it up, sell it, and upgrade to a new kart with the features you desire.
 

jamyers

Well-known member
Messages
1,444
Reaction score
47
Location
Buffalo Gap, TX
:iagree:

That looks like a good basic kart to start with, both for your kids and yourself. Then as you and they learn more, you can either modify the heck out of it or sell/replace it with something bigger/more complex.

Good for you, tearing into the carb - lots of great info on diy carb rebuilding here: http://outdoorpowerinfo.com/repairs/
Remember, with carbs; "Cleanliness IS Godliness".
 

soggycrashed

Member
Messages
247
Reaction score
2
Location
Honolulu
Get a differential or leave it as a deal axle. A live axle will make turning more difficult and tear up your lawn. You could do a split axle if you want better brakes.
 

Ravencrew

New member
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Got one more question for you guys... Where can I find a replacement carb for the engine?? The engine is an ohv 6hp Tecumseh and the carb is a 640340. The engine number is # OH195EA. I have looked for a few hours and can't find a carb to fit the engine let alone parts for it. I think the carb may have been discontunied. Every application I find there is text saying not made for go karts and not to exceed 10% ethenol.. Could use a bit of help. I think the carb is having issues since it just keeps dumping fuel and running way to rich.. We have torn it apart a few times and can't get the engine to load up before it just stalls out. It will idle fine but that's it. No adjustments on this carb too. It's a Calif. model.
Help!
 

bshinn

New member
Messages
170
Reaction score
0
Location
China Grove, NC
I wouldn't spend anything on that old Tec. You can get a brand new Harbor Freight Predetor for $99.00. I priced a carb rebuild & tune up kit for a Briggs 5hp that was on the one I bought & was looking @ about $65.00 just in parts. You can swap them back out if you decide to move on, parts are cheap, & plenty of hot rod stuff out there for them.

You can have them swapped in about 15 min with common hand tools. The only tricky part is hooking up the throttle, & even that's not bad.

BTW, just my opnion take it for what it's worth.

Those roll bars scare the hell out of me of these yard karts. I think they instill a false sense of security, they add weight (not much I know) up high raising the CG making it more likely to roll, & if it does roll, it's what the passenger is going to grab leading at best to broken fingers. I you decide to run it might want to educate your kids not to hold onto it. Plenty of 4X4 shops have grab handles that velcro onto jeep roll bars, you might be able to adapt something like that. Just make sure that bar dosen't trap a harm hand or leg.

Bob
 

OzFab

Well-known member
Messages
15,615
Reaction score
69
Location
Warwick Qld, Australia
I wouldn't spend anything on that old Tec. You can get a brand new Harbor Freight Predetor for $99.00.

That's very true but, among others, I'm not a big fan of that mentality. That is part of the reason that parts for tecumseh engines are so hard to find; because everyone thinks "I'll just go & but a $100 replacement engine": supply & demand is how the economy works.

My 2cents worth: Keep looking! Someone here will have an idea where you can get one.

What is the problem with your carb? you may be able to fix it...
 

bshinn

New member
Messages
170
Reaction score
0
Location
China Grove, NC
Put the Tec in a box the sell it for big money of 30 years. Doubt that's going to happen. Simple fact is it will be cheaper & less trouble to swap it for the clone, which is a better more efficent engine (that supply & demand thing again). Should the guy tell his kids......cant ride the kart because I can't find that original Tec part, you'll have to wait a few more weeks till I find it?

If he were working on a Dart A-bone or GoKart 800 you might have a valid arguement about keeping it stock, but I think getting it running reliably & economically is the goal here.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top