New to go carting

[Sparxxraps]

So I just got my first go cart yesterday she is in rough shape she has spent the last 5 years sitting behind a shed uncovered with no air filter on the carb. So the engine was locked up I got it free but the valves aren't working. The crankcase was full of water at this point in planning to source a new engine since the one that was on her is prolly gonna need a full rebuild. I don't know a lot about gocarts the floor says stinger and the rotted bar covers that we're on it said Phoenix anyone know more about model an such? I'm looking foreword to getting this thing back up and going.

 

[Hellion]

..to the forum, new-to-go-karting guy.

Probably an easy fix. Intake valve might be rusted in the open/closed/halfway-open/halfway-closed position.

Infinitely repairable and parts are cheap.
Looks like someone cut the spark plug wire off. What a nimrod.

It's a Manco kart. We, and the industry, call them karts with a K. Just a weird idiosyncrasy.

 

[Sparxxraps]

Yeah the spark plug wire was cut off and a mouse got inside and ate the wires under the shroud. I have the motor mostly apart still trying to get the stubborn clutch off. Is there a good site where I can buy kart parts I've found quite a bit on amazon and eBay but I plan to totally rebuild this old girl.

 

[Hellion]

Go kart parts, you say? Oh goodness yes.

We have a symbiotic relationship with GoPowerSports dot com. Members of DIY enjoy a 10% discount. Code: DIYGOKARTS

Otherwise there's BMI.
There's a personal fave: MFG Supply ($6.99 flat rate shipping charge)
Probably forgetting quite a few others...

But I trawl evilbay the most as I can save the most money there (free shipping, depending on what I find).

Why would you want to TOTALLY REBUILD the kart--appears to be all there...?

 

[KartFab]

https://kartfab.com/vintage-go-kart-restoration/img_3119
https://kartfab.com/vintage-go-kart-restoration/img_3117
https://kartfab.com/vintage-go-kart-restoration/img_3118

Just a few ideas. The back end is different than the ones i fixed up.

 

[Sparxxraps]

Ok maybe I used the incorrect term fix up would be a better term strip and paint the frame replace any worn out parts. I plan to keep it for many years to come. It will be living in a garage from now on to no more sitting out in the elements. And I will do any upgrades I can to it ittl mostly be used in my large yard and maybe around the neighborhood. What is a reasonable hp Motor to go to I see up to like 13 hp ones avalible but I don't want excessive fast or anything. I don't need to kill myself with this beast.ill prolly at minimum fix the motor she came with an keep it if I upgrade.

 

[bob58o]

You might be able to fix up the rat nest engine for cheap, or you can buy a Predator 212cc 6.5HP engine for $100 from Harbor Freight. And complement it with a $60 Torque Converter Kit from eBay. I'm not 100% Sure how the TC will fit your kart, but I feel like I would be doing you a disservice if I didn't at least mention it.

More torque = More Fun

 

[Sparxxraps]

That's actually the exact engine I was looking at. I'd imagine the engine I got could be made runnable which I'll prolly do an keep as a backup. I really appreciate all the great info y'all have given me thus far.

 

[bob58o]

That's actually the exact engine I was looking at.

Not a coincidence. It is really the ONLY option if you have a Harbor Freight within driving distance. Some times it is cheaper than fixing up old engines.

You could just get the engine and a $35 clutch and probably be fine. But if a TC fits and is only $25-$30 more, I would opt for the TC. Just something to look into. Or just reuse the old clutch if it works.

 

[Hellion]

...or you can buy a Predator 212cc 6.5HP engine for $100 from Harbor Freight....

That's actually the exact engine I was looking at. I'd imagine the engine I got could be made runnable which I'll prolly do an keep as a backup...

Seriously, if you read this forum for a decent amount of time, you'll see a Chinese clone engine is recommended 99.999% of the time.

It's really sad because no one here (except me and LeeMajors, et al) can actually fix anything.

I'm doing yet another Briggs 5 horse (for a roto tiller this time) and so far it just needs a $10 connecting rod....

So yeah, get a 212cc engine from HF (or even one of those Ironton engines from Northern Tool; has been listed at $89.99 recently) and get your kart rolling in a timely manner, but look into the 'rat's nest' to refurbish as a side hobby.

 

[Bbqjoe]

I can't believe the anal bunch didn't say anything.

 

[OzFab]

It's really sad because no one here (except me and LeeMajors, et al) can actually fix anything.

Umm, excuse me? Have you not seen my sig?

...look into the 'rat's nest' to refurbish as a side hobby.

That would've been my advice... because I prefer to FIX THINGS!

 

[pRoFiT]

Very strange. No one said anything about the kid riding that go kart on such a steep hill. It looks dangerous. Should ride on more flat ground

Yes fix the engine! if you like fixing things. buy a Predator if you want it to just work.

Um, really need like a welcome response to all new people.

Get a predator
Get a TC Tav2 clone (be aware of output chain size, #35 or #40)
Use a 6:1 ratio
Don't use HF wheels they will fall apart. Again, don't use them!
Live axles spin both wheels, dead axles only spin one wheel
Turning issues, look up ackerman steering for correct angles.
#35 vs #40 chain. get #40 stronger and better. (my opinion)
Rattle can paint? I would suggest some Rustoleum Gas Resistant Clear Coat on anything near the gas tank. my paint came off with just drips of gas. need to redo it now
Seat Belt? if caged belt, if no cage no belt.
Helmet, YES!


Good luck on your new kart. Welcome to the forum.

p.s. These remarks are only my opinion and should be considered lightly.

 

[Hellion]

Umm, excuse me? Have you not seen my sig?

I don't need to see your sig Fabroman, because "et al" means "and others", meaning those I didn't list by name.

That would've been my advice... because I prefer to FIX THINGS!

Well, get in there first and advise these poor n00bs before the cult or that ___ bunch arrives.

Who the heck is BBQJoe talking about, anyway?

 

[tgus3]

Yeah that looks like a manco.Get a torque converter too it will help a lot

 

[Sparxxraps]

well yet another noobish question i see yall recommending a torque converter over a clutch. What advantages does it offer? i just wanna make this thing as solid a kart as i can i plan to keep it for many years to come.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Read this:

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18371

 

[Kelly Wood]

i can't believe the anal bunch didn't say anything.

lol

 

[Sparxxraps]

I am ordering all new bearings and rear tires today. I'm buying a little over time as funding allows. I've been trying to figure out roughly when this ol girl was made from the design I'd guess late 80s early nonties but I could be way off I looked around the web but can't find anything about a manco stinger.

 

[pRoFiT]

The real question is not "what kart is this?" That question does not get you what you need.

Almost all these karts have same parts. steering, motor, gears, chains, brakes(drum,disc,padel), spindles, suspension(sometimes), pedals, seats. etc...

The real question is what do you need for your kart to run? what don't you have? I dont know what you will gain by knowing if you have a manco stinger 1984 except the slight chance of hunting down a service manual.

Let us be the service manual. what do you really need?

I would say from the picture:
New back seat (leather, foam , woods, staples) maybe nuts.
new tires.
Replace engine if you cant get it running
PAINT! that thing is ugly.
Seat belt? i dont see one and you have a cage with little ones. dont want and arm braking when it flips over.
New chain and clutch if bad. or replace with new china TC clone and chain, better option. better low end. smoother acceleration. With clutch its more of nothing or full speed. TC blends it a little better, feels nicer.