Help identify (Manco 403/405)

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Milballerz

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I bought a kart for my son (new to karting) and i need to get some parts but having a hard time finding what model this is. Can you help? Manco?
 

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Hellion

Hellion

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That indeed is a Manco kart.

Does it say Manco in the middle of the steering wheel? I am not saying that is conclusive proof (could easily be a Manco wheel on some other kart).
 
Hellion

Hellion

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Pretty sure it is either a model 297 Model 403 (originally had a 3HP) or a Model 405 (5 HP). Could be this very one or one just like it (made minor changes over the years):



Long out of production but most of the parts were (and are) basically generic and are still available today.

The front tires and rims on yours look suspiciously like Harbor Freight “Haul Master” dolly wheels. They are not meant for powered vehicles nor the stresses they face under powered operation.

 
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Milballerz

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Hellion said:
Pretty sure it is a model 297. This one or one just like it:

Long out of production but most of the parts were (and are) basically generic and are still available today.

Those front tires and rims look suspiciously like Harbor Freight “Haul Master” dolly wheels. They are not meant for powered vehicles nor the stresses they face under powered operation.

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Appreciate the feedback. The sticker is just white, wheel and brake pedals seem to be Manco but couldnt find anything exact. My kart currently has a rod with a spring and then another rod from the spring to the pedal. The rod fell off and want to put it back right.
 
Hellion

Hellion

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Milballerz said:
Also the engine cover was painted so not sure but assuming this is a Briggs?
Click to expand...

It looks like a common Chinese made OHV pushrod engine. Even many Briggs OHV engines are made in China now (outsourced). The only ones that aren't are the Animal and Intek series and maybe quite a few others. Anyway, the rough sand cast valve cover screams "Predator 212cc Hemi version" as does the fuel tank, but the chrome gas cap confuses. Is it chrome? Maybe that's just a reflection and it's not chrome, most Predators come with a black plastic cap.

The recoil starter cover (a lot of these parts are nearly interchangeable) looks like it was scavenged from another engine.

Need more photos I think. Very interesting engine.
 
Hellion

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ezcome-ezgo said:
Wholeheartedly agree with Hellion, those front wheels have got to GO before someone gets hurt.

What these wheels are for:
View attachment 160413
Click to expand...

Derailment warning! :2guns:Hijack!

Another customer review: "works well" :rolleyes:
Image 704.jpeg

I don't even like pneumatic tires on a dolly anymore. Seems like they always need air right when you need to haul something heavy. So what happens? You put a fridge on it, tilt it back and the tires flatten all the way. :mad2:

Sorry. 😁

Post more photos of the engine and frame. Apparently the Manco model 297 had scrub brakes, but the kart photo on the manual doesn't have them.

*I fixed post #4 to reflect new info. It is probably one of these karts:
 
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Hellion

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Milballerz said:
Where can I get parts for these? Love the parts manuals - Thanks for posting those.
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Websites for Go Kart Parts

MFG Supply Good for basic karts parts Harbor Freight Engine The Infamous Harbor Freight engine M&D Mower Replacement parts for the Clone-Hondas and Hondas. Also great for manuals and other replacement parts for all sorts of engines. Affordable Go Karts Great site for aftermarket parts and...
www.diygokarts.com
 
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panchothedog

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Hellion has got you drowning in suppliers. Who could ask for anything more.
On his list is Go Power Sports. Another is OMB Warehouse. Both are big go kart supply shops that carry everything needed to rebuild ( or build from scratch ) on a kart. But it's not like trying to buy a starter for a 1998 Chevy truck, or a water pump for a 79 Ford. Most all kart replacement parts are generic and usually have measurements so you can figure out if it fits your application. Something like a brake rod may be just a easily fabricated from a piece of 1/4" steel rod available from a hardware store and threaded on the end in necessary. Not saying that you can't find an original. I don't know. But some DIY fabrication usually comes into play sooner or later. You do realize that once you get your sons kart running, you are going to have to get a second one for yourself. House rule. Mandatory.
 
Edwin Spangler

Edwin Spangler

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Hellion said:
So what happens? You put a fridge on it, tilt it back and the tires flatten all the way. :mad2:
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So then you say eff it and try to move the fridge anyway because aint no flat tires stopping you! You hear the flattened rubber squeeking against the rim, crying to be used properly. -But youre determined to show that you could get it done without airing them up. You dont need no suggestions. "Naah its fine", you told her. "I got it", you said. You then force the wheels over the threshold causing a very jarring drop, because youre too lazy to fix the step-up from the deck to the house, making the fridge shift on the dolly, loosening the tiedown, causing your fridge to go toppling down your deck stairs.
 
Hellion

Hellion

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Milballerz said:
Need to replace the brake bar & apparently the wheels! haha
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Phooey, where’s your spirit of adventure? I only said it looks like a pair of those HF wheels. The real deal wheels are a “fun” kind of dangerous as the tire goes rapidly bald in 15 minutes of riding, the light duty bearings get smoked and the wheel is ripped from the hub in a sharp turn. They’re only constructed of a light gauge metal.

Every young man wants a Predator 212 because of the fancy name, aftermarket support and cult following. Better snag one up this weekend while they’re on sale for $119.99.

https://www.diygokarts.com/community/attachments/screenshot-2026-02-27-at-8-09-37-pm-jpeg.160212/
 
Hellion

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Saw this wheel in HF. Tire is different and of the "sawtooth" type of tread. Notice the good bearing which is the only good thing about the wheel. It's a machined-race precision decent "go kart" bearing with the typical rubber seals. That is the bearing you want but not the wheel assembly. The 1 star reviews tell it all for those who really tried to use it to the fullest extent on lawnmowers and stuff....

IMG_20260228_124357363.jpeg
 
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Hellion

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I don’t think you will (easily) find a two piece brake rod like what Manco used on their band brakes. You might have to fabricate it out of 1/4” steel rod. You could weld a washer to the ends for the nut and bolts and clevis, or heat the rod red hot and flatten the ends with a hammer, then drill holes. I checked my Manco 485 and the spring reminds me of a valve spring. It’s about 2 1/4” long and the wire is about 1/8” in diameter.

Anyone know why they used a two piece rod with a compression spring in the middle? As far as I can tell the mechanical disc brake setups used a one piece brake rod.
 
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panchothedog

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Sure hope the original OP comes back and doesn't turn into one of those that for some reason ran away after 3 or 4 of us tried to help him out.
 
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