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Well, for starters, I'd read this forum, scanning each post briefly and reading the ones that interest you. I've been around engines, mechanics and fabrication for 40-odd years and I learn something new every time I come here.

I was given a 12 horse Crapsman lawn mower, which I've decided to convert into a go kart for my Grandson. It's going to be a REALLY simple build, no suspension, using as many of the lawn tractor parts as I can. Speed is not a goal initially due to Jarod's inexperience and the inherent...

Take the fan shroud off, then take the nut and washer off the end of the crankshaft that holds the flywheel on. When you look at the area where the crankshaft goes through the flywheel, you should see a slot and a key which looks like a little piece of square stock, maybe 3/16 or 1/4 square...

Rickracer has the most likely cause. How's the compression? If compression is way down or non-existent, it MIGHT be a stuck intake valve, but the sheared key would be my first bet.

For now, I'm going to go with the T/A and just jigger the pulley ratios a little. This one is kind of a test bed for carts in general. If it works out okay, I'm thinking I'd really like to have a shifter cart. Watching for a deal on a murder-sickel engine now... Discovered a little screwup...

Power source would likely be a couple of big, deep cycle 12v batteries wired in series to provide 24v. Wire size: The bigger the better. 0 or 00 welding cable would be best. Look at this thread: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5007 for hints on switches, solenoids and power...

Thanks guys. I'm planning to build the chassis out of 1-1/4" square tubing, going up to pick it up today. I have MIG/TIG/Stick capability in my home shop, and access to a lathe and vertical mill at work, so most metal working is not a huge issue for me. Tommy Boy is right about the clearance...

That's good to know, I'll keep that in mind!

The switch isn't designed to handle that much current. Use the switch to energize a starter solenoid. A relatively low current will hold the solenoid closed. Any solenoid off a lawn tractor or even an older car will work. Run a #12 wire from the + side of the battery to the switch, and...

Frederic, that's just the sort of info I was looking for, thanks. I'd pretty much decided on the modular approach to determining dimensions, but I wanted a ballpark figure to shoot for. This is a low-buck deal for my grandson to putt around in, don't plan to deal with suspension or speeds much...

Okay, I got that 12 horse Briggs running pretty well and it's time to start thinking about the frame. This will be a pretty low speed cart, at least initially, rigid frame, no suspension. I'll be using the front axle/steering/wheels off a Craftsman lawn tractor, and the transaxle from the...

My LX178 has a 15 horse water cooled Kawasaki V-twin. Vertical shaft tho.

At the price of clone motors, I've never found it economical to rebuild anything under about 8 HP. And that's just adding up the cost of parts, never mind the time it eats up. Also, a new engine comes with a warranty. Re-ring, hone the cylinder and lap the valves in maybe, but once you start...

My personal website with various projects Website I started for folks that are into fabrication and making something out of nothing. On my site, the Gas Engine Winch and Powered Compost Screener are pretty much related to things folks do here. The second site, Shopbuilt, is pretty...

Thanks. I'm a fool for projects like this, in fact I maintain a website on the topic, as well as pics and stories on my personal website. I can post links if anyone is interested and it doesn't violate board policy. In any event, I'll document this project with my digital cam and post pictures.

Modifiying the engine is more work/expense than I'm willing to go to for a toy. I'll give the tensioner clutch some more thought when I get to the point of actually sketching things up. Thanks!

You got details on converting the vertical to a horizontal? I'm assuming you mean taking a vertical shaft engine and modifying it to use in the horizontal position rather than replacing the whole engine? I have all the belt tensioner stuff off the lawn tractor and could probably figure out a...

Neat! I'm about to embark on a similar project using a 12 horse Craftsman tractor for parts. Do you have any detail shots of how you connected the engine to the transaxle?

I did the Introduction thing on the appropriate board, so I'll just get right on with my question. I picked up a Craftsman 12hp lawn tractor free-for-nothing, and am considering using the components to make a go-kart for my grandkids. Plan A is to use the front axle, steering gear, engine and...

Howdy. I'm an old retired Navy Chief, now working as a Maintenance Planner in a sardine cannery. Been in maintenance one way or another all my working life (40 years, near enough) Have some level of skill in most trades, with emphasis on electrical and electronic. I'm considering a project...