2019 - Ultimate Yard Kart

[JTSpeedDemon]

Yard Kart Resto Pt. 5: All systems go! Header Install & Hoop Removal!

Here's the video of me getting it running, installing the header, and removing the PO parts!
Oh yeah, and I finally made an intro!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNyV4VT-PVc&t=6s

 

[landuse]

Looks good!!

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Thanks, it took awhile to edit.

I was planning to put a Hilliard Extreme Duty clutch on this thing, because in BMIKarts' catalog they advertise an HED for 3/4" crank, #35 chain, and 10T, which would give my kart a 6.6/1 gear ratio(essentially perfect).
I looked it up today, and no such thing exists.
It was a typo, and it's actually 12T. But it does make sense, since a 10T #35 sprocket would be too small for a 3/4" PTO(12T is the smallest generally).
I DID, however, find out I have a Max-Torque SS(Six Shoe) clutch on here.
So if I want to gear it down I need to get a bigger sprocket or smaller tires(or both).
I will probably do neither, but I probably will upgrade the clutch spring for higher engagement RPM. I was on OMBWarehouse, and i saw they carry SS springs, but I'm curious. They have a 2200 RPM engagement spring, which they call standard. Is the standard engagement 2200 RPM for an SS clutch?
If it is I'll probably upgrade to a green 2550 RPM spring.

 

[Randy H]

Have you seen this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htE8-IcFcxU

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

I literally just watched Red Beard's videos on Max Torque upgrades. Thanks for that one though!

---------- Post added at 12:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:39 AM ----------

In one of Red Beard's videos, the guy with Max-Torque said that there are Chinese knockoffs marketed and stamped as Max Torque clutches, but they're not. That made me start to worry, so I checked for the 8 serrations the guy said would designate a genuine Max-Torque, and thankfully they're all there. Phew!

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

New gas tank assembly pics

I said I'd get some better pics of the new gas tank system, so here they are!

Looks good, doesn't it?

I do need to sort out that little kink in the fuel line, but that'll only take a 90 degree fitting. It's minor enough that it doesn't affect fuel flow in any noticeable manner.
I also coiled up the kill wire.

 

[Budget GoKart]

cant wait to see this thing when you correct the minor things and get it perfect. im 100% voting for you in the build off

 

[Randy H]

I had to go check and see if someone ganked my tires. Lol.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

cant wait to see this thing when you correct the minor things and get it perfect. im 100% voting for you in the build off

Thanks! I can't wait either!

I had to go check and see if someone ganked my tires. Lol.

These are good tires, but because of the negative camber on my kart they're wearing faster than I'd like.
Where did you get yours?

 

[Randy H]

Mine came from the local scrapyard.

The tires are pretty dry rotted. I picked it up for the Peerless fnr gearbox.

If you weren't on the other side of the county I'd give em to ya, I don't think they are worth shipping.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Mine are also dry rotted.
Wonder if I can find the same v-tread elsewhere...
It's Ok, I might switch to stock rear tire size, but that depends on how much of a fight the brake shaft puts up when I try to bend it back.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Starbirds are rare! All known ones:


Just found this: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=91
Oldest thread in the Project Logs section, and it's another Starbird! Lead Foot added some frankly tragic fenders and electrics, but that's his own taste I guess( I can't say my kart looked less horrific). I personally like to have minimal distractions on my kart.
I think to this day I've only seen under 10 Starbirds on the web, and that's including mine. I'll count 'em up and link all of them.
EDIT - Here's the links:
#1: http://www.small-engine-projects.com/vintage-go-kart-build.htm
#2: https://oldminibikes.com/forum/inde...ngineering-go-kart-help-identify-model.56788/
#3: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=41447
#4: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25355
#5: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=42063
#6: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/472174342152069365/
#7, Lead Foot's kart: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=91
#8: A Craigslist listing I stumbled upon. Live axle kit from the looks of it, band brake, different steering wheel, tube added across the back, and a modified steering column system:https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/spo/d/rowlett-go-cart-project-frame-only/7002440220.html
And #9, this thread, by yours truly. :http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=40841
EDIT #2: karl has one!! : http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/album.php?albumid=181&pictureid=932
EDIT #5: karl found another one on Craigslist, but I don't have a link and it'll probably disappear pretty fast.
EDIT #6: Found a REALLY hacked up one one Youtube, but the old scrub brakes and the floorpan/front end give it away. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozVlwlYjvwA
EDIT #3: If you scroll down this page a bit you'll see the Bird Engineering logo: http://birrendesign.com/illustration2.html

So in total, there are 12 known Bird Engineering Starbirds.

Sadly mine was the most horrifically modified, but it should also have the best engine, especially once I get that Raptor rod in.
BTW - There are differences between the directly sold version from Bird Eng, and the Sears version like mine.
Basically, the Sears Starbirds don't have rubber pedal pads, bodywork, aluminum split rims, or a handbrake lever.
These are cool, very much classic karts, they're just rare.
EDIT #4 - These pics are for number 8, since CL listings disappear fast. I wish I wasn't so far and had money!!! It's been pretty severely modified, but it was genuinely surprising to see another one pop up!

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Mwahaha...

The gasket set and Plastigage came in today.
I'll get going on the Raptor rod sometime.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Yikes!!

Ok I finally got around to straightening out the front end as best as I could, so that's a lot better(just need to throw some paint on).



HOLY COW!!!
I knew this thing would spin tires a bit on concrete, so I figured I'd try to spin the tire as much as possible.
So I got in and gassed it, and HOLY COW! This thing FULL ON peeled out! And it wasn't just a little bit of tire marks, no.
I watched the drive wheel break traction LIKE A STUNG DOG!! It was torque steering to the right and spinning like mad and everything! I had to hit the brakes hard to not run into the fence.
This was with the engine running way lean, a flat drive wheel, and 5.5/1 gearing!!


EDIT - I'm actually starting to wonder if this thing has a high performance cam in it, because the sidecover gasket is funky(looks like someone's poked around in there already), and this thing just makes stupid amounts of power, even with a header being the only mod.
I mean seriously: flat (and fat!) drive tire, 5.5/1 gearing, and a mostly stock engine that was off tune. Really?
It's either that or I just underestimated what a hi comp head, header, and a long intake runner can do for torque.

When I put in the Raptor rod I'll take some numbers on the cam and post 'em up.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

I just took the Hothead out for a spin after swapping in an Autolite 295 plug, and it runs more reliably and is less finicky tuning wise since the 295 makes stronger spark.
I went through a pool of water in the curb and gunned it while the tire was wet, and this thing spun the tire for about 20 feet!!

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Well lookie here, a 1965 Bird Eng. ad.
Looks like the Hawk was a predecessor to the Starbird. Similar steering column support, 1WD(I think), similar side bolsters and overall seat back shape, along with similar pedals and scrub brakes.
Some differences, but interesting.
Looks like they used to be powered by Clinton 2 strokes, in which case the gas tank is really fitting!

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

So today I finally got around to tearing into the engine to install the Raptor rod, so here's a quick summary.

I confirmed it has the metal cam
Sidecover ball bearing is buttery smooth
Crankpin and rod bore are perfect
Thankfully no bolts broke, but some of the threads are slightly questionable
Lots of icky sludge in the bottom of the engine, glad it's out
Valves and seats look great
Less carbon in the combustion chamber than I expected
So overall good!

And !!!!
THIS THING HAS A STEEL BORE!!
I just assumed it was an aluminum cool bore, but then I noticed that magnets stuck to it. It's in great shape BTW.
So, a quick summary of a lot of the reasons I like this engine:
Dual flange mounted ball bearings
Steel bore
Float carb
It's orange
Dual oil fill/drain plugs
Metal cam
Hi comp head
Meaty racing header
And of course I just like Briggs

 

[Dingocat]

You forgot the header.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Here's a pic for you guys....
This is the first time I've opened it up, to install the Raptor rod.
It had a fairly thick layer of sludge in the bottom and in the drain channels, but I got it cleared out. Don't want that in there!
Otherwise, everything looks pretty low hours. Or at least really clean!
I was wondering why the oil came out blacker than night, but after seeing the sludge, I figured it out.
Gonna pull the crank and cam soon to accurately check oil clearance.

BTW - Rod installs are MESSY!! The oil just gets everywhere! And all the parts, tools, and fasteners have made it so I can barely see the top of the workbench!

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

My starter clutch wrench should arrive tomorrow, then I can remove the flywheel and pull out the crank and cam.
Getting close to 40 MPH capabilities!!!