5 Fixer-upper Go-Karts, could use some advice.

[chezziwick]

Thanks Blazkowiez. I've heard a lot about you.

To re-iterate, i'm attempting to get both of the go karts running and working. I'm planning to hopefully get all of the tires inflated and working, the rust mostly off, the frame resprayed, and all missing bolts back on. On the kart with the working engine (the black 3.5HP one with the Ackerman steering), I'm trying to get at the brakes on the left rear wheel so i can see whats scraping there. I'm also trying to remove the rear wheels (put some WD40 on letting it soak, then tapping them off). I still have to replace it's spark plug and clean out its carb. On the kart with the not-working engine (the 3HP one with the awful steering), I haven't really done much with it yet, no new spark plugs, didnt clean the carb, just took off the body kit and oiled up the rusty parts. Can't figure out how to take off the wheels, has a funny nut pattern.

On a brighter note, i found the spark plug wrench! Got them both out Giving the dad the plugs and filters so he can replace them. Washing the filter casings out.

Edit: Got 5 new spark plugs & two filters (NAPA didnt have five -- they'll have more next week). I've replaced the spark plugs and filters on both of the go-karts and put the parts back on. Still have to clean the carb, remove the chains/tires, and see whats going on with those rusty brakes.

 

[bighead]

if you go slow you can reuse the gaskets. Take your carb apart. the first thing you need to do is turn the air screw and idle screw all the way in. Count how many times the screw turns and remember that for both. Should be about 2 full turns or abouts. This way when you put them back in your already know your settings. Pay close detail when you take the float bowl off. some times there are small parts and clips there. When you take the carb bowl off the float bowl is the first thing you take off. You will have to work a little pin out and remove the float bowl. work on a clean table incase you drop anything.

I would try to start them before you clean them. They may work. If you take the bowl off and there is lots of junk they need cleaned. If they look clean just take the jets out and clean them.

I like to take my carbs apart and boil all the metal parts in lemon juice. The acid juice eats all the crap away and really cleans carbs good.

May sure both your main jet and idle jet are clear. You need to hold them up to light and be able to see light thru them.

Carbs look hard but they are real easy. Just remeber how they went togather. Keep each spring with the idle screw. A lot of the times the little springs are different.

I never did a briggs carb before so my info could be confusing you. Some of what I said will be for all carbs though.

Here is a link for cleaning with lemon juice. It's for cleaning bike carbs but you get the pitcure.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Clean-a-Motorcycle-Carburetor,-The-Right-Way&id=1460030

Also look at you tube. think I seen some good briggs carb cleaning vids there.

 

[MacfarlaneRacers]

Do you still hav any like plans on them or anything ?
Ask your dad.

 

[chezziwick]

My friend and i took apart the filter casing and he think's hes found the carb (he's in shop class). But it's welded on, and were both completely lost on where to find it. Lots of these karts look really bad (bad frames, etc.) but we can't even get to that if these engines don't run. The only engine we have running when it goes down hills its awesome, but uphill/straight it puffs and wheezes and pops, going slower than a brisk walk.

If someone could show me pictures, it'd be easier to find the carb. Could you please refrain from diagrams, because i have trouble imagining it in real life? I'd really appreciate it. I'll post pictures of the carts now if you want.

 

[bighead]

My friend and i took apart the filter casing and he think's hes found the carb (he's in shop class). But it's welded on, and were both completely lost on where to find it. Lots of these karts look really bad (bad frames, etc.) but we can't even get to that if these engines don't run. The only engine we have running when it goes down hills its awesome, but uphill/straight it puffs and wheezes and pops, going slower than a brisk walk.

If someone could show me pictures, it'd be easier to find the carb. Could you please refrain from diagrams, because i have trouble imagining it in real life? I'd really appreciate it. I'll post pictures of the carts now if you want.

Find the air filter. That will be connected to the carb? Or follow the gas line that will take you to the carb.

Your throttle cable will be hooked to the carb as well.

Buy soe good gas and some starting fliud. Take the air filter off and spry the starting fluid into the air hole. Perhaps you do not need to clean some of them.

All your engines will swap with any kart you have. Just start spraying and pulling. You can also dump a 1/2 teaspoon of gas right into the spark plug hole and see if they start. It may have to repeat the gas in the spark hole a few times.

Have you checked for spark? take the plug out. Stick the plug into the rubber plug socket. Set the bottom of the plug to the metal part on your engine. You should see the plug spark will you pull the start rope. Or you can have you friend hold the plug and see if it shocks him. LOL Just kidding.

Find the motors that have spark and go from there. Again you can put any oif your motors on any of the karts you have.



Talk to you shop teacher at school perhaps he can help you. Sometimes the carbs are under the gas tanks on briggs.

 

[r97]

if i were you i would do some research on small engines before you get too much further. those frames don't look too bad at all if you ask me, they have bean in that nice trailer.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

ya learn about them first, because you will be pissed when something important breaks.

 

[Blazkowiez]

First, regarding information on small engine repair. If you have a Northern Tool near you or feel like browsing their website. They have some books for sale that go over basics.

Something similar to this book would help with information.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200271724_200271724

The nuts you have trouble with may very well be cap nuts which are pressed on, this will be similar to that found on some lawn mowers, wheel barrows, and dollys. If i'm correct from the picture then you will have to pry this off, no sockets will be necessary.

Regarding the kart with steering issues. Occasionally when welding these steering assemblies workers do incorrectly assemble items, the kart should have both wheels forward when the steering wheel is in neutral position and what you are really looking for would be the control arm at the bottom of the steering shaft. The item you are calling an axle is a tie rod. It links the spindles to the steering arm in the middle of your kart. Most steering items are designed from factory to bend during an impact to keep the kart itself from damage, it is possible to remove the tie rod and beat it back flat using an anvil. Don't worry that it bent, they can bend several times and be fixed each time before they need replacement.

What other specific questions might you have? Honestly I don't have any awesome tips or things like that.

Last, what have you heard? This disturbs me if people are talking they better be saying good things!

 

[chezziwick]

I'm taking a little break from the karts today, i've been having trouble with them all week (and i have a day off of school).

Yesterday my friend and i took the kart with the working engine and drove it around, seem to do WAY better after the engines warmed up. Drove it down a HUGE hill (it was redlining the whole way), and at the bottom it didnt stall when i stopped. Turned it around, and drove up the hill no problem. Only has problems within the first 15 minutes of it starting. The carb's welded on (my friend took off a few screws), but if it runs well after a while, i assume the blockage cant be too bad (maybe a carb cleaner could do the trick)? My friend and I also changed the oil (replaced the black oil with blue 2-stroke engine oil, hopefully that was right). My friend also showed me what a TORX head screwdriver was.

As for the frame, my dads taking the garage back to park the mini (its been in the rain for 2 days), so i'll once again have to be doing my work outside. Instead of doing 2 at a time, i'm doing one at a time now (to reduce the work load). When i have time i'll take the chain off and remove all the wheels, just to get the hang of it, remove some rust here or there, etc. Then i'll take off the bent tie rod and try to get it back into shape (with help from my dad), etc. Hopefuly get this kart in great condition, then i'll move on. Thanks for all the help, yes Blazkoweiz, everybody's been very helpful.

P.S. My friend goes to a different school, i dont have a shop teacher. My school has aviation.

 

[bighead]

I'm taking a little break from the karts today, i've been having trouble with them all week (and i have a day off of school).

Yesterday my friend and i took the kart with the working engine and drove it around, seem to do WAY better after the engines warmed up. Drove it down a HUGE hill (it was redlining the whole way), and at the bottom it didnt stall when i stopped. Turned it around, and drove up the hill no problem. Only has problems within the first 15 minutes of it starting. The carb's welded on (my friend took off a few screws), but if it runs well after a while, i assume the blockage cant be too bad (maybe a carb cleaner could do the trick)? My friend and I also changed the oil (replaced the black oil with blue 2-stroke engine oil, hopefully that was right). My friend also showed me what a TORX head screwdriver was.

As for the frame, my dads taking the garage back to park the mini (its been in the rain for 2 days), so i'll once again have to be doing my work outside. Instead of doing 2 at a time, i'm doing one at a time now (to reduce the work load). When i have time i'll take the chain off and remove all the wheels, just to get the hang of it, remove some rust here or there, etc. Then i'll take off the bent tie rod and try to get it back into shape (with help from my dad), etc. Hopefuly get this kart in great condition, then i'll move on. Thanks for all the help, yes Blazkoweiz, everybody's been very helpful.

P.S. My friend goes to a different school, i dont have a shop teacher. My school has aviation.

That oil you used if for mixing 2 stroke gas. change it asap. Use like a 10-30 motor oil.

 

[Blazkowiez]

The engine uses regular unleaded gas and the oil itself is 20 oz of SAE 30. Do not run the engine with the mix oil.

I'm not trying to repeat you Bighead, rather trying to keep him from mixing his gas too or adding too much oil when he does buy the correct type.

 

[chezziwick]

Well, i better drain it quickly then. Tomorrows shopping list: SAE30, gasoline, L head engine book (order online), etc.

I'm making this way more complicated than it realy should be.

 

[ckdc]

After reading this I think I might have a kart like your two. Here's a pic. I couldn't see your pics. How are things going? I may try to start mine tomorrow after it sat for 8 years. I've drained all the gas and cleaned as much of the tank as I can reach. Hope I dont need to redo the carb so well see tomorrow.

In an earlier post I referenced my Band Brake that has rusted onto the wheel, and maybe my bearing has seized. I can't get the wheel to turn or come off the axle. Sprayed it with wd40 but no soaking so far. This site is awesome- I love forums!

 

[Bluethunder3320]

nice! glad to see an update. i forgot about this.

looks 1970 style to me.

do you have a puller?

 

[ckdc]

No - is there a specific one for this size or application? I've never used one but have folks who can help me.

 

[Rustydog2010]

Considering the OP hasnt been online for about 6 months, I see no point in continuing this thread, until he returns?

Jeremy.

 

[ckdc]

I just started here on this forum, searched and found this thread cuz it looked like it covered some of the same things I will have with a similar kart- are you the moderator?

 

[Rustydog2010]

-are you the moderator?

No, not at all.

I see you have a thread of your own already started. Why not just continue there? If you have a look at the OP, Chezziwick he hasn't been online since october last year. I have a feeling he wont be posting here soon. There are a few members on here that are a bit pedantic about people posting on older threads, personally I don't really care, but if you have a question just start your own thread. If the OP was still a frequent viewer its more understandable, in the sense you might get a reply.

All it was, was a suggestion, take it or leave it .

And welcome to DIY!

Jeremy.

 

[ckdc]

Good suggestions- thanks for the info on the forum. I will get more of my thoughts together as this project unfolds and start a thread or two.

I've seen so many vids online about hopping up these 5hp motors..should be fun!

Ckdc

 

[chezziwick]

Sorry i havent posted for a while -- high school life, often with hockey, and other things, not a great time to mess around with an engine as well.

Its still in my basement -- havent been taking good care of it, or being professional at all for that matter (oil's leaking out of it, so i've repositioned it a few times and wiped it up), but otherwise it just needs a person who needs a bit more expertise to join me in the project. It's really rewarding to repair an engine, and with the addition of driving, sometimes i forget that. license on febuary 8th.

Hopefully i can restart my project soon -- otherwise, thanks for the help!



Edit: sorry about not posting earlier, but i soon got occupied with other things, and putting together an engine got pushed to the back burner. things happen.