souperman000
New member
those things are sweet! 
Beginner Kart...First Build
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OzFab
Well-known member
That actually doesn't sounf too bad, lighter than I expected...
That sounds a bit tall but, with 11" tires, you should be ok
Fact: Anything less than an inch is considered a tack.
A 4" plate welded both sides with three welds each side for a total of 4" of weld; A boilermaker would call that tacked
those things are sweet!
SiiiiiiiiickNot much progress to report. Had to remake the bottom seat, it was too small to get the threaded inserts in without them cracking the edge of the wood, so I re-cut the bottom and was able to reuse the padding and covering so no big loss, just didn't think smart.
Final parts order (I hope) arrives Tuesday, which consists of my braking system. I went with a mechanical disc set-up. Looking forward to getting that sorted out so we can get rolling. Then off to HF to get the motor.
I did a trial assembly with the wheels, phone was charging so I didn't get a pic. If I place the rear wheels out on the edge of the axle, the real wheels sticks out further than the front, now the rears are wider than the front so they are going to stick out regardless, but should I line up the inside edge of the front and back tires or doesn't it matter?
Final parts order (I hope) arrives Tuesday, which consists of my braking system. I went with a mechanical disc set-up. Looking forward to getting that sorted out so we can get rolling. Then off to HF to get the motor.
I did a trial assembly with the wheels, phone was charging so I didn't get a pic. If I place the rear wheels out on the edge of the axle, the real wheels sticks out further than the front, now the rears are wider than the front so they are going to stick out regardless, but should I line up the inside edge of the front and back tires or doesn't it matter?
OzFab
Well-known member
It shouldn't make too much difference. Some karts are designed that way. In a way, it should improve your steering
souperman000
New member
have you thought about how you are going to mount the brake caliper?
A little bit - I will have to weld a bracket off the back of the kart frame or off the side near the bearing hanger. I will have to wait until tomorrow when the caliper gets here to determine the best way. I did order a bracket that the caliper fits in so I may just use that and weld it directly to the frame if I'm lucky.
My brake parts arrived. I got a mechanical caliper and I think I need a larger diameter rotor. I got a 6" but it looks like a 7" would be better. A 7" rotor would give me more clearance from the bearing hanger. Also, the rotor is only in contact with about 1/2 to 3/4 of the brake pad (depending on how I position the caliper). This makes it hard to adjust the grip due to unequal pressure on the pad. If I adjust the mount any lower the caliper hits the hub. I'm going to weld a plate to the frame so I can adjust the bracket and caliper easier and see if I can get it to work. If not I will order another rotor.
souperman000
New member
Worse comes to worse, 8 inch calipers are only like 4 bucks at BMI. Not sure if that is too big for you or not.
I returned the 6" rotor and got a 7" along with some other odd and ends I needed. The 8" would work but I would have to drill new mounting holes, which wouldn't have been a huge deal now that I think about it.
I got the motor today. Predator 212cc from Harbor Freight. Took it home unboxed it and found out I welded the mounting plate upside down,
so I will have to drill new mounting holes. That will give me something to do while I wait for the new parts. I hope to have motor mounted, clutch and chain installed this weekend.I've learned alot building this kart so far...I just hope I complete it before my boy outgrows it.
SDCoston
New member
Keep Going! you are almost there!
I know! I can see the light.
Today we mounted the motor and took care of some minor issues.
Fired it up and it works! No brakes yet though. Little louder than I thought it would be, I have to see if there is some type of muffler/exhaust for these engines that's not too pricey. I really would like to quiet it down, wife says it's obnoxious.
I had a video, but deleted it by mistake. I'll see if I can shoot a quick one tomorrow.
Thats looking killer. I really like this kart
jonboy
Member
I thought that the predetor motor I got was really quiet. It was way more quiet than the briggs I have.
It probably is quiet, I don't have any thing to compare it to except for the lawn mower, I guess it's about the same. Neighbor has a Honda CRF 50 and you can't hear it running, but I realize that has a muffler on it.
I can live with the sound. I made a quick video, for some reason it uploaded rotated from how it looks on my phone. (I rotated in youtube editor, may take awhile to update) Also the clutch makes a slight bell ringing sound, is that normal?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEMUt4SvVFc&feature=g-upl
OzFab
Well-known member
Two suggestions for you:
1. Your chain looks a bit "floppy", try adjusting it a bit.
2. That "bell ringing" sound from the clutch is the shoes making contact with the drum, because the engine is idling right on the engagement threshold, but not enough to engage completely. Drop your idle a tad & it should go away
It doesn't seem that loud, about average for the type of engine. If it worries you, you can always get a better muffler. Keep in mind though, doing so may effect performance slightly
1. Your chain looks a bit "floppy", try adjusting it a bit.
2. That "bell ringing" sound from the clutch is the shoes making contact with the drum, because the engine is idling right on the engagement threshold, but not enough to engage completely. Drop your idle a tad & it should go away
It doesn't seem that loud, about average for the type of engine. If it worries you, you can always get a better muffler. Keep in mind though, doing so may effect performance slightly
souperman000
New member
If you drop the idle all the way and it still doesn't stop, it could just be the drum rattling and shaking.
The chain is a bit loose, I tried removing another link but it was too tight to link it back, although I think I could get it to work - when I cut the new mounting holes I didn't leave much adjustment, I could open them some. I have some aluminum plate in 3/8 and 1/2 so I might try a spacer between the engine mounting plate on the kart and the motor and raise it up and see if that helps.
I'll play with the idle speed this week thanks for the info.
souperman000
New member
You could also use a half link
OzFab
Well-known member
Elongating the holes towards the front about 1/2" should do it but, remember, your chain will stretch over time so cut enough so the chain can be pulled tight & still have some to go.
... or you could do that...
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