Building 2 Karts

[Kart_Doggone_Wild]

Hello everyone!!!!
I joined this site because of the vast info available.
Best part is to learn from others, so thanks for all your input into this forum.

Also, I am building a Kart from the ground up. New 420 cc side shaft Harbor Freight Predator electric. I read several reviews on the engine, some good, some bad, so I did get a 2 year warranty free, total $365. with 2 warranty. I have, a stick welder, and acetylene/oxy rig, tools, etc. I will be taking photos, and listing specs as I progress.
I will be picking up some tubing during the week, and already have the frame plan designed. It will be slow going, but I have an Army Machinist Diploma under my belt, and also use to be a pipe fitter. I am sure I prob will make some mistakes on ratios/gears, etc, but will allow room to change parts out, without having to destruct anything.

I have a couple of Karts, but I was wanting a work horse type.

I may be building 2 different type at the same time. The other Kart will be using a 10 hp vertical BS engine, torque converter. Using a small vehicle rear end. Shorten the whole rear end, flip the drive unit up, with a gear, or belt pully instead of the U joints. use the hubs, and brakes, just will add a hydraulic setup.

Anyway nice to be here, and I have to get busy, hooking up a new carb on the small kart for the kids.

 

[souperman000]

Welcome to the forum!

If you want to show us your builds, start some threads in the project log section.

 

[Kart_Doggone_Wild]

Thanks, for letting me know where to post the build log. I will be starting the progress log tomorrow. I mostly look forward to reading a lot of post, and learning from the folks on this site.
Thanks

 

[OzFab]

Welcome. Sounds like you have some interesting things going on, can't wait to see them. Being a machinist/pipe fitter will be a great benifit for you, I see lots of home made parts coming...

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Hey, welcome to the forum! Can't wait to see what you cook up!

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum!!

 

[spyder1968]

welcome to the forum ! the "workhorse" sounds interesting ! i LOVE 420 s !

 

[Kart_Doggone_Wild]

Dirt box

Hey, welcome to the forum! Can't wait to see what you cook up!

Here is a Pic. I am at a stand still, waiting on new axle, wheel hubs, 60 T sprocket.
It is coming along, but difficult without a lathe, and wire feed welder. Stick welding on this takes a lot of time.

 

[Kart_Doggone_Wild]

Hey, welcome to the forum! Can't wait to see what you cook up!

Just to clarify,decided to modify the yerf dog. The engine was burnt due to clogged oil injector line. As you can see in the pic below. I have completed most of the mods. Had to beef up the frame to handle the new engine. Plus hinged the engine compartment with 3 hinge mounts, used 6 lawn mower blade housing bearings, 2 per mount. The shocks are a little overkill, but after watching a lot of vids. I noticed a lot of karts bouncing really bad due to low performance shocks on the market. Yes it is really rigid, I figure after time the shocks will free up with use. Plus I will add coil spring to the bottom of the seat mounts to reduce shock. My back cannot handle rough riding. I also extended the drivers compartment by 10".
Later will add updates to the build section. Oh, also have new bearings coming in. 2 flange type, and 2 bolt on type with grease fittings.
Oh, Have a question? Would smaller tires give me more take off torque? I am running 20" now. Ground clearance is not a problem. I am totally moving replacing the axle. right now it has a small sprocket 30-40t

 

[landuse]

Oh, Have a question? Would smaller tires give me more take off torque? I am running 20" now. Ground clearance is not a problem. I am totally moving replacing the axle. right now it has a small sprocket 30-40t

Smaller tyres will help with torque

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Neat stuff! Small tires do carry with them some oft-overlooked benefits. Due to the reduced mass and diameter, they rob less power from the engine which translates to greater torque at the wheel. As part and parcel of that, they also tend to improve braking and steering response.

Getting back to your vertical-engined concept- you suggested you might use a small vehicle rearend, pointed vertically. Like a car differential? If so, how will you address lubrication to the pinion bearing, which would normally be running dry in that orientation?