Can I mount a centrifugal clutch to this shaft?

[dereelmatts]

I'm looking to buy this generac gn 220 7.8hp motor from this guy and don't know if I can mount a regular gokart centifugal clutch to the shaft. What do you think? Pics below

 

[chancer]

I think you would have to have it machined to get rid of the taper. Making it much more cost effective to search out another possible engine choice.

 

[mckutzy]

No, that's a tapered pump/generator shaft.
You need a regular straight keyed shaft. Typically 3/4".

 

[dereelmatts]

Don't you think maybe I could just bolt it on and use some jb weld since the shift is threaded and only tapered at the beginning? Just reaching for strings.

 

[firemanjim]

Uhhhh...... NO you can NOT use jb weld to hold the clutch on. For one, the torque would pull the jb weld right off, since there is no keyway....
Look, it's just a NO answer...... Look for something different. It HAS to have a straight shaft. Yes, the make clutches for that tapered shaft, but you could buy like 3 or 4 212 predators for the same price. It's just not feasible.
The only real way to use that engine is to have the shaft machined down to 3/4" straight, add a 3/16" key way, and cut to length, threaded and tapped for a 7/16-20 retain bolt.... Again, cheaper to buy the right engine.... (unless you're a machinist )
Look on cl for a better suited engine. Even a weak compression, worn out engine would work, if it was cheap enough....(like free to 10-15$) a rebuild wouldn't cost much as long as the bore cylinder isn't in bad shape. A light/medium honing and correct rings would fix minor scratches.....
Where are you from?

 

[minibiker]

I agree find another engine maybe a 212? I had a tapered shaft on a 5 hp briggs I used to have I tried to cut a key way and it never worked there is a lot of torque coming out of the motor and the key way has to be perfect or it could just tear off the slot.

 

[freakincage]

I have seen crankshaft adapters on ebay, but I can't say how well they work. It may be an option.

 

[KartFab]

easiest/cheapest solution is to get a different engine. Don't buy something that will cost more later to get where you want it to be.

If you are searching for cheap engines, you might wanna look on craigslist for

power washer, pressure washer, wood chipper, edger, trash pump, garbage pump, small engine, etc.

you can also visit metal recyuclers/junkyards/landfills and see if they have any small engine piles to dig through.

or just buy a brand new harbor freight predator 212cc engine for $100

 

[chancer]

I have seen crankshaft adapters on ebay, but I can't say how well they work. It may be an option.

Problem is then you need a 1" clutch. $100 + cost of adaptor?? Still just not worth it. Brand new predator 212 was on sale this weekend $99 and 20% off coupon. Even with Ca sales tax 88bucks.

 

[itsid]

there are few (and that reads massively expensive) clutches for tapered shafts like yours (that is, if it's a matching taper of course, which I can't confirm)

So, yes you can, if you spend way more money than you would on a new predator and std 3/4" clutch...

'sid

 

[dwcopple]

been there, tried that. No go. Buy the HF Pred.