I'm looking to buy a go kart just to mess around with, but I don't really want to spend much more than $300 as it'll just be something to play around with. It doesn't need to be fancy or nice by any means. I checked craigslist and there isn't even a chassis for that price. Any ideas of how I could do this?
Cheap starter go kart
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scooterman675
New member
ya you go out and buy a motor for 300$ dude. good luck trying to get a hole WORKING go kart for that price that isnt going to snap into bits or catastrophically fail.
devino246
Official DIYGK Chem Nerd
What an a$$.
You CAN build or buy a kart for $300. If you buy it, its gonna need some work. My auto tech teacher bought a kart last summer that needed no more than $100 in it & he paid $50 for it. Someone had hit a tree in it, bent the front of the frame. Needed 4 new tires, new TC belt, clean the carb, and reupholster the seats.
If you build one on a $300 budget, you'll need to scavenge/modify parts. If you dont already have tools like a welder, sockets, grinder, etc, then theres just no way. If you do have access to these tools, then it can be done with some hard work & plenty of research.
Doc Sprocket
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+1 Devino.
It can be done. I built my kids' kart for around $200 including new engine and clutch.
As far as buying a used one, the market is terrible in my area too- you have to be patient. Maybe even put out "want" ads.
It can be done. I built my kids' kart for around $200 including new engine and clutch.
As far as buying a used one, the market is terrible in my area too- you have to be patient. Maybe even put out "want" ads.
bighead
New member
I restored this kart for $400 with a lot of new parts and engine. I got the non running complete kart for like $150. If I was trying to save money I could have built this for $300 easy.
Keep looking on Cl. Make sure you search
Go Kart
gokart
go cart
gocart
buggy
fl250 Odyssey
You will get different hits.
What city do you live in?
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Screendoor
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I have been working on a kart and it has been expensive. But only because I have been willing to pay for stuff. 300 bucks is a good budget. There are so many places that you can utilize to engineer parts that you cant find. For example I needed a whiz flange and couldnt find one anywhere. I ended up using a couple zip ties in its place to hold a cable housing. It probably cost me less than a dollar.
Torquerolljoe
New member
I agree!! It can be done. My first cart was in a scrap pile at a guys house down the road. I asked what he wanted for it and he made me a deal...haul off my junk to the dump and you can have it!! It needs spindles and a motor/clutch. Bought the spindle sets, motor and clutch. Had a friend weld the spindles on and voila, a running ugly, rusty kart. A little paint and elbow grease, and it looked nice!!! You just have to look around and be patient, you will find them where you least expect it!!
j.concepcion54321
Rebuilding KTM, Need Kart
I picked up my first kart for free, it just had some litttle things wrong with the steering and the motor. im currently rebuilding the motor and mosrt of the parts are dirt cheap, and the steering was an easy fix total ive spent like 15.00 on the frame to get it in decent condition, and my budget for the motor is 30 bucks. so for 300 dollars you can definitely make something happen, check craigslist alot, and your local scrap yard
I have basically all the tools I would need, other than welding tools. Putting work into getting it in good shape is what I was expecting to do, so that's fine with me. I'll keep checking craigslist a lot, and my location is Portland, OR. Thanks for the help!
jrmints1415
New member
If you dont have a welder than i hope you dont plan on "building" a go kart. Without a welder you will not be able to add spindles and a lot other important features. I would suggest getting a FCAW from Harbor Freight for like 100 bucks then save for the kart. If you are interested in this type of stuff than a welder would definately be worth the money!
bighead
New member
I am aso from portland. You will have zero problems finding a good deal soon. Just be ready to jump with cash when the listing pops up.
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/2235075955.html
This is a hell of deal if it is nice like he says.
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/mcy/2234567778.html
You can buy this if you want a big project. Look to spend another $200 to get it ready for moshing.
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/2228979358.html
Or keep watching, A Manco or yerf dog thats been is some rich kids back yard will pop up for $100 Also I got a crap load of parts you might need. Keep looking. Try to find a kart that has the TC/clutches. A junk kart is okay if it is complete.
bighead
New member
You could put a clone on it.
Just a little update, I bought a Manco cart with a 3.5 HP Briggs & Stratton on it for $100. It had been sitting for 8 years, so I took it home, cleaned it up, changed the oil and fuel, and it started up but needs a bit of fine tuning. The motor seems pretty hesitant to accelerate, and I'm thinking this has to do with the governer because it's got a pretty funky-looking setup. Thanks again for all the help!
fowler
New member
sounds good
did u clean the carb?
u might want to post pics if u thuink someone has botched the govenor
did u clean the carb?
u might want to post pics if u thuink someone has botched the govenor
I temporarily fixed the governer issue... It's just a bent up and rusty spring that I should replace. My next issue is the clutch... It refuses to disengage. I have to prop up the back end while the engine is running because of this. I tried oiling it but that didn't seem to help. Here's a picture of it.
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Doc Sprocket
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If the engine idle is sufficiently low to allow the clutch to disengage, but doesn't- you'll have to take it apart. The shoes could be locked in place with rust, the springs could have lost tension, or the bushing is frozen up. It doesn't look like a shipwreck in the picture... Check idle first.
Let me ask you this- with the engine OFF and the wheels off the ground, can you hand turn the clutch without the engine rotating?
Let me ask you this- with the engine OFF and the wheels off the ground, can you hand turn the clutch without the engine rotating?
Doc Sprocket
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Have a look on the carburetor. You're looking for a screw (probably with a small spring around it) that will affect the resting point of the throttle. Either the throttle will rest against the point of the screw, or maybe the screw moves with the throttle and the point of the screw will rest against the carb body. Putting up a couple pics of the carb will help if you don't figure it out.
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