Considering engine swap

[otfox]

Hello all, I'm a new-timer here and this is my first post.

A while ago I picked up a go kart with a very nice CRG frame with a Tecumseh OHH50 engine. In a recent stroke of boredom I did the usual DIY modifications to the engine: remove governor, ported, high-flow intake, and I even milled the head.

I was even thinking about beefing up the valve springs and cutting off the muffler on my exhaust (see below).

However, I have heard that the rod on the Tecumseh's are not sturdy enough and will eventually break after excessive use.

So my question is this: When the rod goes, would it be better to swap the engine with a Honda/clone, or replace the rod with something like this: http://www.arcracing.com/servlet/the-274/Briggs-&-Stratton-Rod/Detail

 

[Russ2251]

However, I have heard that the rod on the Tecumseh's are not sturdy enough and will eventually break after excessive use.

Statement is true of ANY engine.
More often then not, when the rod lets go it takes the case with it.
If your going to change rod, do it BEFORE it breaks.

When the rod goes, would it be better to swap the engine with a Honda/clone, or replace the rod with something like this: http://www.arcracing.com/servlet/the...ton-Rod/Detail

I did not know this was available. I will change mine out.

 

[firemanjim]

My 2 cents..... Look what everybody else is using..... (racing)
Hondas, Briggs, and clones......
Until now, I didn't even know anyone made go fast goodies for Tecumseh engines. If you plan on running the tec engine hard, yes, buy that rod. Now, before you destroy the case.
Any engine,new or used, can blow apart from excessive use. Remember, these were designed to run at a steady 3600rpm all day. But us junkies will remove the governor, and poke and prod all the power we can get from these engines. And then, abuse them on the asphalt or dirt...... That's enough to make any engine blow. If you treat your engine with respect though, it will last you a long time......

 

[OzFab]

By all means, go ahead & change the conrod but, with stock valve springs, there's less need to do so

 

[TecumsehBuilderJDKirk]

Tecumseh the forgotten engine.I have built at least 7 and finally having rod failure but we tortured these motors on the dirt track. Tecumseh s problem is they dont have any oill passages at the big end of the rod.I have a project rod that will soon be done. Im going to try to break it again. I don't have a governor the head is cut extra clearance on the big end.I run 18lb springs .I am 240 lb and it will burn the tires up on the dirt track straight aways. Race kart Ultramax. I broke 2 rods 1st was I didn't change the oi for 3 monthsl nor make extra clearance. In the bottom end. It had over 300 laps on it and broke on the last turn. The 2nd was I was in the backyard taking my 2 yr old for a ride and spinning on wet grass she broke . So the Tecumseh is a awesome motor. If I can help anymore let me know. That Arc rod good choice. Take a look and see how many oil holes there are total. Then look at Tecumseh.

 

[TecumsehBuilderJDKirk]

If you want to get rid of your Tecumseh let me know.