Educate me: Mower Engine

[GoDaddy]

I have spare mower engine laying around. It does starts. I want to try coverting to Horizontal. Before I do that, I have to understand how things works.

My lawnmower engines is either off or on(blade spinning)
When hook up to an axle, how to prevent from spinning without engine being off?

So is there a clutch I need to install? If so, please educate me on how it's installed.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

You certainly do need a clutching system of one type or another. The common choice is a centrifugal clutch- it self-engages as engine RPM increases. Another choice is a CVT or continuously variable transmission, which also clutches centrifugally. A simple and cheap choice is the belt-tensioner clutch, often used on riding lawn tractors. The clutch pedal controls a lever which uses a pulley to apply tension to the drive belt, and release, too.

Got any details on that engine?

 

[GoDaddy]

I have project going on now that is electric. Once done, and shall my son wants to go fast I might switch to engines. Which one you think would be good choice for my project?

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21630&goto=newpost

 

[landuse]

2 or 4 stroke?

 

[GoDaddy]

So with the clutch. The engine/rod would spin but will not drive the wheels until clutch/belt is tension?

. A simple and cheap choice is the belt-tensioner clutch, The clutch pedal controls a lever which uses a pulley to apply tension to the drive belt, and release, too.

I don't know, assuming it's a 2. pretty old mower.

2 or 4 stroke?

 

[landuse]

Do you need oil in the crankcase? If you do, then it is a 4 stroke

 

[GoDaddy]

ummmm, crankcase? It does take oil.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

ALL engines take oil.

Let's try it this way, a multiple choice question. Do you-

a)Pour oil directly into a filler on the engine block and check the level with a dipstick?
b)Pour oil (likely tinted blue or purple) into a reservoir that is completely seperate from the engine?
c)Mix a quantity of oil (also tinted) with the gasoline before adding it to the fuel tank?

Choosing "a" indicates a four-stroke engine, while choosing "b" or "c" are indicative of a 2-stroke.

 

[GoDaddy]

Sorry. This is why I titled it "educated me" :-D.

A dip stick.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

LOL... Hey- as far as I am concerned, an honest question is not a stupid question. We all have to start somewhere.

Now- to be 100% fair, It might be a tad early in the game for you to attempt a vertical/horizontal conversion. There's a bit more involved than some people might let on, and can include-

-Fabricating a new manifold to mount the carb 90* to it's current orientation
-Fabrication of a conrod-mounted oil slinger
-Sealing off existing oil fill hole
-Machining the PTO shaft to accept common driveline components
-Fabrication of a stout engine mounting method

What you actually have to address may vary based on engine type and design.

 

[GoDaddy]

This is also premature stage for me. As for now, my electric is not even done. I just want a heads up/ headstart so that when I'm ready I dont want to stumble.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Good idea!