First Kart Manco 845

[Boongoon]

Hi,

I just bought my first Kart for me and my three boys. It is a Manco 845 (I believe) but I don't know the exact model. I haven't really looked up and down but if anyone has advice on how to find that info it would be appreciated.

I need to add seat belts and it needs new front tires. The wear on the tires is extreme to the Right inside and Left inside, although not as bad as the right. How do I fix this?

It has a Tecumseh Power Sports 6 HP OHH60.

I will post pictures tomorrow if I get a chance.

Thanks,
Evan

 

[Poboy kartman]

Yes we need pics and if you can shoot one from directly over the top of the steering wheel pivot arm that includes both front wheels it will make it easier to diagnose the steering problems.
And don't be afraid to post too many pictures from all angles of the kart. We haven't gotten too many yet from anyone.

 

[Boongoon]

I will take the pics today. I looked it over yesterday and it looks like the right steering rod is slightly bent.

On another issue, i cant get the motor to idle. I prime it 3-5 times and pull. It starts then dies. I tried to prime it while its running and it stays on but as soon as i stop it dies. I also tried playing with the idle screw, if thats what its called, and when i adjust it higher the engine runs but the Kart takes off. Any help would be great. I had a cracked gas tank but i replaced that already.

 

[qtband]

You probably need to clean or rebuild your carburetor. Parts are cheap. There are many how-to videos on youtube. Try one of these:

http://www.youtube.com/results?sear....7j2.9.0...0.0...1ac.1.11.youtube.xKN96Uy6Rso

 

[Boongoon]

completely rebuilt carb last night and no go. Thinking of getting a new carb?

 

[qtband]

Did you boil the carb, or use spray cleaner? Did you replace the red emulsion tube and the O-rings? Just checking...

 

[Boongoon]

Yup,

I have an ultrasonic parts cleaner, and I replaced all the o rings and red emulsion tube. I am actually thinking of just buying a new engine from Harbor Freight. I figure i spent 14 on the kit and it will be another 35 or so for the carb. For 120 I can get a new engine. Not sure though if the clutch will fit. Also the engine i have has the power for the lights?

 

[Boongoon]

Brand New Carb! Same result, no idle and stall. Put on jack stand as recommended by a local shop to see if is the force on the wheels. No good. Help?

 

[OzFab]

The screw to the top left of the primer is the idle (just in case you didn't already know) Have you tried winding it in?

Apart from that, the fact that the problem persists with a new carb says one of two things:
1. you're making the same mistake with both carbs or
2. the more likely scenario, it's not the carb at all...

Have you checked for air leaks? If the gasket at the other end of the intake tube or the intake tube itself is damaged, it could be leaking...

 

[Boongoon]

So i put on a third carb, from an older tecumseh engine. This one had a plastic float. I also used a gasket paste on the plate for the air filter as it seemed to not get snug enough.

I am able to start the engine with the idle screw engaged significantly but then the kart takes off on me. I tweaked it for a while and got it idle after about 20 minutes of playing with the screw. Is that what ill have to do every time? I tried again this morning at that setting and it stalled.

On another note, i need advice on aligning the wheels. what is the correct position? My right tire bows in and the left is straight. There is significant wear on the right inside front tire and it needs to be replaced. The cart turns great to the right but hardly at all to the left.

I appreciate the help. This go Kart was to replace the project kart i have. Oh boy.

 

[qtband]

Here is the information you need for the steering.
http://www.bmikarts.com/How-to-align-the-steering-on-a-go-kart_ep_74-1.html

 

[OzFab]

That'll help you adjust the toe correctly but, if something is bent, it wont help much. Time to find a flat surface & do some measuring...

 

[Boongoon]

The larger of the two tie rods is bent. I will replace those.

Back to the engine! The only way i can keep it running is to put it on the jack stand and VERY SLOWLY back of the idle screw. It is far too dangerous to do this on the ground. I tried to hold the Kart while doing this and it is too powerful. It started to drag me and i ended up forcing it on the side so it wouldn't advance into the neighbors yard.

I would love some opinions on the following scenarios.

1: I paid $400 for the Kart. Put carb, gas tank from a totally different Power Sports engine I had. It has the torque converter. I bought 2 brand new front tires from a neighbor who has an ATV business for $5 each. I need the new rods and i believe a new throttle cable/connection to pedal. Something was originally rigged and broke off but I didn't take notice of exactly how it was done. I could buy a Brand new Carb from Amazon for $40. I figure with this engine tires and rods I'm looking at a total of $475 or so, if i can get it running trouble free. Should I try and sell it to recoup what i can and look elsewhere?

2: Harbor Freight sent me a coupon for their 6.5 Predator Engine for $90. instead of the $120. Will the clutch, torque converter and such transfer to the new engine? I realize it is not the same quality or near the quality of the tecumseh but is it worth it to go this route for more immediate satisfaction?

By the way, the other motor I had was from a kart I bought basically in parts for a project for only $35. I am looking for a NON project now. But I guess by their nature they will always be a project.

I gave the frame to an employee for him to scrap. As I used the carb and gas tank i believe I am already ahead of the $35. I have the clutch, sprocket and all four wheels and tires. I could use the larger back wheels from this for the front of the Manco as they are both 7". I also have a brand new wheel from one of the new tires as the guy didn't want it back when I broke off the tire. It has a multipoint star like pattern for the axel. I looked up similar and saw that they are about $30-40 new. I also have the spindles which are in good shape. I feel I have enough value in the remaining parts to put into the Manco either the HF engine (if applicable) or take the **** thing to a repair shop and hope its under $100 fix.

I truly appreciate any opinions on this.

 

[Boongoon]

Correction: 6" wheels not 7"

 

[Boongoon]

One more scenario.

I have a Honda 5.0 Horizontal Shaft from a pressure washer that the pump blew. The engine works fine. I was told on this forum i believe that the exhaust is facing the seat so i would have to fabricate something to shield the seat. Will the existing clutch and such mentioned above fit this engine?

 

[danssoslow]

As long as the shaft has a keyed 3/4" shaft, you should be good to go. Bring the clutch with you if you decide you might purchase the engine to make sure.

Amoungst my friends, I've seen 4 Tec Powersport engines come and go. Each of them suffered a different problem. Plus, hop ups were like buying Buick performance parts, as there was only one or two guys doing anything with them.
Hondas and the clones are like the small block Chevys of small engines. Plenty of parts at cheap prices. If the Honda doesn't work out for you, the Predator will serve you fine.

Btw, if you have a local Harbor Freight, check and see if they are having a sidewalk sale soon. If they sell those 6.5hp Preds at $99 (which they typically do around here), the current Road and Track mag has a 25% off (every other coupon I've seen is only 20% off) coupon in the back that would lower the price to $75!!! Both stores here in Louisville will honor the coupon, as well as most HFs as posted by a lot of other HF engine users.

 

[firemanjim]

If you look at the clutch side of ALMOST every industrial engine (kart motor) you will see four bolt holes. The same size,same spacing. Its so that it can be used for every implement possible to be bolted to it such as a pressure washer pump, generator, hydraulic pumps,ect. Your TC will fit the Honda and the Predator, up to 8 hp ,after that the crankshaft diameter jumps to 1". Typically, 8hp and down to like 4 have a 3/4" shaft and can be a 5/8" shaft from 5hp and down, depending on manufacturers intended use.

 

[OzFab]

I realize it is not the same quality or near the quality of the tecumseh but is it worth it to go this route for more immediate satisfaction?

Some would argue that the Predator is better then a Tecumseh

 

[Boongoon]

Thanks for all the info. Ill probably go w the HF. There are a couple close by and I believe they are having a sidewalk sale next weekend.

 

[firemanjim]

One more scenario.

I have a Honda 5.0 Horizontal Shaft from a pressure washer that the pump blew. The engine works fine. I was told on this forum i believe that the exhaust is facing the seat so i would have to fabricate something to shield the seat. Will the existing clutch and such mentioned above fit this engine?

Why not just use the honda you mentioned? Save the money...... use it somewhereelse on the kart..... My honda came frome ppressure washer too. The stock exhaust was in correct position for a kart, it cant blow to the seat.... just sit it on the frame how it would be and you'll see that you are good to go..... Use the money to hop up the honda. New carb, make/buy exhaust header,ect....