Grand Daddy 420cc Predator Fuel Economy/Range

[MTScott]

I know this might seem like a silly question, but I'm curious if anyone has tested out their fuel range in a similar buggy.

And, yes, there are a LOT of factors that contribute to the number, like tires, weight, gearing clutch system, etc.... but, just tell me if you've figured out how much range your buggy has, what engine, and some basics if you know them (cruising RPM and speed, gear ratio. or whatever). Ball park numbers are fine.

There are some backroad trail camping rides that I may do with my son in this kart, and it could be 60-100 miles before we can fuel again. I want to get a feel for what kind of range I can get before I purchase a new fuel tank and/or auxiliary tanks.

 

[Big Bob]

Hard to tell. I am guessing you have the stock tank? If you figure a 60 mile ride would take 3 hours or so you'd be pushing it.

 

[MTScott]

Hard to tell. I am guessing you have the stock tank? If you figure a 60 mile ride would take 3 hours or so you'd be pushing it.

I'm definitely putting on a bigger tank.... just trying to decide how far I should take it. I think the stock tank on my 420 is 1.7g. I'll probably go to at least a 4 gallon solution.

 

[Big Bob]

I did a USA made aluminun tank on mine. I think it's 2.5 gallon

 

[Cartinfun]

I know its not real world, but the manual for the Predator 420 says 3 hours at 50% throttle. Not sure if that helps at all, but its what I came across today. That's with a 1.03 gal tank the manual says. If it were me I wouldn't bother with a bigger tank, I would just get some one gallon gas cans and strap them to the back. Unless you are planning on this being a common occurrence. If you figure two hours instead of three per gallon then you could get six hours of non stop riding with two additional one gallon gas cans.

 

[Denny]

Go with a bigger tank rather than strapping 6 sticks of dynamite to the kart. Things do go wrong as you know!

 

[Cartinfun]

Go with a bigger tank rather than strapping 6 sticks of dynamite to the kart. Things do go wrong as you know!

I dont know that I would consider them sticks of dynamite. If using quality gas cans and mounting hardware it shouldn't be an issue anymore than a larger gas tank. It's a common occurrence for off road vehicles. Plus you have the added flexibility of having a portable gas can to use in case you do run out of gas.

 

[Functional Artist]

I know this might seem like a silly question, but I'm curious if anyone has tested out their fuel range in a similar buggy.

And, yes, there are a LOT of factors that contribute to the number, like tires, weight, gearing clutch system, etc.... but, just tell me if you've figured out how much range your buggy has, what engine, and some basics if you know them (cruising RPM and speed, gear ratio. or whatever). Ball park numbers are fine.

There are some backroad trail camping rides that I may do with my son in this kart, and it could be 60-100 miles before we can fuel again. I want to get a feel for what kind of range I can get before I purchase a new fuel tank and/or auxiliary tanks.

Um...60-100 miles on a kart is quite a bit (ooh my azz)
...do you ride your kart for hours & hours, at a time, regularly?

Why don'tch fill 'er up
...& ride 'er till she "runs dry"

Make notes of how long it took
...& where you started & stopped
...& then, share the info with us

Don't forget about your "tires, weight, gearing clutch system, etc...."

 

[MTScott]

Just checking back in here... Like the new replies . @Functional Artist , well, all valid points. Ideally I'll have the suspension "as good as it can be", but im sure it'll be a little grueling, and I like the challenge.

We have trails where we can cover 60+ miles without getting close to civilization, so, just looking to explore with my kid. It's possible he'll be in the cart, and I'll be on my KLR650... Would be an overnight camping trip, with long slow riding days type of thing.

 

[Kartorbust]

These engines are rated with load. Consider a go kart to be a minimum of about 100% load. So if it says 3 hour run time, NOT cut it in half. 50% throttle and half load are the same thing. So figure 1 hour run time for a stock tank of gas.

 

[Master Hack]

If Ya have room put a 5 gallon fuel cell on it. I found "em on Ebay for under a hunnert! Now we run ALL day on one tank. (GX390)
Polished aluminum and excellent quality for china. No leaks problems.

 

[Denny]

I agree with the larger fuel cell! It’s a lot safer but I’d go with a poly one with foam in it and roll over protection.

 

[Master Hack]

I gotta disagree on the poly cell. I had one on another project and hated it, here’s why:
The plastic tanks blow up like a balloon when the fuel gets hot in the sun, and shrink back when it cools.
Plastic cells dont have mounting tabs. Straps need to be fabbed or bought to secure the cell. The fittings and filler cap didn’t seal well. They didn’t actually leak, but seeped and were always wet.
The aluminum cells have foam in em also. The jury is out on that. Nice cuz it stops sloshing, but probably is going to be a serious mess when it starts deterioating.
Roll over protection is just a check valve added in the vent line. Both plastic and aluminum cells require one. (Not included)
Thats my $.02 worth of experience.
Please correct me if l’m wrong.

 

[Denny]

Me and my buddies have been using the plastic Jazz fuel cells on our drag racing and street cars since they came out. Never once have we had the problems you describe. Gaining pressure out in the sun is from a poor vent system. I can bend up a set of straps and mounts for one in about 5 minutes time with a bench mount vice.

 

[Kartorbust]

I do agree that the fuel tank/cell should have a roll over check valve.

 

[Master Hack]

Me and my buddies have been using the plastic Jazz fuel cells on our drag racing and street cars since they came out. Never once have we had the problems you describe.

Well, that doesn’t make me dislike poly cells any less..
I know its not a big thing to bend up straps. They’re just ugly and l prefer tabs and bolts.
I don’t think a 1/2 inch vent line would be considered inadequite.
Like everything else Quality matters. I don't remember what brand the offending cell was. Probably from Charlie Wangs plastic works and Yak steak house.
For me its aluminum. Those come from Charlie Wongs aluminum works and Yak steak house.

 

[Denny]

Well, that doesn’t make me dislike poly cells any less..
I know its not a big thing to bend up straps. They’re just ugly and l prefer tabs and bolts.
I don’t think a 1/2 inch vent line would be considered inadequite.
Like everything else Quality matters. I don't remember what brand the offending cell was. Probably from Charlie Wangs plastic works and Yak steak house.
For me its aluminum. Those come from Charlie Wongs aluminum works and Yak steak house.

How are the steaks there? I hear they are tough and greasy?

 

[Master Hack]

Dunno, l think what you heard is correct, l have only experienced products from the orher divisions.

 

[BaconBitRacing]

Well, that doesn’t make me dislike poly cells any less..
I know its not a big thing to bend up straps. They’re just ugly and l prefer tabs and bolts.
I don’t think a 1/2 inch vent line would be considered inadequite.
Like everything else Quality matters. I don't remember what brand the offending cell was. Probably from Charlie Wangs plastic works and Yak steak house.
For me its aluminum. Those come from Charlie Wongs aluminum works and Yak steak house.

Yak Steak House huh? I’ve been thinking that Saw-Glu could merge with Yak Industries, we might be good business partners.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

I've heard Yak Industries has actually been committing industrial espionage on Saw-Glu for years. Also heard they were behind the hostile takeover of U-Crane Industrial Cleansing.