Greetings from south FL

[vidnoye]

New to go karts. I bought a go kart for the kids. Needless to say, they love it.
Still finding out about the go kart since I already had to do some repairs.

Carter Bros. Lightning SX 2008. Tecumseh 6.5 hp engine.


Thank you for having me.

 

[machinist@large]

Hey!!

Welcome!!

Sounds like you have something interesting; how about some photo's? If you hang out for very long, you'll probably notice that we're always asking for pictures; it makes everyone's life easier... Do you have any photo's of the kart in question? We love pictures... And could you pleas fill out your profile as well? That way, if someone happens to be in your back yard, they might be able to help....

And did I mention that we really like pictures here?

 

[firemanjim]

..... Only thing he forgot to mention was to post a lot of pics. We like pics....

 

[landuse]

Welcome!!

 

[vidnoye]

This is a Carter Bros. Lightning SX 2008 (Model 2966)

 

[vidnoye]

I bought it used from a listing on Craigslist.
Since it was a good deal and it started (and still starts) on the first pull, I bought it right away.

The next day a bunch of issues surfaced:
Leaking gas:
I had to replace the gas line, carburetor reservoir o-ring, and then the seat seal.
Right spindle crooked:
I had to heated up and hammered it back to shape.
Brake line snapped:
Bought some steel cable and crimps at hardware store and fixed it.
...all and all I spent $24...

I say not bad for a newby!!! lol!!

shameless self-celebratory pictures:

 

[machinist@large]

I bought it used from a listing on Craigslist.
Since it was a good deal and it started (and still starts) on the first pull, I bought it right away.

The next day a bunch of issues surfaced:
Leaking gas:
I had to replace the gas line, carburetor reservoir o-ring, and then the seat seal.
Right spindle crooked:
I had to heated up and hammered it back to shape.
Brake line snapped:
Bought some steel cable and crimps at hardware store and fixed it.
...all and all I spent $24...

I say not bad for a newby!!! lol!!

shameless self-celebratory pictures:

I zoomed the spindle photo up as far as I could, but it would be great if you could confirm/ deny whether the spindle is of all welded construction, or if it's a one piece forging. The reason I ask, is because you have to be careful when ever you heat anything to straighten, bend, modify, etc.

In this case, a spindle built up from steel stampings will most likely be much more forgiving when heated and hammered around than would a forged and heat treated part. If you were cautious wit the gas axe, you'll probably be fine; just keep a close eye on it to make sure you catch any potential cracks before they try and become an issue.

In photo two, I see that you used the swage type cable clamps. If you had used just one on each end, I'd be worried. But since you used a pair on each end (you did, didn't you?) you most likely will be fine. The only issue I have with them (and I've used a lot of them over the years) is that they have a much lower yield/ slip/ failure point than the two piece threaded U bolt clamp style. If you find that they aren't doing the job, don't waste your time trying to tighten them up by hitting them again; the first "set" you give them has to be correct. Usually any attempt to try to "tighten" them just thins out the cross section somewhere, causing them to fail that much faster.

If you find you're having that issue, just replace the aluminum ones with the threaded steel style.

Other than that, it looks great. Pat

 

[vidnoye]

Yeah. The spindle is all welded construction. I know eventually I'll have to replace it and I already started looking for replacements.

Thanks for the advice on the clamps. I initially was going to use those but iI thought these will be better... It's always good to hear from experienced users. The fix on the brake line will probably won't hold for too long so I'll also will have to replace that. The band is a bit wore down so I most likely replace cable and band. So far what I've looked it doesn't seem very expensive.

Working now on getting lights installed. I'll post some pictures once done.

Thanks

 

[OzFab]

Welcome!!

how about some photo's? If you hang out for very long, you'll probably notice that we're always asking for pictures; it makes everyone's life easier... Do you have any photo's of the kart in question? We love pictures...

And did I mention that we really like pictures here?

..... Only thing he forgot to mention was to post a lot of pics. We like pics....

IT'S IN THE RULES!

The fix on the brake line will probably won't hold for too long so I'll also will have to replace that.

You may find that there was originally a rod from the pedal to the band...

 

[vidnoye]

Interesting. I'm still looking for the manual