Honda gx160 HELP

[Fizashah]

Hi guys, I need some help with my go kart. I have a Honda gx160 from a generator and I would like to know what I need to do to it to make it go kart ready. I know I need a centrifugal clutch but what other things to I need. Thanks in advance

 

[thebroketeenager]

Does the engine have a tapered shaft? Im asuming not since you imply that the engine is out and has no problems... However if the shaft is not tapered, and has the standard length of 2 1/4"(may be wrong on the length, more experienced members will correct me)then you should not have any problems putting it in a gokart.

 

[Fizashah]

Does the engine have a tapered shaft? Im asuming not since you imply that the engine is out and has no problems... However if the shaft is not tapered, and has the standard length of 2 1/4"(may be wrong on the length, more experienced members will correct me)then you should not have any problems putting it in a gokart.

Hi thanks for the reply and I'm not sure. If you could explain what a tapered shaft looks like I will check it. Also I have not disconnected the engine from the actual generator. Also I mean what do I have to do in terms of sorting the throttle so I can use it with a pedal or a lever

 

[thebroketeenager]

Here is what a tapered shaft looks like. Notice on the left side of the crank the shaft diameter decreases, resulting in a cone shape. Unfortunatly, it is impossible to mount a clutch to this type of crankshaft, which is likely what you have. I don't know why, but generator manufactures like to use tapered shafts. I have also attached an image of a common throttle setup. Look closely and you will see that there is a cable attached to the throttle lever. That cable travels through something similar to the black conduit used on bikes.(I forgot what it was called ) The whole shabang travels to the gas pedal where the cable is attached. Hope this helps a bit.

 

[OzFab]

Attaching a throttle cable is the least of your problems; the first thing you need to do is remove the generator from the engine & check the shaft...

 

[landuse]

If you do have a tapered shaft, there are basically 2 options. You can buy a straight keyed shaft for your engine and replace the tapered one, or you can machine down the tapered shaft to make it straight.

 

[zbuck]

I have worked on a lot of gen engine over the years an requardless of engine make they all had tapered shafts. So it would be a safe bet your shaft is also tapered.