How do you make a simple go kart?

[articfury]

I am planning to make a simple go kart with some college friends of mine. I am studying to be an engineer and figured that this would be a good project for me. One of my friends has several lawnmower engines for us to use, including both push mower and riding mower engines. We are trying to make the most simple go kart possible. Here is what we are going for
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/rvs/1175444300.html
I am looking for very simple instructions on how to achieve this and from searching google i have found around 20 guides that are all very complicated. I just need somebody to tell me exactly what i need to make the steering from this picture and how to connect the parts. I also need help with how to configure petals. I think as far as powering the rear wheels goes, i can use the riding mowers engine and keep the original back drive axle with wheels attached, because it will still be connected to engine. If i were to use a push mower though, how would that work. Please be as detailed as possible. Thanks.

 

[modelengineer]

Push mower is much more difficult to get to work, and a riding mower drivetrain (gearbox/transaxle) is not capable of going at any great speed.

If you want to make a simple gokart, you need a horizontal engine or a bike engine. Vertical engines remove the 'simple' part from the kart.

Unfortunately I don't have a simple guide to building a kart, but being an engineering student surely it isn't too difficult to work out...

 

[anderkart]

You'll find a wealth of useful info by scanning through the posts in the Photo Gallery & Project Log section of this forum: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=10

 

[articfury]

yes i did see some nice setups for how engine works, and i saw a cable connecting from engine to a pedal but that is about it. and i saw how steering was setup, but i don't know what any of the parts are.

 

[BradenM]

There is no such thing as a "simple" kart, in my experience. Even the simplest of things (mounting the motor) can turn into a headache. Gremlins are abundant.

Your best option would be to view photo's of completed projects, noting prices, design options, and what if anything went wrong during the production process.

 

[articfury]

ok, so far this is what i know to buy.
*centrifugal clutch
*frame
*steering wheel
*accelerator pedal and just link existing cord to it.
*chain for back axle to engine
*horizontal engine
*seat

now please list all like 30 parts i need to assemble the steering. like the exact name so i can just google it. Also what more do i need on my back axle besides the clutch, and i can just attach the chain straight from that to the engine i assume. steering is my main issue, please list all of the parts, i can figure out where they go from pictures.

 

[Pellethuntr2]

The clutch goes on you motor and the sprocket goes on you're axle. The sprocket is usually held in place by a keyway which is a square piece of steel that slides in a grove that will be on you're axle and you're sprocket, the keyway holds the sprocket on the axle so that it doesn't spin. I twill be the same system for you're back tires.

 

[articfury]

thanks for clearing that up.
now back to the original question list every singlepart i would need to make the steering, every nut and bolt.

 

[Pellethuntr2]

No problem man. Sorry can't help yoo to much with the names...

 

[EagleTalons]

Here is a list of parts for a kit. Might help a bit. Also don't get a Honda GC. The exhaust is pointed at your back...

http://www.mfgsupply.com/GoMiniChassisGoKartParts.html/mv_session_id=sc4GG85C

 

[microbusa]

have a look at my site might give you a few ideas (build in progress)
www.microbusa.synthasite.com

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

I'm sorry, I have to say this. You are studying to become an engineer and cant figure out a go-kart? I can hardly wait to go through college and become an engineer, I will ****ing own you all!

With that being said just look at pictures around this site, if that doesn't get you thinking I would suggest a different career.

 

[EagleTalons]

He just wanted to know what the parts were... One thing he has learned is that knowledge on what you are working on is power.

 

[modelengineer]

Tie rods, pitman arm, spindles, tie rod ends, steering column, steering wheel.
That's pretty much all I can think of for a simple steering arrangement. For a better one change the pitman arm for a steering rack and pinion (not needed, and probably worse for a go kart).

 

[articfury]

thanks this you have all been very helpful, especially that link to a parts site with diagram.

 

[freakboy]

I'm sorry, I have to say this. You are studying to become an engineer and cant figure out a go-kart? I can hardly wait to go through college and become an engineer, I will ****ing own you all!

With that being said just look at pictures around this site, if that doesn't get you thinking I would suggest a different career.

im in high school and learning how to be a mechanical engineer.... you have been owned and t-baged to the 9th degree

 

[motor_head]

you could use the vertical engines just use a belt to a jackshaft

i hate it when people say things can't be done most things can be done they just require a little Ingenuity to get it to work

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

im in high school and learning how to be a mechanical engineer.... you have been owned and t-baged to the 9th degree

Strange, so am I!

 

[Pellethuntr2]

im in high school and learning how to be a mechanical engineer.... you have been owned and t-baged to the 9th degree

Judging by you're post I would have never guessed that.

 

[freakboy]

Yeah i know i dont put effort into anything really hahah well thats if you being sarcastic and im confused now, ahahah. all i know is im in mechanical draftin for 4.5 hours a day working on the computer doing my work(space invaders).