How long will a predator last?

[StreakerKart]

I just got a predator and thought for a while now, how long would they keep running. I have looked over some reviews and a BUNCH of people say they last 2-3 years! So that can't be a good sign.
This motor was a took a HUGE bite out of my car fund. Fortunately,
The engine is governed, and should last quite awhile. I need answers from pros like all of you.

 

[DirtyDamage]

2-3 years is an excellent amount of time for a predator. It's not like a Honda where you're spending $400+ for a similar engine. You're spending $100. It's a great price. Now your question depends on a lot of factors like how long you go between oil, gas quality, winterization and things like that. An engine will last a quite a while before it needs replacement. I wouldn't think twice against getting a predator. Definitely a diamond in the rough at HF.

 

[landuse]

It will last a long time as long as you treat it right. I would say I'd like still far exceed the 2-3 years you have quoted. It all depends on you though

 

[machinist@large]

#1 on the list of how to kill any small engine is to think that you can treat it like an automobile engine. Especially when you're dealing with an engine that they could sell at a profit for less than a hundred dollars.

This baby has no oil filter, let alone an oil pump to force the oil through it. And while it does come with a low oil level kill switch, that's designed for stationary applications. Most people end up unplugging it after the second or third time they take a corner hard enough to trip it.

That means monitoring the oil level, as well as how clean it is is totally up to you.

First, check the oil level every time you gas it up. Period!!!! Next, read and understand the "care and feeding" section of the owners manual. When to change the oil, when and how to service the air filter, how to clean and clear the screen over the starter pulley/cooling fan, etc.

Now, if your 212cc model has the same 1/4" thick piece of foam that need's to be cleaned and re-oiled on a regular basis (you DID read the instructions for that, right?!?!?),you might want to hit the local garden center or contractor rental store with both the foam, as well as the entire filter housing assembly and see if you can track down something better/longer lasting......

One final note (since you mentioned a car fund).

These small engine's are built to a price point. There will be quality variances from one engine to another that the car industry hasn't had for probably 40 to 50 year's (and the main line small engine companies from the US, Europe, or Japan hasn't had for over 2 1/2 to 3 decade's either).

Nothing in this price range will last forever; clean air, clean oil, and clean fuel,though can make it last much, much longer.

How you ride is also important. If you like to roll/flip your ride, and not shut off the engine? You just answered your own question. On the other hand, if you just want to bounce around and have some fun, (with the kart staying mostly upright), then I would recommend adding the correct grade of Sta-Bil to every can of gas you buy.

Unless you have a reliable source for 100 octane straight "recreational" fuel, that's probably the only way to prevent carburetor problems with the current gen clean burn fuel injected designed gas blends......

 

[chancer]

Hey Pat. That all sound good. The last line though. It would be nice to find "straight rec fuel" (especially her in Cali) But I heard here. There is no reason for Higher Octane on a small engine since they do not have enough compression to make it worthwhile anyway. Do you have a different opinion than that on Octane. Not arguing just trying to learn. You cant always believe the first opinion you hear online

 

[KartFab]

Well, 4 stroke industrial engines with a cast iron bore last a long long long time. Who cares about the brand name anyway?

http://tootsie.com/how-many-licks/

 

[Russ2251]

Some years ago I had a chart listing various engine models and their serviceable life spans/expectancies.
I've looked everywhere for the chart and for the life of me I cannot locate it.
I seem to recall that for a medium priced engine, ~500 hours would be the norm.
That may not sound like a lot until you do the math.
Drive kart around for 2 hours a day every day and engine will last about 250 days.
I don't know of anyone that puts that kind of time on their karts.

Growing up I knew of a family that had eight kids.
The kind of use they put on their SEARS gokart was phenomenal.
The Tecumseh 3.5hp engine had to be replaced every summer.

Also, perceived longevity is not always determined by quality.
Usage is a major factor.
I have antique engines going back to the mid 1930's that run as good as the day they were originally purchased.
This is not because they are particularly well built, they were just rarely used.

 

[machinist@large]

Hey Pat. That all sound good. The last line though. It would be nice to find "straight rec fuel" (especially her in Cali) But I heard here. There is no reason for Higher Octane on a small engine since they do not have enough compression to make it worthwhile anyway. Do you have a different opinion than that on Octane. Not arguing just trying to learn. You cant always believe the first opinion you hear online

I had a source for true, unadalterer straight pure gasoline, but it was only available in 100 octane grade. To bad that station has decided to quit being an independent, and the new masters' want the tank capacity for something else....

The next closest source I've heard about is over an hour away....