Lawnmower engine build

[ryf]

I'm working on the governor issue, most likely removing it though. the axles are 2 to 1 for now (there is a 25 tooth trans side, 11 tooth axle side) and I can play with pulleys without altering the governor. I have alot of options.

it is 2 chains, if I had been able to find one, a 700 series tranny is single output, but it has a chain reverse, which is not good if you are planning to rev it up alot.

in other news... I've sorted my brakes! I'm planning on using an 80's prelude front disc and caliper for brakes.. found a good deal on the caliper with pads and bracket, NIB. using a escort master cylinder to pump it. should be wicked.

 

[ryf]

I have a great great update....

Motor runs!, tranny works! need to get brakes finished and get a clutch pedal hooked up and the wiring sorted totally, but.... ITS ALIVE..... it drove, and I'm VERY pleased! I'm estatic that my $400 (new) motor wasn't a dud, and the trans felt very good... I'll be going over tommorow and buttoning up wiring, and taking photos!

 

[RobertD]

awesome news!

 

[ryf]

ok I'm a shmuck no photos, camera issues.. but front end is done other than final welding, i mounted the head lights and gas tank (not on front) as well today, also have a line on the bits to finish the brakes, so lots of promise.. figured out the clutch, should be able to have that "correct" tommorow hopefully anyway.

did I mention my clutch idler is a belt tensioner off a car? its pretty trick, I'll try and get pics.

if we had been able to get up with guy with the parts for the brakes, I could've gone for a good shakedown ride on memorial day. everything is starting to get to those tedious final parts, which will include an entire disassembly for painting. I'm still trying to decide about the rear transaxle issue, but I'll give it solid testing to see whats what.

 

[ryf]

its sitting on a 4x8 trailer for scale, thanks for the support.

 

[mikeandike]

that things a beast. Great work! looks awesome etc...

 

[RobertD]

that thing looks so cool, but i'm going to have to spend some more time tomorrow checking out that drivetrain setup. but again, super awesome.

 

[ryf]

OK breaking news..... its very rideable. played with the governor and clocked over 30mph in top gear at about 3/4 throttle, has some left but wasn't about to rev it out yet. new brakes work awesome, will get photos of install. we tried clocking it with gps, but my gps wasn't working right, didn't waste the time to fiddle with it. had to rely on my father in laws minivan as a chase car for now, I feel the results are suspect though since he had to slow down in the turns and the road was not straight many places. will get gps results asap...

if anyone is thinking of mimicking my gearing, its a 6.5 drive pulley, 4.5 trans pulley, 25 tooth chain on trans, 26 tooth on axle, 23" tires = 30 mph with my heavy self and over built go kart. I changed the axle gear after I realized my math wasn't 100% right.

did a steep driveway of loose gravel, pulled strong in second, very much enough torque.

things left to do.

1. shifter assembly.
2. floor pan
3. choke I can reach easily
4. retainer straps for front suspension
5. enjoy it a few times
6. paint

 

[ryf]

its pretty much done now, ran it around after some soft runs, and opened it up, 37 mph, more than fast enough IMO. things left to finish, are rear roll bar/protection. rear push bumper, dry storage. considering 37 mph is way too fast for alot of the trails I ride, me= satisfied

 

[2or3wheels]

Looks great. Does your transmission have a low gear so it still has power?

 

[ryf]

yes, it is currently using a 6sp (6 fwd+N+R) garden tractor (not riding mower, beefier) transmission (peerless 820) so I have LOTS of gear options depending on situation! I was using a riding mower 4 speed, which was fine for riding, bad for towing/sand dunes. 1st gear is somewhere around 3 or 4th on a regular mower. top speed so far, 37 mph

 

[2or3wheels]

How much did that unit put you back?

 

[ryf]

umm. retail is $600, $75 at a lawmower graveyard for the trans, the whole mower, I have no idea.

 

[ryf]

I think mechanically my issues have been worked out, brakes from Ford aspire worked great, motor needs idle adjustment and a locking nut but thats a minimal issue. I had to replace the rear trans mount as the torque of the trans bent the mount during a very "spirited" run, thats been sorted and was a design issue, not a mechanical issue.

known things left to do...

side/floor panels, paint this winter.
get correct length bolts for all places needed.

I'd say I'm not going to get the panels and floorpan finished until after my son is born (september) so I'd say this threads ready for closing I'll start a new thread and reference back to here if anything comes up. thnx for looking.