Manco 485-16 local find in very good condition

[hitm4n1985]

While it isn't the nicest of the nice karts out there; here's what we got going on. I found it's a 485-16 and almost seems un modified. If anyone else has a matching model; I'm all ears about some of the following issues I need to address:
1. Steering seems very minimal travel; the turn radius is huge. (Compared to a dingo 285)
2. Tires; these balloon looking tires don't seem to fit properly, I recall a more flat topped shape similar to a riding mower from my old 285.
3. Electric start conversion or possibly a whole engine swap to a predator or something that already has an option for e start.

Now that's about it in regards to the 1st introduction lol

 

[Hellion]

Turning radius: it’s a bigger or I should say wider kart than a single seat Dingo. Make sure your tires are inflated properly and ensure the front wheels are tracking true and adjust the tie rods as necessary. If you want to turn really sharp, get either a one wheel drive kart (dead axle) or a differential.

Tire sizes: should be 145/70-6 on the front and 16x8x7 on the rear. Or at least according to the parts manual.

Looks like the original Briggs engine, the whole thing looks like a prize so who needs electric start?

 

[hitm4n1985]

Turning radius: it’s a bigger or I should say wider kart than a single seat Dingo. Make sure your tires are inflated properly and ensure the front wheels are tracking true and adjust the tie rods as necessary. If you want to turn really sharp, get either a one wheel drive kart (dead axle) or a differential.

Tire sizes: should be 145/70-6 on the front and 16x8x7 on the rear. Or at least according to the parts manual.

Looks like the original Briggs engine, the whole thing looks like a prize so who needs electric start?

Unfortunately my lower back & hip injuries don't make it easy to pull start the engine as much as the kids like to kill the motor ;-( I know it sounds kind of silly; but I'm trying to be able to have them enjoy it as much as their dirt bikes and such. So it's one of those preferred mods vs a need need at this particular time. And I appreciate the hint with the tie rods; I'll have to do some measurements and see if there's possibly been a bad adjustment. Overall; the kart has me in memory lane. I'll explain that sometime down the road as it's a significantly longer story and idk if anyone would like a wall of text right off. Let's just say that MANCO was a must have addition! And if I run across 3 single seaters; I'll get those too. 1 per young child in the house. I will for sure do some servicing and TLC here soon; maybe some other tires for the rear without super aggressive tread

 

[Hellion]

Okay. The engine cannot be easily modified to electric start. You’re going to have to find a new one that has electric start. Harbor Freight doesn’t offer an electric start on anything smaller than their 420cc engine (which is overkill). You’re going to have to do some shopping. I’d check Amazon for some 6-7hp e-start engines.

Here’s a parts manual: https://landmaster-assets.american-...un-Kart/485486_operatorsmanual_4851548516.pdf

 

[Hellion]

Your kart is a live axle kart, so keep in mind that a live axle only wants to go straight ahead. Turning is trouble for obvious (or not so obvious) reasons. Definitely an interesting dynamic. You basically have to power the kart through a turn at speed and if not, your front tires will just scruff (understeer) across the ground and not grab. These forces are most apparent on pavement….

 

[Edwin Spangler]

(which is overkill).