Manco Dango 285 Rebuild

[KickingRocks]

The things dad's get themselves into.... My 6 yr old son got it in his head that he was getting a go cart for Xmas this year. We tried our best to talk him out of it, but he just kept saying that since he put it on his list santa has to bring it to him. I started checking craigslist and facebook marketplace but everything just seemed like expensive junk. Today I stumbled upon a Manco Dango that is complete but not running. Got the guy down to $100. I figure if nothing else the frame is worth that much and hey at least all the tire's hold air. Plan is strip it down paint it, replace the engine with a new 6.5 Predator and new Torque converter also. I plan on replacing all the cables and tie rods as one is bent. Trying to keep my parts budget under $400 that way if worst comes to worst and he gets tired of it hopefully I'll be able to brake even on it. So if anyone has any tips or tricks on how to rebuild this thing please let me know. I'm embarrassed to say that this is the fist go kart I've ever owned, but I'm totally mechanically inclined and have no problem rebuilding a car engine or replacing a tranny so how hard could this be lol.


Not the best pics as it was late when I unloaded it and I still need to get it cleaned up.

 

[itsid]

100 bucks?? That was a STEAL!

really, awesome kart you got your kid there..

you can buy any series 30 Tavkit off ebay for just 50-60 bucks
that'll do (except for the belt which might be the wrong size)
ignore the backplate and install it to the original jackshaft as it currently is on the kart.
do not throw away your Torque converter though..
it's likely still the original comet and
I'd say you should restore it eventually (parts are avalable at mfgsupply for example)

A predator is what? 99-130 bucks depending on if a coupon is available...
so that'd be fine as well


it appears to be a 285 model
so here's a 285 manual:
https://americanlandmaster.com/pdfs...85_operatorsmanual_2851628518285162285182.pdf
differences between different 285 are minor, but if you have a specific question,
we can sort that out anyways

And with that welcome aboard!

'sid

 

[Mrmonk7663]

I’d plan on new jackshaft bearings, axle bearings (if taking apart axle) and possibly a new brake caliper as well. Solid go kart.

 

[landuse]

Welcome....and nice kart!! You got a bargain there. I would also replace all bearings while you are about it

 

[Karttekk]

As far as "not running", how? Is the engine seized? Did it get water in the block? Since you're trying to keep the costs down and there's a chance he may lose interest, why not see if you can get it running? Looks like a Tecumseh engine and there are still some parts available like carburetors, filters and ignition parts. Tecumseh isn't the best option as far as engines but I would suggest try & get it going with new drivetrain parts and go from there. I've restored a few karts with that engine, they all ran well. You can always upgrade the engine once you're sure your son is onboard with it.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Better have a grubby jacket for working on that thing in the Texas winter!
BTW - It's not a Manco Dango, it's a Dingo.

The issue of it not running could be as simple as a dirty carburetor and old gas. Start the diagnosis by seeing if it will turn over. Then check for spark.
If it has those, along with compression, spray some starter fluid into the carburetor and see if it will start.
That is a basic small engine diagnosis process.

 

[J.S.@SMS]

I agree with JT, it's probably the carburetor, especially since it's a Tecumseh.

 

[KickingRocks]

I got it cleaned up. The engine isn't locked up, but it's missing the air filter and the carb is trash. I tried spraying it but it won't fire off. I checked and no spark. I have a coupon to harbor freight to get a 6.5 hp predator for $99 so I'm just going to go that route. Does anyone know if I'd be able to reuse this torque converter set up on the Predator engine or is it better just to buy a new one? Here are some pictures of it all cleaned up.

 

[Smerft85]

I got it cleaned up. The engine isn't locked up, but it's missing the air filter and the carb is trash. I tried spraying it but it won't fire off. I checked and no spark. I have a coupon to harbor freight to get a 6.5 hp predator for $99 so I'm just going to go that route. Does anyone know if I'd be able to reuse this torque converter set up on the Predator engine or is it better just to buy a new one? Here are some pictures of it all cleaned up.

Unless you are wanting a color change I'd leave it be, looks very clean overall. Much nicer than mine that I paid 4x more for! I think the predators have a 3/4" shaft, so if your converter has the same size shaft you should be in good shape, but I'd still clean that converter throughout. Maybe buy the $60 cheapy to buy you some time with the original so you can assure it's right, especially if it's an old comet.

 

[J.S.@SMS]

Yes, tecumseh OHH60s have the same mounting pattern and shaft size as a predator, as far as I know. However, while the predators are the same height, they're about 4 maybe 5 inches longer. But that shouldn't be an issue. Just remember to unplug the low oil sensor. While you're at HF look for a few bullet wiring connectors, crimp one onto the end of the kill switch wire and plug it in where the low oil sensor used to be connected. That'll let you kill it from the seat or from the engine, in case it decides it wants to take off when you start it.

 

[Tpdingo]

Yes, tecumseh OHH60s have the same mounting pattern and shaft size as a predator, as far as I know. However, while the predators are the same height, they're about 4 maybe 5 inches longer. But that shouldn't be an issue. Just remember to unplug the low oil sensor. While you're at HF look for a few bullet wiring connectors, crimp one onto the end of the kill switch wire and plug it in where the low oil sensor used to be connected. That'll let you kill it from the seat or from the engine, in case it decides it wants to take off when you start it.

Shaft is a little longer..but predator still works no problem.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Instead of spending $100 on a Predator, I suggest getting a fresh coil for $15: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ignition-C...580842?hash=item4d7150782a:g:qA0AAOSw1ZJaySmx
And then, for $20 more, you can get a brand new air filter, carburetor, and spark plug: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Carburetor...432324?hash=item4691d60244:g:4HAAAOSwT61c77kR

So for $35 and a fuel flush, you could probably get that Tecumseh running strong for a good while!
Also this is the DIY Go Karts forum, and where's the DIY in slapping a Predator on?? Plus you get to keep the original engine!
I would suggest you think twice at least before getting a Predator. This repair solution I have suggested will require you to get wrenching, but you save about $65, and you still get it running! That's worth it to me!

 

[Tpdingo]

Instead of spending $100 on a Predator, I suggest getting a fresh coil for $15: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ignition-C...580842?hash=item4d7150782a:g:qA0AAOSw1ZJaySmx
And then, for $20 more, you can get a brand new air filter, carburetor, and spark plug: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Carburetor...432324?hash=item4691d60244:g:4HAAAOSwT61c77kR

So for $35 and a fuel flush, you could probably get that Tecumseh running strong for a good while!
Also this is the DIY Go Karts forum, and where's the DIY in slapping a Predator on?? Plus you get to keep the original engine!
I would suggest you think twice at least before getting a Predator. This repair solution I have suggested will require you to get wrenching, but you save about $65, and you still get it running! That's worth it to me!

Eh? My opinion would be to stop screwing around with that 25 year old piece of crap and get something that has a warranty and a better design.

And that tecumseh will break more and more....just spend your 100$ up front and forget about "oh my engine broke again" or "oh i gotta tune the carburetor again"

And JT...I don't know what part of swapping an engine yourself isn't DIY.

Just remember that the carburetor MIGHT be the problem...or the spark MIGHT be the problem, etc. You could easily spend 100$ trying to go after this engine which you could have gotten an entire NEW engine with more power and a warranty and support from us for the same price.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Ok fine, swapping an engine yourself is technically DIY.
But then instead of learning how to fix a small engine, it's just a plug and play solution.
He says he has no problem rebuilding a car engine or replacing a tranny, so I think he can handle it. Plus it saves money!

 

[Tpdingo]

Ok fine, swapping an engine yourself is technically DIY.
But then instead of learning how to fix a small engine, it's just a plug and play solution.
He says he has no problem rebuilding a car engine or replacing a tranny, so I think he can handle it. Plus it saves money!

I've done engine rebuilds. Its something he can practice with on the side but I don't think its really worth it all in. I'll pay an extra 60$ to know I'm going to ride it when I want to.

 

[Smerft85]

If this is the same techumseh and you want to mess with it, I'll send you this one to use for parts for the cost of shipping, it has spark otherwise I know little about it.

I'd go with the predator with your time constraints, you said by christmas?

 

[MTopp]

Yea if anything the predator will be more powerful than the Tecumseh anyway and you could sell the tecumseh later

 

[KickingRocks]

Smerft85


Thanks for the offer!!! It is the same engine. I just hate to throw any amount of $$$ at the current engine when the Predator is so cheap. Hopefully with a new engine and new torque converter it doesn't fight me too much and will be a plug and play type of deal.

 

[MTopp]

Smerft85


Thanks for the offer!!! It is the same engine. I just hate to throw any amount of $$$ at the current engine when the Predator is so cheap. Hopefully with a new engine and new torque converter it doesn't fight me too much and will be a plug and play type of deal.

save the old torque converter or sell it - could still be restoreable

 

[Smerft85]

Yea if anything the predator will be more powerful than the Tecumseh anyway and you could sell the tecumseh later

I've had that one listed for $20 for over two months, no takers, and as you'll see above, can't give it away! �� if it's a non-running techumseh and no one nearby needs free parts, it's next best home seems to be the scrap pile. If I can't get rid of it to someone else it will probably sit around stubbing toes till I get sick of it.