Manco Fox II Build

[MitchellNC]

Lots of great advice in my introduction thread, so thought I would start a build thread. My 8yr old took some pics this morning to get us started. Looks like we’ll need tires, maybe wheels, a clutch, and planning on a Predator. Pulled the front wheels today and the wheels look rough. Any basic 6” wheels recommended?View attachment IMG_0162.jpegView attachment IMG_0159.jpeg

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Clean it all up. Don't need new rims. Maybe tires. You can always run a tube in them and wear them out some more.

That clutch might be toast, I'd clean the insides and see if it works before buying a CVT to replace it. CCs don't work well with off road karts.

 

[Grizzlymi]

WTR is right, those rims are fine, well at least the one in the photo. Just wire wheel the insides to clean them up and get rid of the rust. That kart is in very good shape, just needs some tlc. Should be a great project for you and the family.

Does the motor run?

 

[Denny]

Make the engine run and switch to a CVT like the others have said but use only a GENUINE COMET BELT!!!!

 

[Hellion]

Manco 415-XX (unknown suffix). One-wheel-peel, basic go kart.

https://landmaster-assets.american-landmaster.workers.dev/uploads/manuals/Fun-Kart/415_operatorsmanual_415b1415d1.pdf

Had just a clutch, sprocket, chain drive. I am seeing the drive sprocket as 80 tooth and a 12 tooth clutch, #35 chain (per the manual). Just fix the inner bead area on the wheels (wire wheel, sandpaper, re-paint if you like) and run it. The clutch may even still work. They do get rusty because they do run rather hot even when used properly, and any protective oil gets burned off and then they flash rust.

Check the sprockets for teeth wear as that means they're done for.
Check the wheel bearings
Try to re-use everything

It is possible that it had a jack shaft but I am not finding the same wheel/tire combination for your kart. An example:

https://landmaster-assets.american-landmaster.workers.dev/uploads/manuals/Fun-Kart/415_operatorsmanual_415391415241.pdf

i understand your aversion to rust. But we get past that because it does not immediately mean "worn out". Surface rust is your friend, cancerous rust is death (the kind with multiple holes).

Judging by the kart's overall condition, the youngster who had it was probably continually grounded or got bored with it and went back to his Playstation 2.

Let us know the teeth count on the sprockets for confirmation.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Old fogy. The PS6 is soon to be released.

 

[Hellion]

Old fogy. The PS6 is soon to be released.

I was making a retrospective to the time when the kart was likely brand new. The first manual is dated 2002.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Yeah. OK.

 

[MitchellNC]

Thanks all for the feedback and ideas. I thought I read somewhere that the CVT didnt fit this kart because of the frame/bar that goes by. If I plan on adding a Predator, what CVT should I look at to get an idea if it fits?

the engine ran about a year ago, but was quite a bit of work for it to start. If I can get the Predator on sale this week for Black Friday I plan on doing that to make it easier for the kids to start.

i think the clutch is toast. We rode it once and the clutch took quite a high rev to get it going and made quite a bit of noise. If I can fit a CVT I will do that.

i’ll try to clean up the wheels, I fought the tires today and couldnt get them off but will try again. Any tips?

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

A 30 series from any online store. The genuine ones are expensive. The china closes work just fine and long as you get a Denny Certified Comet belt. The china belts melt like candlewax.
They come with the mounting plate and screws and a sprocket to get you going.
Shouldn't be to hard. It looks like you have the room for it.
They even come with a cover that fits.

 

[Hellion]

Original kart didn’t have a CVT and really, there’s no point having one on a dead axle, one wheel drive, one-wheel-peel kart and I don’t think you can fit one, there’s not enough clearance.

If you (or the kids) are wanting to emulate an ATV with these types of go karts, and catch “mad air”, role play as Bo and Luke Duke in the General Lee and try to do the things a real fully suspended 4x4 ATV or side by side can do, you will come up disappointed. These are trail runners and fire road explorers. Basically for yards and pastures, dirt roads, the occasional neighborhood street (oh dear!) and such.

Yours is a time capsule and was basically pulled out of the pickle jar (preserved). I keep looking at basic yard karts (in similar condition) on Bringatrailer and amazed at the prices they bring,

 

[Hellion]

i’ll try to clean up the wheels, I fought the tires today and couldnt get them off but will try again. Any tips?

One of those tire machines from Hazard Fraught or something similar (from a better manufacturer), plus the tire spoons, you may need. Or take them to a lawn mower repair place or even a tire place. I think they can demount/mount tires from any size rim.

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[MitchellNC]

Pulled the rear wheels off and just about all of the bearings are shot. Looks like I’ll need a brake band and maybe a drum. Anybidea what length the stubs are on this drive wheel?View attachment IMG_0178.jpeg

 

[MitchellNC]

Original kart didn’t have a CVT and really, there’s no point having one on a dead axle, one wheel drive, one-wheel-peel kart and I don’t think you can fit one, there’s not enough clearance.

If you (or the kids) are wanting to emulate an ATV with these types of go karts, and catch “mad air”, role play as Bo and Luke Duke in the General Lee and try to do the things a real fully suspended 4x4 ATV or side by side can do, you will come up disappointed. These are trail runners and fire road explorers. Basically for yards and pastures, dirt roads, the occasional neighborhood street (oh dear!) and such.

Yours is a time capsule and was basically pulled out of the pickle jar (preserved). I keep looking at basic yard karts (in similar condition) on Bringatrailer and amazed at the prices they bring,

Yeah, no mad air here. Just something to run through woods trails with. Looks like I have a 12t on the clutch, any preferred brand, I see prices all over the place? I measured and a cvt def wont fit.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Bearing are common to rust out. Replace them

The brake drum looks fine. Just wire wheel it clean.

 

[Hellion]

I have a 12t on the clutch, any preferred brand,

How about a Max Torque SS (Six Shoe)? Made in USA and I think every single component is supported with spare parts and different garter springs (to tailor the engagement RPM) are available.

Max-Torque Clutches

Will wait to hear what others recommend.

 

[MitchellNC]

Any other recs on clutches for a Predator 212? Going to grab a 212 tomorrow during their sale.

 

[Hellion]

Any other recs on clutches for a Predator 212? Going to grab a 212 tomorrow during their sale.

What is the height of the rear tires and what is the tooth count on the drive sprocket (for proper gear ratio purposes)?

In post #5 I said the kart likely had an 80 tooth sprocket and a 12 tooth clutch but I don't ever assume it is the same as factory-OEM unless the kart is straight off the showroom floor. Might as well buy 2 Predators. They're not often on sale like this.

 

[Hellion]

What is the chain size, #35? Any old generic clutch will do as long as you have a good gear ratio.

 

[MitchellNC]

What is the chain size, #35? Any old generic clutch will do as long as you have a good gear ratio.

I need to look and see, I assume the chain will have some markings on it? I ended up getting the Predator 224 as the 212 wasnt available today while on sale.