Manco project

[intenseblue98rt]

I picked up this manco go kart from a friend to build for my step son. I dont know much about it. It runs, a little rough but it does move. I would like to put a predator 212 motor on it. Ive never messed anything like this before but im mechanically inclined. How difficult is it to swap a predator motor on this? What all would I need? Im sure this kind of post is common so if anybody could at least point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[chancer]

If you are mechanically inclined... It is as easy as disconnect the throttle cable and Clutch and unbolt the old motor and bolt on the new Predator.

 

[intenseblue98rt]

If you are mechanically inclined... It is as easy as disconnect the throttle cable and Clutch and unbolt the old motor and bolt on the new Predator.

Not having the new motor in hand yet... is this a simple bolt on replacement or will I have to fabricate a mount for it?

 

[chancer]

The 6.5 predator has the same bolt pattern for mounting as a 5 hp Briggs. Most small engines use a standard Pattern.

 

[intenseblue98rt]

The 6.5 predator has the same bolt pattern for mounting as a 5 hp Briggs. Most small engines use a standard Pattern.

Hey thanks for the reply. What about the throttle linkage? Should the throttle cable I have now connect to the new 212 motor? Im ordering the motor today and want to order everything I need in one shot so im not waiting around too much. I saw somewhere throttle cable plates and whatnot being sold so im not sure what all I needed for that. Sorry im a noob

 

[landuse]

Hey thanks for the reply. What about the throttle linkage? Should the throttle cable I have now connect to the new 212 motor? Im ordering the motor today and want to order everything I need in one shot so im not waiting around too much. I saw somewhere throttle cable plates and whatnot being sold so im not sure what all I needed for that. Sorry im a noob

You do not need any plates etc for connecting the throttle. There is nothing extra you need to buy

 

[2SlickNick]

You might want to make sure the belt is correct too. Too many uninformed people are using auto belts.

 

[intenseblue98rt]

Ok so I ordered the motor. I got the newer hemi style 212 for $130 shipped which I thought was a good deal. My plans are to paint the kart orange with some black accents for contrast. My step son is 7 years old so this should be fun. Its going to be a birthday present in April so I have some time to work on it. I do want to add a seat belt and either recover the seat or replace it to get rid of the purple manco logo. This should be a fun project. I dont have the kart with me, its at my garage so im not sure how many teeth the gear has but I was wondering what kind of speed can be achieved with a 50lb boy in it. Wondering if I will have to tune it down some...

 

[KartFab]

25-33 mph, depending on your tire size and gearing. It has some nice pick up.

 

[OzFab]

I do want to add a seat belt

Good idea We have a saying around here: No cage = no belt, cage = belt...

Wondering if I will have to tune it down some...

That may be a problem, there's not really any way to "tune down" these engines without risking damage to other components; about the only thing you can do is, perhaps, adjust the governor down slightly...

Apart form that, the only way to slow down a kart is through gearing...

May I also suggest a set of pedal extensions...

 

[intenseblue98rt]

Good idea We have a saying around here: No cage = no belt, cage = belt...



That may be a problem, there's not really any way to "tune down" these engines without risking damage to other components; about the only thing you can do is, perhaps, adjust the governor down slightly...

Apart form that, the only way to slow down a kart is through gearing...

May I also suggest a set of pedal extensions...

Thanks for the suggestions. I will probably just adjust the governor like you mentioned.

---------- Post added at 07:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:22 PM ----------

Im pretty sure the TC is a comet 30 series. It seems to run just fine. Will it do or is it worth to upgrade to something else? Ive got kart parts fever lol just trying to make sure I build a quality kart.

 

[OzFab]

Upgrade to what? A 30 series is perfect for that setup...

 

[chancer]

That may be a problem, there's not really any way to "tune down" these engines without risking damage to other components;
Apart form that, the only way to slow down a kart is through gearing...

I agree Gearing is the "best" way to slow down a kart. But many people always want to limit the throttle. Of course we know, If you do that you will burn up the clutch. But... in this case he has a TC. (I never had one) but I thought I heard with a TC you can limit the throttle somewhat. ??

On another note.
Question was raised about throttle hook up: The predator comes with easy go kart throttle hook up. It is almost self explanitary but when you get the motor just ask and we can help you, It is super easy.

 

[intenseblue98rt]

What do you think is the most durable spray paint? I know the base color is going to be orange. Im looking for something durable without a clear coat but if a clear coat is going to make that big of a difference then I will do it. Krylon, rustoleom, etc...? I even considered using engine enamel but thought I would ask here first.

 

[intenseblue98rt]

Ok. Motor came in today. Unfortunatally they sent me the older non hemi style motor. Thats ok though... bummer. I have another quick question... how much of a difference would a inexpensive performance kit like this https://www.ombwarehouse.com/Predator-212cc-Go-Kart-Kit-Stage-1-Non-Hemi.html?category_id=1648 one make? Just wondering if its possible to get a little more pep out of it once my step son adjusts to riding (assuming he does so lol)

 

[KartFab]

A few items
1) i want your old briggs engine. Do you want to put it in a box and ship it to me? I'll pay for shipping and your efforts if the engine is still in decent shape. Could you take a pic of the number plate on the flywheel shroud?

2) that kit is pretty good, except for the header/muffler combo. You want more performance but the muffler is a screw on and robs about 1 hp of potential. The ones that you want have that candy cane look to it that open bit by bit and can accept a 1 5/16" RLV muffler.

3) do not use those springs without an arc billet connecting rod and flywheel. People who just rev the piss out of these engines makes the connecting rod and or flywheel break.

 

[intenseblue98rt]

Thanks for the help. Unfortunately the old motor is spoken for.

 

[KartFab]

Ok thanks for letting me know.

 

[intenseblue98rt]

ok im test fitting the motor. How do I get the inner part of the drive pulley off the old motor? I tried sliding it off the shaft but it dont move. Dont see anything bolting it down... I dont want to damage it. I read somewhere about there possibly being a key...?

 

[intenseblue98rt]

Ok. I got the new motor on there. It does 30mph according to my gps. It's a pretty stout motor I'm happy with it.