murray explorer go kart project

[monkeywrench]

Hello everyone, new to go karts any info helps. So i picked up a Murray explorer go kart frame for free. Almost everything is there. Minus engine, clutch and jackshaft plate. I've been all over the net looking for the jackshaft plate to no avail. Do i really need this thing? I saw on a thread that you can use a centrifugal clutch and move the sprocket over to the brake disk side. But i saw no pics showing the set up in detail. i'm also concerned that it may cause problems. Does anyone have one for sale Or know where to get it from? Also the live axle is bent. It looks to be stock and the bearings seem to be really cheaply made. Part numbers any ideas on better ones if so part numbers and links would be very usefull, Thanks in advance..

 

[landuse]

Unfortunately murray went bankrupt in the early 2000's and was bought by Briggs. Here is what BMI says about it

In 2004 Murray filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Murray was purchased by the Briggs and Stratton Corporation as of February 11, 2005. Briggs and Stratton has "determined that it will not manufacture, sell, or distribute [go-karts], nor will it provide any service parts, warranty coverage, or technical support for these products." Further, it has been reported that Briggs & Stratton destroyed all replacement parts for the Murray go-karts. Therefore, parts are very limited for Murray karts.

This is why parts are hard to come by. You might not be able to get the original parts, but a jackshaft can always be fabricated using other parts. Post some pics of your kart where the jackshaft should go, and we will give you a hand

You could alwways call THESE PEOPLE, as they sell murray parts as well. You might get lucky. You might also find something on FleaBay

 

[monkeywrench]

Thanks for the info landuse. Ebays a no go ill keep checking in who knows i might get lucky. Ill try the link in your post and see what that does. I found a model # and some part numbers as well. Ill check around with those. surprised no one is making them after market. I do have a stick welder. I'm game for some fabrication. Hope the pics upload. And thanks again.

 

[monkeywrench]

Trying to upload pic again

 

[JMINDY]

You said you think the axle is bent? Then I wouldn't worry about trying to find Murray parts, especially if they are hard to find anyways. And I wouldn't look for a jackshaft plate nor try to make one. Your output shaft on your engine is going to be on the driver’s side, your getting a new axle, so just plan on moving the axle sprocket to the driver’s side, it’s so much easier.

I’m rebuilding a Manco kart, don’t know the Murray karts as they may be slightly different, but I’d approach your build as following…
First I would try to plan out want you want before buying new parts. I have found that a lot of your part choices will effect other part decisions. You’ll in up with parts that don’t work together or end results that you don’t want, like gear ratio/speed, etc. Engine choice (size of the output shaft), Centrifugal clutch or Torque Converter (tooth count on their sprocket), axle sprocket (size/tooth count), axle brake, wheel size, and determine the final gear ratio/speed that you want.

Disassemble your rear axle. Measure the axle’s length, diameter, and its keyway. Length is the main measurement; you might end up going with a different size in diameter/keyway depending on the other parts you decided on. 1” axles and ¼” keyways seem to be the norm; there are other sizes but again…plan ahead with your other parts. You’ll want an axle with a keyway length on the driver’s side, if not the full length of axle. You’ll want to measure the wheel bearings on the rims/wheel hubs and get an axle that has a step down with that diameter, length, and keyway size that will fit the rims/hubs. Put in new axle bearings that match your new axle. Not sure what Murray has or how they are mounted to the frame. They make new axle bearing kits with new brackets that you could weld to the frame if fitting new bearings is an issue.

Not sure how the brake caliper mounts to the frame on a Murray or if you have those parts, don’t see them on your images - just the brake disc. So you may have some fabrication there…

Other’s can chime in if I missed anything… I’m no expert when it comes to karts.

I’m in your area (Redington Beach) next week, hope the sun is still shining when I get there, I could use some rays!

 

[Scout]

That looks ripe for a torque convertor.