Hello, I have recently been restoring and upgrading a Murray Explorer yard kart and wanted to say thanks to everybody in this community who helped me out with this project. There is not a ton of information out there on them and I often found myself frustrated with some aspects of working on them and trying to find correct replacement parts. So I wanted to make this post a master information/resource list on Murray Explorers so anyone who has one can come to this post to find out information and save themselves time and frustration. I'll post what I have learned so far and the correct replacement parts that I have used. This is an ongoing project so I will keep updating as I go along. Also, anyone who has any information, tips, part links, or anything else related to Murray Explorers please feel free to post here. I also upgraded the engine from the old beat up Tecumseh to a Predator 212 non-hemi and I will post all the modifications and parts I used on it as well since that seems to be the most common engine that people slap on go-karts as an inexpensive replacement.
KART PARTS
1. Front tires with wheels: 6" live axle assembly 145x70-6 tire. 1" bore with 1/4" key way https://www.gopowersports.com/145-x70-6-knobby-tire-1-live-axle-assembly/ I replaced the wheels because they were rusted through.
2. Brake pads (pucks) for manual brake caliper: https://www.gopowersports.com/brake-puck-manual-caliper/ I replaced these because mine were worn thin and cracking so the were not pinching the disc brake properly.
3. 3/4" 30 series 7" diameter Torque converter driven clutch: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015UNQVUO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
4. 3/4" 30 series torque converter driver pully: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076BSL5W3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I replaced these because the original torque converter was worn out. These were a budget friendly replacement option from amazon but I ended up replacing them with higher quality products from gopowersports later. These worked just fine for a while but as I upgraded the Predator 212 to make more power I felt that it was wearing these parts out quick and I think there was some slipping starting to happen but it could just have been the belt being worn out.
5. 30 series comet replacement belt: https://www.gopowersports.com/30-series-comet-replacement-belt-common-on-murray-karts-203597/ I believe my Explorer came with the original belt and it was pretty worn out and skinny but still works to this day. I just replaced it so that it was reliable.
6. 3/4" 30 series 7" diameter Torque converter driven clutch from gopoersports: https://www.gopowersports.com/30-series-driven-7-dia-3-4-bore-murray-style/ It is actually cheaper now from gopowersports than it is from amazon. I'm not sure how much better quality this is compared to the Amazon version but I feel better about buying from gopowersports over Amazon
7. Super Series 30 Juggernaut driver: https://www.gopowersports.com/super-30-series-driver-the-juggernaut/ This is an awesome driver meant for modified engines that operate at higher RPM.
8. Axle 1 inch diameter 40 inches long: https://www.gopowersports.com/axle-1-diameter/ be sure to choose 40 inches as your option. I replaced the axle because unbeknownst to me my axle was bent when I purchased the kart. I'll add more notes about doing the axle swap down below.
9. Axle bearings 1 inch round: https://www.gopowersports.com/1-or-7-8-h-axle-bearing-manco-3941-3941h/ be sure to buy 2 and choose 1inch round option when purchasing.
10. 1 inch sprocket carrier hub: https://www.gopowersports.com/1-sprocket-carrier-sprocket-hub/ this hub is meant for a split sprocket which I would recommend in case you want to change gear ratios down the road. You won't have to disassemble the axle which can be a huge pain in the ***.
11. 60 tooth split sprocket (to go with above carrier hub): https://www.gopowersports.com/split-sprocket-41-420/ be sure to select 60 tooth when ordering if you want the same gear ratio as original Explorer WITH a jack shaft. Also be sure to tighten hub to axle before you tighten bolts on the split sprocket. If not the hub will not lock onto the axle and will remain loose. I used 2 1 inch axle locking collars to be on the safe side since I did not feel like the hub locked onto the axle as tight as I would have liked. I'll mention this again in the notes below.
12. #40 5feet chain: https://www.gopowersports.com/40-chain-choose-length/ be sure to select 5 feet when purchasing. This chain does come with a master link for easier install and removal. You will still need a chain break tool to size down the chain.
13. Chain break tool: https://www.gopowersports.com/chain-breaker-for-3-8-1-2-and-5-8-pitch-chain/ This is a pretty cheap version but worked just fine for me.
14. 8 inch brake disc: https://www.gopowersports.com/8-brake-disc/ this doesn't come with the set screw/bolt so be sure to keep the bolt from your original brake disc as it fits the pre drilled hole on this replacement brake disc. If you don't have the original be sure to buy two 1 inch axle lock collars to hold new disc brake in place. I'll list the link below.
15. 1 inch axle lock collars: https://www.gopowersports.com/axle-lock-collar-1/
16. 1/4 inch key way: https://www.gopowersports.com/1-4-key-1-1-4-long-az8435-6123/ I'm just listing this because some of my keyways were rusted into the old axle and I had to replace them.
17. 3/4" shims for torque converter https://www.ombwarehouse.com/3-4-shims-for-torque-converters-and-clutches.html I bought these and had to use all 5 to make the juggernaut driver and 7 inch driven pully line up perfectly. Worth the money because I went to ACE hardware and could not find anything as good as these. All I found were some heavy brass, stainless, and zinc washers that were heavy and despite being "3/4" of an inch were too loose and just spun off center.
18. Header Wrap: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012C5FOLK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I wrapped the header just because when I work on it, test drive it, then work on it more I have accidentally burned the crap outta myself several times. The wrap is still hot as balls but it takes away the sizzle.
Predator 212 non-hemi (69730) and modifications:
1. Governor and oil sensor delete:
(also replace flywheel with billet ARC flywheel when removing governor for safety. Links below #3)
2. 18Lb valve springs: https://www.gopowersports.com/18lb-valve-springs/ VIDEO:
3. ARC Billet flywheel: https://www.gopowersports.com/arc-billet-flywheel-212cc-non-hemi-predator/ Video: (same as above)
4. ARC Billet Rod: https://www.gopowersports.com/predator-performance-billet-connecting-rod/ Video: (same #3,4, and 5) You will also want a torque wrench to get this install correct. Very important to torque rod bolts to spec. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LX4ND65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and sockets https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JMIPVJU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
5. MOD2 camshaft: https://www.gopowersports.com/mod2-camshaft-212cc-non-hemi-predator/ Video: (same as #3, and 4)
6. Mikuni 22mm carburetor: https://www.gopowersports.com/22mm-genuine-vm22-133-mikuni-carburetor/ or cheaper Chinese version: https://www.ombwarehouse.com/mikuni-round-slide-22-mm-carburetor-gas-small-body-chinese.html which I don't have any experience with. Video:
and
7. Header pipe: https://www.gopowersports.com/go-kart-parts/performance-parts/header-pipes/?sort=featured&page=1 I can't be much of a help here because I bought one that was included with a stage 2 kit that didn't fit over the back of the frame so I cut it and lined it up so it would fit and then took it to a machine shop and had them weld it up for me. I'd recommend calling gopowersports and asking if they know which header pipe would fit the Explorer. The guys there know their stuff and probably know which direction to send you in.
8. Exhaust muffler/silencer:
9.
MORE WILL BE POSTED ASAP I have a lot more to add. I will add some notes and all my engine modifications soon but I just ran out of time today.
More helpful videos:
1. Throttle linkage for stock carb with governor delete:
2. Kill switch install on Predator 212: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPORw5I9X1g&list=PLA34PnySmKdadXjMYEt_TCbIrs6_jwWtM&index=8
KART PARTS
1. Front tires with wheels: 6" live axle assembly 145x70-6 tire. 1" bore with 1/4" key way https://www.gopowersports.com/145-x70-6-knobby-tire-1-live-axle-assembly/ I replaced the wheels because they were rusted through.
2. Brake pads (pucks) for manual brake caliper: https://www.gopowersports.com/brake-puck-manual-caliper/ I replaced these because mine were worn thin and cracking so the were not pinching the disc brake properly.
3. 3/4" 30 series 7" diameter Torque converter driven clutch: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015UNQVUO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
4. 3/4" 30 series torque converter driver pully: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076BSL5W3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I replaced these because the original torque converter was worn out. These were a budget friendly replacement option from amazon but I ended up replacing them with higher quality products from gopowersports later. These worked just fine for a while but as I upgraded the Predator 212 to make more power I felt that it was wearing these parts out quick and I think there was some slipping starting to happen but it could just have been the belt being worn out.
5. 30 series comet replacement belt: https://www.gopowersports.com/30-series-comet-replacement-belt-common-on-murray-karts-203597/ I believe my Explorer came with the original belt and it was pretty worn out and skinny but still works to this day. I just replaced it so that it was reliable.
6. 3/4" 30 series 7" diameter Torque converter driven clutch from gopoersports: https://www.gopowersports.com/30-series-driven-7-dia-3-4-bore-murray-style/ It is actually cheaper now from gopowersports than it is from amazon. I'm not sure how much better quality this is compared to the Amazon version but I feel better about buying from gopowersports over Amazon
7. Super Series 30 Juggernaut driver: https://www.gopowersports.com/super-30-series-driver-the-juggernaut/ This is an awesome driver meant for modified engines that operate at higher RPM.
8. Axle 1 inch diameter 40 inches long: https://www.gopowersports.com/axle-1-diameter/ be sure to choose 40 inches as your option. I replaced the axle because unbeknownst to me my axle was bent when I purchased the kart. I'll add more notes about doing the axle swap down below.
9. Axle bearings 1 inch round: https://www.gopowersports.com/1-or-7-8-h-axle-bearing-manco-3941-3941h/ be sure to buy 2 and choose 1inch round option when purchasing.
10. 1 inch sprocket carrier hub: https://www.gopowersports.com/1-sprocket-carrier-sprocket-hub/ this hub is meant for a split sprocket which I would recommend in case you want to change gear ratios down the road. You won't have to disassemble the axle which can be a huge pain in the ***.
11. 60 tooth split sprocket (to go with above carrier hub): https://www.gopowersports.com/split-sprocket-41-420/ be sure to select 60 tooth when ordering if you want the same gear ratio as original Explorer WITH a jack shaft. Also be sure to tighten hub to axle before you tighten bolts on the split sprocket. If not the hub will not lock onto the axle and will remain loose. I used 2 1 inch axle locking collars to be on the safe side since I did not feel like the hub locked onto the axle as tight as I would have liked. I'll mention this again in the notes below.
12. #40 5feet chain: https://www.gopowersports.com/40-chain-choose-length/ be sure to select 5 feet when purchasing. This chain does come with a master link for easier install and removal. You will still need a chain break tool to size down the chain.
13. Chain break tool: https://www.gopowersports.com/chain-breaker-for-3-8-1-2-and-5-8-pitch-chain/ This is a pretty cheap version but worked just fine for me.
14. 8 inch brake disc: https://www.gopowersports.com/8-brake-disc/ this doesn't come with the set screw/bolt so be sure to keep the bolt from your original brake disc as it fits the pre drilled hole on this replacement brake disc. If you don't have the original be sure to buy two 1 inch axle lock collars to hold new disc brake in place. I'll list the link below.
15. 1 inch axle lock collars: https://www.gopowersports.com/axle-lock-collar-1/
16. 1/4 inch key way: https://www.gopowersports.com/1-4-key-1-1-4-long-az8435-6123/ I'm just listing this because some of my keyways were rusted into the old axle and I had to replace them.
17. 3/4" shims for torque converter https://www.ombwarehouse.com/3-4-shims-for-torque-converters-and-clutches.html I bought these and had to use all 5 to make the juggernaut driver and 7 inch driven pully line up perfectly. Worth the money because I went to ACE hardware and could not find anything as good as these. All I found were some heavy brass, stainless, and zinc washers that were heavy and despite being "3/4" of an inch were too loose and just spun off center.
18. Header Wrap: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012C5FOLK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I wrapped the header just because when I work on it, test drive it, then work on it more I have accidentally burned the crap outta myself several times. The wrap is still hot as balls but it takes away the sizzle.
Predator 212 non-hemi (69730) and modifications:
1. Governor and oil sensor delete:
2. 18Lb valve springs: https://www.gopowersports.com/18lb-valve-springs/ VIDEO:
4. ARC Billet Rod: https://www.gopowersports.com/predator-performance-billet-connecting-rod/ Video: (same #3,4, and 5) You will also want a torque wrench to get this install correct. Very important to torque rod bolts to spec. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LX4ND65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and sockets https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JMIPVJU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
5. MOD2 camshaft: https://www.gopowersports.com/mod2-camshaft-212cc-non-hemi-predator/ Video: (same as #3, and 4)
6. Mikuni 22mm carburetor: https://www.gopowersports.com/22mm-genuine-vm22-133-mikuni-carburetor/ or cheaper Chinese version: https://www.ombwarehouse.com/mikuni-round-slide-22-mm-carburetor-gas-small-body-chinese.html which I don't have any experience with. Video:
8. Exhaust muffler/silencer:
9.
MORE WILL BE POSTED ASAP I have a lot more to add. I will add some notes and all my engine modifications soon but I just ran out of time today.
More helpful videos:
1. Throttle linkage for stock carb with governor delete:
2. Kill switch install on Predator 212: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPORw5I9X1g&list=PLA34PnySmKdadXjMYEt_TCbIrs6_jwWtM&index=8
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