Need advice on six stud Manco drive wheel Setup

[pjoe]

I'm restoring an old Manco yard kart and it has the six stud drive wheel setup pictured below. I replaced all the nuts and the studs as they were quite rusty and frozen. I used ordinary 5/16 nuts and some lock washers as you see to put everything back together in the same order with the same spacing. My concern is with everything staying tight and not ripping apart as my 13 year old grandson peels around.
My budget does not allow for a live axle swap out at this time.
I know Gopowersports has a kit to replace this setup for about $150 but not yet willing to go that route.
Is this setup reliable and am I using the right hardware to hold it all together?

 

[Hellion]

Let's see the whole wheel from the side. I think you might have the old Manco cast metal (some say aluminum) "mag" wheels and for those there was an extra piece, a cast metal stand-off spacer, but I hate assuming. I don't like your long bolts hanging out there, it does not bode well for durability. That's my gut feeling.

I think you might need part #17 from this manual; "8008 Spacer" which (probably) can no longer be found off-the-shelf. Does that sound right?
Edited to add: Here is what the spacer looks like:

https://landmaster-assets.american-landmaster.workers.dev/uploads/manuals/Fun-Kart/297_operatorsmanual.pdf

Got the link for the GoPoSports part you mentioned?

 

[Denny]

It’s a super reliable system but the nuts should all be tightened next to eachother tightly with no gaps. You could also use some blue Loc-Tite for peace of mind.

 

[Hellion]

Put the brake drum right on the sprocket, no gaps.

And one-wheel-drive is awesome. Don't let the live axle communists wear you down.

 

[Edwin Spangler]

I would use thread locker and an extra nut at the end to lock everything.

I have had a LOT of nuts come rattled loose from using just a lock washer and extra nut. You need the thread locker, no gaps, and one more nut than you think you need.

 

[pjoe]

All very good information thank you

 

[JimD]

Just another 2 cents advice. Tire needs replacement since it has dry rot showing in your picture and while you have everything apart right now would be a good time to put an new one on. Your spacing looks good that you have from the sprocket to the tire. Measure the distance from the top of the nut to the tire rim and get 6 spacers made out of some 3/4" steel stock with a 5/16" hole in them to that dimension. This way they will all be the same length just like the part you are trying to find. Then slide the spacer in place to take up and remove the nut and put everything back together with the brake drum flush against the sprocket. There should be a good machine shop near you that will do it. Or 3/8" water pipe can do the same thing and a lathe so you can make sure they are all the same length +/- .005 If you were close I would do it but the freight to send it to NY is more than the parts are worth.

 

[Hellion]

I saw your other thread requesting part #8008 but don't take my naysaying to heart, your current setup with nuts and bolts will probably be fine. For maximum strength I think the brake drum should sit flush on the sprocket.

Barring what may be an 'unobtanium' part (the factory spacer), have you considered fabricating one yourself? I think a donut made of nylon and drilled for 6 holes would serve well, maybe a block of plywood? Maybe a spacer fabricated from narrow steel tubing for the bolts and welded together could work, the possibilities are nearly endless.

Whoops, JimD beat me to it.

 

[Master Hack]

I can make spacers fer ya. 3/4 OD 1/2 ID tubing is laying all over the place here @ MTL.
Message me

 

[Master Hack]

With the length of those bolts and all the action happening right there, l would replace those bolts with grade 8 , but thats just me.
It ain't done til its over done.

 

[Hellion]

I've been looking up and down for a combination wheel, brake drum and sprocket assembly, ready-to-go, for a dead axle go kart (or minibike) but am coming up short. Does anyone know where to find one that you don't have put together from various parts (and hope it fits)?

EDIT: here's one under the guise of "build a wheel" but I think the sprocket/drum is limited to the Azusa Tri-Star wheel which is kind of pricey, AND it's an internal drum not a band brake (which is far superior IMO).

🔥1144 Build-A-Wheel, 5

BUILD-A-WHEEL for Mini Bike | Wheel, Brake Drum, Brake Assembly, Sprocket, Tire, Tube. Order what you need

gokartsusa.biz

I can make spacers fer ya. 3/4 OD 1/2 ID tubing is laying all over the place here @ MTL.

Got a drawing on a paper napkin? I am envisioning a Manco 8008 spacer but in steel.

 

[Master Hack]

Drawing? We don't need no stinkin drawing!
But when we do only bar napkins will do!

 

[Karttekk]

Something like this?

145x70-6 Drive Wheel Complete Assembly | Go Kart | GoPowerSports

The 145x70-6 Drive Wheel Assembly Complete with 5/8" Bearings, Sprocket & Brake Drum is a must-have replacement part for your go-kart's drive system. This assembly includes a durable drive wheel with a diameter of 6 inches and a width of 145mm, as well as 5/8" bearings that provide a smooth and...

www.gopowersports.com

Here are the nut/spacers needed with your wheel setup.

 

[pjoe]

I can make spacers fer ya. 3/4 OD 1/2 ID tubing is laying all over the place here @ MTL.
Message me

Thank you for your generous offer MH, I did not mean to ignore you or any other forum member. You're all a great source of info and help.