need help

[go kart maniac]

I need help on how to make a rear axel and attach an engine to it as easily as possible
pictures will be greatly appreciated
Also suggestions on what kind of engine to use would help
I know that I need a horizontal shaft but how much power should I get
Thank you for any help

 

[Magice]

First thing you need a large sprocket on your rear axle (number of teeth depends what you're using the kart for: offroading, funkart, etc.)

Next, you need to pick up a centrifugal clutch for your engine. (this is the cheapest solution)

The clutch should have 9 - 14 teeth and must be the same chain size as the rear axle sprocket you got. Chains come in a few major sizes, most common being #35.

As for which engine to use your best bet would be to pick up a blue 6.5hp ohv honda clone at Harbour Freight if you live in the states. You can also score old Briggs flatheads which make great motors for the price. If I wasn't clear enough tell me.

Oh, and welcome to DIY Go Karts! You'll find alot of helpful people here.

 

[go kart maniac]

thanks can u check back here just in case I need any more help I should be back on tomarrow
thanks again

 

[kibble]

It would help to know what you'll be putting it on and what you're intending to do.

Welcome to the site!

 

[go kart maniac]

ok so if I attach a sproket to my axel then the chain will make the entire axle spin along with both tires right
and if so then how can I attach the axle to the frame

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

ok so if I attach a sproket to my axel then the chain will make the entire axle spin along with both tires right
and if so then how can I attach the axle to the frame

Yep, you attach it by putting bearings on the axel with bearing hangers (clamp to the bearings) the hangers then bolt to the frame (you can buy special brackets for this or make your own if you can weld).

 

[go kart maniac]

ok so as far as I can see the bearings are in a ring in which you slide the axle through so do you have to weld the inside of the bearring to the axle and can you describe how to make the hangers around it
sorry for all the newbie questions but I guess thats what u guys are here for

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

the bearings slide onto the axle, they just sit there, some have lockscres so they dont slide around while you mounting the axle, you DONT weld the bearings on the axle. Then those triangle plate (the hangers) are sandwiched over the bearings and bolts are installed to keep them in place. Then the c shaped plates are welded to the go cart frame and the axle is bolted to them. The bolt runs through a hanger over the bearing through another hanger and into the c shaped bracket.

 

[go kart maniac]

ok I was just wondering how they would not slide I figured that you would not weld them but I wanted to make sure

 

[Magice]

No welding. You have 2 of these

From what I've seen there are two main ways:

hanger way:
This is the way to mount bearings that was talked about. An axle bearing sits on each side of the axle and each bearing sits inside a hanger. It looks like a U. Then two flangettes bolt onto the frame to hold it in place. Here is a picture: I don' actually have the bearing installed (New ones needed) but you get the idea:

A bearing normally sits inbetween the two flangettes.

The bearing looks something like this:

Direct bolt on way:
This is the way many funkarts are done. The bearings are bolted directly to the frame. There are many variations but this is basically what they look like:

I hope that clears it up for you.

 

[go kart maniac]

thank you guys for all your help i will come back later if I need any more help
I am sure I will

 

[go kart maniac]

bolt on way looks easier

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

bolt on way looks easier

yep, and those pillow block bearings have a grease fitting.

 

[Magice]

Another variation of direct bolt on is 4 bolt. It is a square sheet with a bearing in the middle and bolts right to the SIDE of your frame. That's what one of my karts I'm working on uses.

IMO the bolt on way is best in most situations.

 

[go kart maniac]

so for the sproket, clutch, chain, and bearings could I go to an auto parts store and easily get the right stuff or would it be better to order it online
cause I don't want to get lets say the clutch and then find out it is not right for the engine I have

 

[Magice]

I don't think you'll find this stuff at the auto parts store. Ordering off the internet is your best bet.

http://www.cometkartsales.com/
http://www.bmikarts.com/

I find those are really good sites.

Depending on the application of your gokart (what are you using it for?) will depend on what kind of engine you get.

The starndard chain and clutch size for a fun kart is #35 chain: So I would get a #35 clutch.

Next you need to know the bore on your clutch (will it fit on your engine).

The majority of engines 6.5hp and under are 3/4" clutch bores. The bigger engines are 1". So I would advise get your engine first if you don't know what you are getting.

Don't forget: everything you get for your axle needs to match up to your axle's size. Typically axles measure 1". There are also components to parts, like for a sprocket you'll need a sprocket hub and the actual sprocket.

 

[go kart maniac]

man I was hoping that I could just get some scrap steel and put a sprocket on it for an axle

 

[go kart maniac]

for the engine I am most likley going to 6.5hp four stroke
do you think that would be enough power for driving up hills?

 

[Zippy K99]

I'd rather spend a litlle money than having something made of scrap.

 

[Magice]

It's actually quite difficult to make an axle because it needs to be exact measurements, and needs a keyway cut.