New guy needs engine advice

[Cefinsa]

Hello,

Not sure what happened. I woke up and said "lets build a kart"! No idea what I am doing or how I am going to get it done just yet. The whole point is to get my boys (13 and 9 y/o) a project. I want them to build the frame and rebuild a engine for the kart. Welding is not a problem for me, and I have a basic understanding of mechanics.

I was thinking of starting with the rebuild of an engine, however I don't know what to look for. I don't want to break the bank account, however I don't want to invest into a lot of junk either. We plan to build a 2 seater to go off road.

Anyone have some recommendations on what kind of engine I should be looking for?

 

[DS13]

Something like a 212cc or higher predator from harbor freight

 

[Cjhoward78]

Are u looking to rebuild an old motor or hop up a new one? If ur gonna build up a new motor, that 212cc predator at harbor freight is perfect. If u want a used one to rebuild look for a Briggs. I have an old Tecumseh 196cc but parts are getting harder to find!!!

 

[Cefinsa]

The main goal is to get my kids to build an engine that we can use in a 2seater kart.

 

[DS13]

The main goal is to get my kids to build an engine that we can use in a 2seater kart.

You could always get a new engine and have you kids install the upgrades you can buy

 

[Doc Sprocket]

There are lots of good, older engines out there. Aside from the obvious Briggs selections, there are older G, GX,and GC series Hondas. The GX200 is an excellent choice. Also widely available is the Tecumseh L-head and there is a good supply of OHV Tec's too. However, Tecumseh has gone under, and NOS parts may be a bit tougher to locate. That said, the L-head Tec is a very good engine- I like them nearly as much as the Honda GX.

The Subaru EX is a very good series, but I'm not too sure of used engine availability. Parts may come at a premium, too.

This is not a complete list, but probably the upper echelon.

 

[Cefinsa]

Thanks for the heads up. I need to do a bit of shopping for an engine and I may go with the idea of letting them add on upgrades as well. It all depends on what I can find and how much it will cost to rebuild it. You brought up an interesting point that parts may be a bit more then just buying one.

My boys don't get to see me working on stuff like I did when I was a kid, so its important to get them exposed to it anyway I can before they start driving their own cars. I figure if we build a kart or two and they like it at the very least they will have a good mechanical foundation with a bit of fab experience.

Ill see what I can dig up in my area and ask for some feedback before I invest into it.

 

[OzFab]

Some junkyards will sell you an engine for the price of the scrap. That being said, you want to make sure you're getting a "rebuildable" engine:
- if you can turn it by hand, it's a start
- if it has a spark plug in it & you can turn it by hand with a bit of compression resistance, even better

 

[landuse]

Welcome. You are going to love this hobby

 

[two piston]

I hate to say it but the Predator from Harbor Freight is most likely going to be your lowest cost option. engines even used seem to sell at a premium on e-bay and craigs list.