New Guy with an Old(er) GoKart

[Arrowking]

Well I'm finally going to do something with an old Murray offroad(I think, it has a roll cage) cart we have. Not sure of the year, but it carries a 6.0HP Tecumseh OHH60 71106C engine. I want to up the power a little. Where to buy parts?
Right now it leaks gas out of the little silver bowl on the bottom. I've read it has something to do with the carbuerator?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Welcome to the forum.

The little silver bowl is the carburetor float bowl, which is part of the carb. You likely have a bad gasket.

Unfortunately, Tecs were never that popular for performance mods even though they are respectable engines. Tecumseh has also closed it's doors. These factors combine to make life difficult for guys wanting to play with their engines. There are mods that you can do that don't require replacement parts, many that are free or cheap.

However, if you want to build a "race" engine, you're best to start with a Honda GX, clone, or Briggs.

 

[Arrowking]

Thanks for the info. I figured there wasn't much aftermarket support for my engine. I spent a few hours searching before I posted here. I didn't come up with anything big.
Where could I get a new engine for offroad type stuff? I'm not looking to race it, just have some fun building and driving it. Also do you know anywhere I could get a new gasket?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

The gasket should be pretty easy to find at an OPE dealer, or FleaBay.

Depending on where you are (where are you?) the Predator is a popular choice of engine. There is a big-block 420cc model that can be had relatively inexpensively at Harbour Fright.

 

[Arrowking]

I'm in upstate SC. Will the big block model bolt right up? I can drill some holes if necessary.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

The mounting pattern for the big block will be different. Also- the PTO shaft will be 1" instead of 3/4" so you will need a new clutch (or CVT driver if equipped).

 

[Arrowking]

The small block will use the same pattern though, right? What are some good dealers you recommend for kart parts and engines?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Yep- the 208cc Predator will share a common mounting pattern, and be able to use the same clutch/driver.

I tend to buy as much locally as possible, so I don't have much by experience-based suggestions for online purchases. Stick around, somebody will have some good tips.

 

[OzFab]

BMI Karts have a huge range at reasonable prices but, shipping costs can be expensive
MFG Supply & Go Kart Galaxy are a couple more; there are a few out there, you just need to look.

Others may have more suggestions

 

[trekklee]

The reason it leak cause of the needle I just replaced mines an it stop leak like it use often or the other reason is when ur trying I start it it shoots gas in the carburetor and that causes it to flood the carburetor and it can affect ur spark plug getting it all wet when it starts to leak on mine I have a fuel shut off value and I turn it off and try I pull it a few times so the carburetor can bring the gas out of the carburetor meaning the gas spitting out of the carburetor sorry my English not very good so I can't really explain very good

 

[Arrowking]

Thanks for the carburetor info!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Just a curiosity here- can you tell exactly where the fuel is coming from? There's a large gasket where the carb bowl meets the body, and a small gasket at the bottom where the retaining bolt holds the bowl on. Is it either one of those?

 

[two piston]

many of the smaller parts for the Tec's can still be bought I have some in stock at my house. you can try Jackssmallengines.com good chance they can get you what you need.

 

[Arrowking]

It's leaking from the rim of the bowl. Turns out the gasket is missing completely. Any chance a quick gasket can be made out of house hold materials just to get it running?

Thanks for the dealer recommendations!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

If you're dead lucky, you might be able to find an O-ring large enough for the job.

 

[Arrowking]

Well I found a seal for the carb bowl. It still leaks out of the intake though. Like a steady drip. The engine also starts then dies out. Doesn't matter if I give it some throttle just starts and dies. Maybe I need to reclean the carb?
Another issue popped up. The pull string broke. How do I get the cover off(it has rivets it looks like) to replace it?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Regarding the carb- If fuel is dripping from the intake, I'd say your float or inlet needle valve are not working right. Take the bowl off- observe how moving the float up ad down moves a needle valve. If that valve doesn't seal, it will constantly flood. Usually, it's just a bit of gunk on the needle or seat. A good cleaning of things may be in order.

 

[Arrowking]

Any advice for the pull string?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Take the whole shroud off the engine.

 

[Arrowking]

The silver part?