NEWBY, and of course I have questions

[Jim53066]

Denny and QTband, (and anyone else fallowing)
I set the engine on the cart today, and I agree that it will be easier and cheaper to get the Predator motor.
I think I will get the 212 Predator, the only worry I have is will it be too large (fast) for my young grand kids?
Right now I have a 11/60 gear set up with a centrifugal clutch.
@3500RPM that is 19 MPH. I know I can reduce the RPM and lower that speed.
I have 35 chain, should I go up to 40?

Does anyone see an issue with my thought process?
Thanks for your input. JIM

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

@JTSpeedDemon

Haha thanks for calling me in Budget.

HI,
I just picked this kart up (free) and I want to put it together for the grand kids.
Motor is shot, but I have a 5hp Honda (not a clone) from a discarded pressure washer that looks like it will work, it is virtually the same size.
Can anyone help me out with a make on this cart. I think it may be almost as old as me, and that is getting up there.
I am sure I will have other questions as I get into the build.
Thanks,. Jim
SE Wisconsiin

Jim you've got a Bird Engineering Starbird on your hands, I'm guessing early 70s given the general lack of embellishment. I have one that's been beat up, revived, and modified, it's a good kart that I have a lot of fun with! Never seen that crosspiece between the rails in the back though.

 

[Jim53066]

Thanks everyone for the responses.
I am going to listen to the experts and drop the idea of the Honda motor. I agree, the exhaust on that model would be dangerously close to the rider.
I picked up a 212 Predator motor today. I figure I will be money ahead because everything is bolt on and near identical.
THIS WILL NOT BE A RACE CART. In fact, I am worried that the cart will be too fast though, this is for 8 & 10 year olds running it on farm fields and front lawn of the old farm house.
Right now I have 11 & 60 sprockets, and according to the calculator, if I keep the RPM down to 2500 or so, it should top out at 15 MPH. I think the speed will be OK for now, I just hope that that it will be fast enough to keep from burning up the centrifugal clutch.

Any advice or opinions will be appreciated on this set up.
Thanks, JIM

 

[Denny]

I think the ratio will be fine and the kart will not be too fast. If they are going to be riding in fields I would recommend going to a TAV II 30 series cvt with a Genuine Comet belt. It will live longer. If you want to learn about the different drive systems and why they are used go to Gokart Supply website and do a little research.

 

[Jim53066]

Denny, Thanks for the recommendation. It will stay the way it is for now, but I can see it will need several upgrades in the near future.
I would like to upgrade the brakes, the clutch system to something like you mentioned. Right now the drive is right over the tire that drives a sprocket that is welded to the rear wheel. I am sure this was a low cost kart to begin with.
In order to do all of the above, I will need to tear it apart and move the motor mount to make room for all of it, probably putting in a live axle.
Thanks, Jim

 

[Denny]

I’m just trying to inform you so you can make intelligent choices and know why if something does or doesn’t work.

 

[madprofessor]

Here's a Kohler video about governor operation, a good reference for understanding. Look at what they label as the "governor lever", where it connects to what they label as the "governor cross shaft". That is a place where you can lower the governed rpm of the motor for the kids, slowing it down without sacrificing the ability to floor it until the rpm is reached.
You just loosen the pinch bolt connecting the lever to the shaft, and twist it a couple of degrees in the appropriate direction for lowering the setting. Twisting the other way will raise the setting the same way.
How the Small Engine Governor Works - YouTube