Please help, new project, failing engine...

[karts4life]

Hi, I just bought a used gokart with an engine. It is all very old but just about everything is there. I have been working on it for a while now and I have gotten the engine to start while the back wheels are off the ground but once someone gets in the kart and the wheels hit the ground the engine dies after driving around for 20secs at most.

The engine is rated at 3.5hp so it shouldn't be tooo weak. Also, when I put the throttle switch up the engine immediately starts to choke...? Also, what ratio of oil to gas would be best for this type of engine? thanks!

 

[Russ2251]

You've come to the right place.
What model/year engine? Give us some info off engine name plate or post a clear picture of it.

 

[karts4life]

yeah, I can't find any model number or brand on the engine. but here are some pics...

 

[Russ2251]

It is a Tecumseh engine, probably originally from a snow thrower.
It does not require oil to be mixed with gas as it is a 4 cycle model.
Look for model #'s here:

 

[karts4life]

well there is a long number on the top of the engine but some of the digits are very hard to read. Here is what I got:

13505515LSER9127A

 

[Jerryburger]

Try buzzing around the yard with the gas cap on the tank slightly loose. (Just to test the vent!) Try it for a run and if it does okay, your cap vent is plugged. Also, if it has a large spring-loaded screw sticking out from the bottom of the carb, that's your high-speed mixture adjustment. GENTLY screw it it in until it stops, back it out 2.5 turns, and then once the engine has started, take ot for a buzz around the yard. At that setting it should be on the rich side. Note how the kart runs. Stop and adjust the jet 1/2 turn in. Keep repeating until the engine runs worse, then work you way back up in 1/4 turns. It's a pain, but worth it. You should probably thread a B/s muffler or 10" straight pipe into the exhaust to keep from burning/warping the valve. You can get the pipe from a hardware store for $2. The muffler isn't much more.

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

I prefer the sound of a gutted stock briggs 5 horse muffler. It sucks that my mom does not.

 

[Russ2251]

Original muffler looked like this. Part #30996. Probably discontinued.
A little on the noisy side which tends to increase testosterone levels.

 

[karts4life]

hey thanks for all the help.... I actually lubed all the joints and the clutch up and took it for a spin last night, it was much better but still lacks speed/power. yeah the above muffler was on it when I got it, but it was rust beyond recognition and was useless. Where can I buy a cheap muffler that will fit this engine? Or how would I thread a pipe into it? I will try the carb adjustments and let you guys know how it all goes.

Also, where is the throttle on this engine? Whenever I put up the throttle the engine chokes out. In the below picture is the throttle lever and off to the left a little is the thing that the throttle connects to but I haven't figured out how to use it b/c whenever I mess with it the engine starts dying.

 

[oscaryu1]

The throttle is right above the red air filter box. Notice that screw? That's the idle screw... That little paddle there is the choke. You want it at "slow" when starting, and when fully warmed up (or right after starting), lift it up to it's max.

 

[Jerryburger]

That motor looks a lot like my Tecumseh 3hp, which will take the muffler like you have with the 2 bolts, or, it has a 1/2" pipe thread going into the exhaust port. I couldn't tell from your pix.

Original muffler looked like this. Part #30996. Probably discontinued.
A little on the noisy side which tends to increase testosterone levels.

I found this in Walgreens next to the Viagra. I was just there to pick up some cough-drops. Really! I mean it!....