Possible Kart Engine?

[j.concepcion54321]

Hey guys,

Well I can get those 50cc motorized bike engine kits rather cheaply, and its a complete engine with exhaust carbs throttle chain sprocket etc.

I wanted to know if those could be used for a kart or a minibike or bar stool or something? Even 2 engines I can get and have a twin engine kart.

Another thing is that since they're started by pedaling how would I start it? Also does it have a clutch of some sort? Thanks

 

[Russ2251]

Rated at 1.6hp. @ 5k rpm.
Pretty small for a gokart.

 

[r97]

I would put at least 2 of them on a kart if you want good performance. One of them works okay on a 30lb minibike, lots of torque and speeds reaching 13MPH.

A go kart is a different story, your kart will weigh several times more, and you will want maybe 2x as much speed.

A lot of the hardware on these engines is very cheaply made. I am constantly chasing problems caused by bad gaskets, spark plugs, leaking carburetor, etc.

As for starting, you have two easy options, you can bump start it, or you can buy a pull start for it (the pull starts often break). Clutching is accomplished through either a manually operated clutch, or a centrifugal clutch (special option, cannot be bump started).

Russ, I thought they were more around 2.3hp (I know there is probably a lot of false advertising). Can't a 25cc leaf blower crank out 1.3hp? (do leaf blowers just rev higher?)

 

[Russ2251]

I thought they were more around 2.3hp

I have seen them rated at as much as 4hp. I tend to believe the lower number. It's too easy to lie.

Can't a 25cc leaf blower crank out 1.3hp?

Yes, but torque is low.

 

[r97]

Okay, thanks. I saw one rated at 5hp and just laughed.

 

[j.concepcion54321]

yeah if it was for a kart id put 2. but i was just thinking a cheap engine idea for my barstool... a new carb for the tec h50 is over 50 bucks and i can get a brand new kit for around the same price... ok guys it was just a thought. thanks for the info!