Project go kart questions

[florin]

I got a project go kart for $50, everything except engine and brakes and something puzzles me:
- the engine brackets are behind the seat and the axle sprocket is welded close to the right rear wheel. It looks to me that I need a clockwise rotating engine?
- the rear wheels and the sprocket are welded on the axle, so I cannot install a hub/disk brake.

What options do I have?

I will post some pictures later today.

 

[B.M.800]

Did it have a jackshaft at one point?

 

[florin]

I don't think so. It looks like it was a racing frame (my inexperienced guess) that was extended in length and engine position changed from the driver's right side to the rear of the seat.

 

[qtband]

If you can post some pictures, it would be helpful.

 

[florin]

OK, I uploaded some pictures and found a way to install the engine: just flip the rear axle left-right and the motor will be in the center, behind the seat and the sprocket at the left rear wheel - this way, the engine will rotate the shaft in the correct direction.

One question still remains: what kind of braking system can I install keeping in mind that there is no brake disk on the axle and everything on the axle is welded: wheels, sprocket, collar...all welded?

 

[jace]

why not just mount the engine on the side, like it's meant to be mounted.. you can buy appropriate mounting plates made for your frame that just clamp on.

 

[OzFab]

The frame looks to be a race kart of some description, which has been butchered & bastardised over the years

 

[florin]

The frame looks to be a race kart of some description, which has been butchered & bastardised over the years

I can't find better words to describe it

 

[florin]

why not just mount the engine on the side, like it's meant to be mounted.. you can buy appropriate mounting plates made for your frame that just clamp on.

I want to install a very wide seat, maybe a double seat that won't fit with the engine aside.

 

[jace]

honestly, i wouldn't trust that bundle of flatstock welded over the axle to hold a weed-eater engine, let alone a chunky 5hp+.... either mount it on the side or re-fabricate a new,safer, engine mount.

 

[OzFab]

honestly, i wouldn't trust that bundle of flatstock welded over the axle to hold a weed-eater engine, let alone a chunky 5hp+.... either mount it on the side or re-fabricate a new,safer, engine mount.

Not sure it's flat stock, I think it may be angle, in which case, it's only maginally stronger coz it's so thin. Jace is right; you need a stronger assemble as low as possible; the higher the engine sits the higher the centre of gravity will be

Whatever pinhead welded the axle together obviously didn't have a clue:
Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever weld anything to an axle!.
Since it is though, you have two choices:
1. Flip the axle as you suggested or
2. Get busy with a grinder, cut all the welds off, sort out another way to anchor everything & have fun doing so

 

[B.M.800]

I agree to make new engine mount... look a bit rough.
Nice kart btw.

 

[landuse]

You could also bite the bullet and get a new axle, sprocket, motor mount etc. It might cost a bit more initially, but it will give you a lot more options for installing brakes, regearing etc in the long run. You will be able to do everything the right way...

 

[qtband]

You could also bite the bullet and get a new axle, sprocket, motor mount etc. It might cost a bit more initially, but it will give you a lot more options for installing brakes, regearing etc in the long run. You will be able to do everything the right way...

I buy all new (or used) stuff, but before I do that, I'd try to salvage anything by grinding off the welds. In the end, you'll have a nicer kart.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Another option- hack off that sick excuse for an engine mount and put on a new one. Install a new sprocket off to the left, and use the old sprocket as a brake rotor. Hang a caliper over it and away you go (and stop). My kids' kart uses an old sprocket as a brake rotor- no issues.

 

[landuse]

Another option- hack off that sick excuse for an engine mount and put on a new one. Install a new sprocket off to the left, and use the old sprocket as a brake rotor. Hang a caliper over it and away you go (and stop). My kids' kart uses an old sprocket as a brake rotor- no issues.

Good idea

 

[qtband]

How can he get a new sprocket on if the bearings are welded to the axle?

 

[landuse]

How can he get a new sprocket on if the bearings are welded to the axle?

You would have to grind the welds on the bearings off. It will not be easy. Depending on how well everything is welded though, you might be able to remove everything. The bearings sort of look like they are tack welded on but the sprocket looks solid.

Personally, I would replace everything and start fresh. I am not even sure if that axle is keyed for a sprocket and brake hub

 

[florin]

Thank you guys for the good ideas. I like the idea of grinding the welding, adding a new sprocket and using the old one for brakes. Nothing to loose and if anything goes wrong, I'll buy new stuff.

No, the shaft is not keyed.