Rebuilding an Ace Mini-Rover

[Arick]

Hello everyone,

I'm in the process of re-engineering(I guess you could say) an Ace Mini-Rover. http://www.familygokarts.com/mini_rover for my kids. They are 8 and 5. I have very little mechanical knowledge so this is all pretty new to me.

It has the stupid "pressure plate drive" setup right now. I've had to buy the rubber disk that moves onto the drive plate 3 times(lasts about 2 months each time) and I've decided to change it to a centrifrigal clutch design. I've stumbled upon a Honda 190CC engine (about 6.5HP from what I've read) horizontal shaft.
Engine:

I'm trying to figure out how to mount the engine, what clutch/chain to buy, and line up the sprockets.

Anyone ever tried something like this before? Any tips/suggestions?

Thanks for reading,
Arick

 

[jeremybentham]

Is it one wheel drive or two? The link sort of says both. If its 2 wheel drive (live axle), it will be much easier to convert, IMO. Though, still do-able if just 1WD.

 

[anderkart]

Arick, after you get the old engine removed, post some good clear pics of the engine mount/rear axle area and we'll be able to give ya some help.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Would you mind detailing the pressure-plate thing? I'm unfamiliar with that concept- Thanks!

 

[lude]

the honda gc190 is a 6.0hp i believe, not the best for a gokart iv heard, but should be fine. and as the other guys said, pictures will help us help you. it shouldnt be heard. but really depends on alot to determen what you need

 

[Arick]

Thanks for the posts so far, I'll post pics of what I've got and the pressure plate design later today.
I dont know if its one wheel or 2 wheel drive...i'll post pics of the setup as-is now and maybe you can tell me, lol.

 

[Arick]

1st pic: shows the old motor with the pressure plate on it. The green arrow shows where the accelerator pedal was attached too. It would pull that whole assembly with that rubber disc up(red arrow) so it would contact the plate and then turn the chains and tires.

2nd pic: shows up close pressure plate design and chains/sprockets. I'm assuming its a one wheel drive.

3rd pic: shows the brake and other side of axle

4th pic: shows new motor shaft. it measures 3/4 in

5th pic: looking down at motor mount. I'm going to have to cut and probably add a new mount plate. My brother can weld and will be able to help me make another, I hope.

my plan: take out 2 left sprockets and the whole rubber disc assembly. attach cent clutch to right sprocket

 

[vgk]

Looks like a live axle

 

[lude]

its a live axle, 2 wheel drive, you would need to put in a new motor mount place somehow, and second you depends on if you like your gearing. if you like it you could put a sprocket on the shaft with the rubber wheel and just run a chain from the clutch to it, probably the most simple bit many other options.

 

[motor_head]

looks like the snapper drive system,
if it's slipping you could try a stronger spring
does the wheel with the rubber ring slide back and forth across the big disk?

 

[Blazkowiez]

I'd suggest purchasing an Azusa motor mount plate. You can purchase this from any main Azusa dealer such as Northern Tool.

Once you've got that, take whatever necessary off of the back deck to mount this. It will need re-enforcement and welding to properly mount, we've put a GX180 on one of these karts before using their sprocket on the axle though ours had a gear reduction and was able to use a 16t on the shaft you wont have this option so will need a jack shaft assembly or a larger sprocket on the live axle.

With the 15x5.00-6 Snow Cleat tires just get a 10 tooth 1/2 inch pitch centrifugal clutch and a 60t sprocket. The difficult part will be mounting the sprocket to the Chinese axle, I believe these were stamped (due to the splined ends) and not milled. See what size that axle is in relation to 1". This will determine if you can use a 1" bore sprocket and perhaps a reducer or if you need to custom make something to attach a sprocket.

 

[Arick]

does the wheel with the rubber ring slide back and forth across the big disk?

No it just rubs the plate without making enough contact to pull the cart. I checked and the cable is as tight as it could get without rubbing all the time.

@ Blazkowiez
Wow, everything you said was over my head. LOL
So you've done something like this before I guess?
I'll go over mine and see what I can make out of what info you've given me.

 

[Blazkowiez]

If I don't pass out directly after I get home tonight from work I'll do my best to post a detailed response and if we ever should get that kart in for repairs again I'll snap some pictures for you.

 

[Arick]

The rear tires are 13x5.00-6

I just want the easiest way to fix this up for my kids. Hopefully spending under $50

I've seen clutches run about $35, and I'm hoping only thing else is another sprocket and chain and the mount plate.

 

[Blazkowiez]

The drive sprocket as being half inch pitch may only be a 40 tooth, it may not be large enough to support the 13x5.00-6 snow cleats! You may be a the wrong ratio, i'm really sorry i havnt been able able to post a longer reply btw, personal life is alot to keep up with.

 

[truckin cowboy]

im having the same problem with the same kind of kart if any body has a good fix for it i would sure apreciate the information on how to fix this kart

 

[Blazkowiez]

Start your own thread and address your problem directly with pictures documenting said problem and we will help you.

 

[truckin cowboy]

why would i start my own thread when my problem is the same thing being talked about in this thread duh!!!!!

 

[Blazkowiez]

We've already given a fix, read the thread and analyze. I was suggesting you start a new thread because you may not have the exact same problem he does, hence you're jacked his thread because you feel your problem is more important than his. If this is not the case and your problem is the exact same, read what we wrote.

 

[truckin cowboy]

its sounds to me like you jack everybody threads everytime i open up a thread to look at something your putting your 2cents so f@#$ off dick