Hi all,
It's been many months since we made headway on our Pathfinder kart. My 7 year old daughter and I were originally planning to rebuild the original B&S 5.5hp engine that came with it. However, after years of taking in water from being left outside by the PO, I decided to just buy a new engine. I just got a Predator 6.5hp engine from Harbor Frieght for under $100, and bought a new clutch on Ebay.
Today we installed the engine and clutch and took it for the inaugural voyage. I have too much tension on the chain so as soon as I started it the kart leapt forward. However, a quick test ride revealed that the engine runs beautifully and provides more than enough power for this unit.
Now that the test fit and drive are out of the way, we will remove the engine so we can focus on cleaning the frame, replacing the rotten floor, updating the rear brake and recovering the seat.
My daughter chose black and red for the new colors and once all of the other issues are tackled we will lay on several coats of fresh paint.
So far, this project has proven to be exactly what I was hoping for: a hands on project that allows me to teach her about tools while we spend time together.
Thanks again for the warm welcome I received here last year upon arrival! More updates and pics to come.
It's been many months since we made headway on our Pathfinder kart. My 7 year old daughter and I were originally planning to rebuild the original B&S 5.5hp engine that came with it. However, after years of taking in water from being left outside by the PO, I decided to just buy a new engine. I just got a Predator 6.5hp engine from Harbor Frieght for under $100, and bought a new clutch on Ebay.
Today we installed the engine and clutch and took it for the inaugural voyage. I have too much tension on the chain so as soon as I started it the kart leapt forward. However, a quick test ride revealed that the engine runs beautifully and provides more than enough power for this unit.
Now that the test fit and drive are out of the way, we will remove the engine so we can focus on cleaning the frame, replacing the rotten floor, updating the rear brake and recovering the seat.
My daughter chose black and red for the new colors and once all of the other issues are tackled we will lay on several coats of fresh paint.
So far, this project has proven to be exactly what I was hoping for: a hands on project that allows me to teach her about tools while we spend time together.
Thanks again for the warm welcome I received here last year upon arrival! More updates and pics to come.