The right engine for this old Manco.

[mblunderbuss]

I'm rebuilding a Manco go-kart that's been sitting in my garage for four years. The idea when I purchased it for my son was to rebuild the whole thing: engine, frame, tires, etc.. I removed and disassembled the engine which was in such bad condition I determined it was easier/quicker to purchase a new engine instead of rebuilding.

I'm new to go-kart rebuilding so I'm a bit weary of selecting the wrong replacement engine/parts without consulting those with experience.

My objectives:
1) replace the engine
2) replace/restore any other required parts (clutch, brake, cables, axle, etc.)
3) modify the foot pedals (my son is much taller than four year ago)

**see attached images**

Questions:
1) can anyone identify this Manco go-kart? Maybe with the model number/type I can find an owners manual and with that identify required parts. I've included an image of serial number - maybe this helps?
2) Knowing the model number may not be important in order to replace the engine. If this is the case, what recommendations does anyone have regarding a new engine? Is the engine mount on the kart standard, easily accommodating new engines?
3) What else is required to replace/repair: clutch, cables, wheels, etc.?
4) Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[kenworth85]

Predator 212 from harbor freight $119.00 on sale this month w/coupon $99.00. Are keeping it dead axle or changing to live axle.

 

[OzFab]

Just about everyone here will suggest you get a 212cc Predator (one or two morons will suggest a Rotaderp) which is ok if you just want it to work but, if you want it to look authentic, I'd be searching for a good B&S 5hp engine...

 

[kenworth85]

Go power sports carries most of the parts you need. The also have a parts breakdown section that can help with parts. The thing about GPS they are happy to answer any ??? You have.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Do you have a clutch or torque converter?

I'd start with what's there. Do all the wheels spin freely? Do they spin straight? You pic looks like there's some alighnment issues. Replace bearings and such as needed.
Do the brakes work? I'd remove, clean, lube, and reinstall.

Get the chassis to a good roller. A predator 212 is the norm. It's cheap, and there are lots of aftermarket parts for when the bug bites and you ask how to go faster.

If you don't have already you'll need a clutch or torque converter.

We have all the answers you need...

 

[Hellion]

Looks like a Manco 400.

Let's see pics of the original engine.

These kinds of karts are for the young and old. You're supposed to have the steering wheel between your knees and not be able to stretch out like you're sitting in a lawn chair. Steve McQueen wouldn't have it any other way...

 

[mblunderbuss]

Predator 212 from harbor freight $119.00 on sale this month w/coupon $99.00. Are keeping it dead axle or changing to live axle.

Thanks. Will check out the Predator. (will also check out what is a dead vs live axle).

---------- Post added at 09:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:03 AM ----------

Just about everyone here will suggest you get a 212cc Predator (one or two morons will suggest a Rotaderp) which is ok if you just want it to work but, if you want it to look authentic, I'd be searching for a good B&S 5hp engine...

...I'm to old to care what I look like any more.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Dead axle=one tire fire

Live axle=both tires are solid to the axle

 

[mblunderbuss]

Go power sports carries most of the parts you need. The also have a parts breakdown section that can help with parts. The thing about GPS they are happy to answer any ??? You have.

I'll check them out. thanks!

---------- Post added at 09:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:07 AM ----------

Do you have a clutch or torque converter?

I'd start with what's there. Do all the wheels spin freely? Do they spin straight? You pic looks like there's some alighnment issues. Replace bearings and such as needed.
Do the brakes work? I'd remove, clean, lube, and reinstall.

Get the chassis to a good roller. A predator 212 is the norm. It's cheap, and there are lots of aftermarket parts for when the bug bites and you ask how to go faster.

If you don't have already you'll need a clutch or torque converter.

We have all the answers you need...

I'll check this out this afternoon and report back here with my answers. At ~$100 for the Predator, I can't go wrong.

 

[mblunderbuss]

Ah...I knew someone would ask about the old engine. I threw it away but I may have pics somewhere. So I assume from your comment I don't have to bother to modify the foot pedals?

I does look like Steve is having more fun in that kart than he is in this Mustang.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

You threw it away?! NOOOOO!

 

[Hellion]

You threw it away?! NOOOOO!

I know, right?

This new guy deserves an atomic wedgie (at the least) for this heresy!

Get a rope!

...So I assume from your comment I don't have to bother to modify the foot pedals?

I does look like Steve is having more fun in that kart than he is in this Mustang.

On further examination, your pedals are installed backwards. They should arc away from the driver and the bracket should provide a bit of a lateral foot rest for the outside edges of both feet. I suspect they were flipped to fit a younger, smaller rider.

Of course Steve isn't having much fun; he's also been flipped and is now driving a right-hand-drive Mustang not to mention he's on the job and is hoping there won't be many more retakes.

 

[karl]

The right motor was likley the one you threw away.

 

[Hellion]

The right motor was likley the one you threw away.

He did say "the right engine for this old Manco". Maybe a wrong choice of words but by and large that indicates something that is proper for the kart's vintage...