Thoughts/suggestions

[SpiritOf76@2]

I’m new to the go kart ways. After searching for awhile I picked up what I think is a Manco 285 possibly (I looked for the tag that’s supposed to be around the steering column on the floor but years of use and a few layers of rattle can paint jobs have left it undetected. The kart has the 6hp tecumseh motor and it runs so that’s a plus. I noticed when we got it that there’s not a torque converter and it only has the centrifugal clutch (that’s way beyond needing replacement). My wife took it for a spin around the yard when we got home and the kart stopped moving forward on a slight incline and the clutch was smoking. Is the torque converter an easy bolt on and if so does anyone have any suggestions on what model it should have. I read that any tire larger than a 15 requires a torque converter and the rear tires are 16x8-7. Does anyone have any ideas on what kart model this is? I’m in the process of stripping the old seat off and ordering a new one and I know I’ll need a torque converter or a new clutch as well.

 

[Karttekk]

I would lean toward it being a 485 Series kart.

https://assets.americanlandmaster.com/uploads/manuals/Fun-Kart/485486_operatorsmanual_485b0486b0.pdf

It should have a torque converter but then you'll need something like this to complete the install along with the drive pulley, driven pulley and belt.

Clutch Mount with Jackshaft | 03191 | BMI Karts And Parts

www.bmikarts.com

 

[Karttekk]

You'll also need a sprocket on the jackshaft along with the 3/4" bore drive pulley, the 5/8" bore driven pulley and a 5959 belt.

Comet 30 Series Torque Converters | Comet 30 Series Parts

Comet 30 Series Torque Converters for 3 to 8hp Go Karts and Mini Bikes. Comet 30 Series Clutches, Driven Pulleys and Comet Parts. Technical Information.

www.gokartsupply.com

Go Kart Mini Bike 30 Series Torque Converter 5/8" Clutch Driven Asymmetric 6"

GO KART MINI BIKE DRIVEN TORQUE CONVERTER FITS: MINI BIKE, GO KART, LAWNMOWER, AND MANY MORE SPECS: - 30 SERIES TORQUE CONVERTER -6" DIAMETER - 5/8" SHAFT BORE - 8HP MAX Replaces: Comet 219456A

auto-express.co

https://www.mfgsupply.com/gomini/go...orq30/gominiclutchtorq30belts/203589a-w1.html (This is a premium Comet belt)

"C" Type Sprocket for #40/41 Chain, 9 Tooth, 5/8" bore | Go Kart & Mini Bike Parts | MFG Supply

AZ2180 - "C" Type Sprocket for #40/41 Chain, 9 Tooth, 5/8" bore

www.mfgsupply.com

 

[Karttekk]

Looks like the accelerator pedal is a mismatch too. The brake pedal is factory.

 

[Karttekk]

If you look at the height of the jackshaft plate in the American Landmaster PDF, it sits about an inch high. If you go with the BMI Karts plate you'll need to put 1" spacers under the plate for the 5959 belt to fit properly.

 

[madprofessor]

Karttekk's given you a lot of good info on the various components of a torque converter, but he left out complete units with a backplate. Your engine calls for a common 30 series (up to 8hp.)(40 series for over 8hp.) torque converter that you could indeed build from the various parts. My experience has been with getting completely self-contained Chinese versions on ebay that are a single unit and ready to go, the link below is for one that I got, and there's been no problems so far. Been putting them on Predator engines with the 4 bolts supplied with the TC, but there's tons of holes in the backplates for mounting to different applications.
Go Kart Torque Converter Clutch Kit for 10T #40#41#420 and 3/4" 12T #35 2HP-7HP | eBay

 

[Karttekk]

Karttekk's given you a lot of good info on the various components of a torque converter, but he left out complete units with a backplate. Your engine calls for a common 30 series (up to 8hp.)(40 series for over 8hp.) torque converter that you could indeed build from the various parts. My experience has been with getting completely self-contained Chinese versions on ebay that are a single unit and ready to go, the link below is for one that I got, and there's been no problems so far. Been putting them on Predator engines with the 4 bolts supplied with the TC, but there's tons of holes in the backplates for mounting to different applications.
Go Kart Torque Converter Clutch Kit for 10T #40#41#420 and 3/4" 12T #35 2HP-7HP | eBay

I'm sure these work but personally I think going with close to what the factory ships is the simplest, easiest and the "most likely to work properly" method to go with. If you run into problems with the self contained kit you'll have to find parts for them like bearings, shafts and pulleys in addition to possible alignment issues. I've used what I've suggested on probably 6 or 7 of the 15 karts I've sold over the past couple of years with no issues whatsoever. 30 Series torque converter components are readily available on most sites which is a huge plus.

 

[SpiritOf76@2]

Thanks everyone for the input/advice/suggestions. I’m working on putting together a parts list as I get time to slowly disassemble the kart down to the frame for stripping and painting. I tried looking up the date code on the tecumseh motor (just for my own knowledge to put an estimated year on the kart if it is the original motor), but I’ve been stumped on what I’ve found online. The code on the engine says 07003CE0314 so would that mean the engine was made on January 3, 2007?

 

[Karttekk]

Talk to these people

Repair and Parts Resource

www.barrettsmallengine.com

 

[Karttekk]

https://barrettsmallengine.com/tecumsehpartslist/OH195XA-71276J.pdf

 

[Karttekk]

Here's your model number