Vertical Shaft Lawnmower Engine for Go-Kart

[mojoking]

Hi I have been interested in building a go kart for cheap at home using a vertical shaft lawnmower engine that I have. I have seen many people online making the necessary modifications to the engine for it to run horizontally but was wondering how to mount the engine to the frame as I have not seen anyone cover that part?

 

[BaconBitRacing]

Welcome to DIY! I think @karl has done this, he should be able to help. He is the engine Master after all. You may have to wait a bit for a response from him, he's not here everyday.

 

[mojoking]

Welcome to DIY! I think @karl has done this, he should be able to help. He is the engine Master after all. You may have to wait a bit for a response from him, he's not here everyday.

Great thanks

 

[panchothedog]

You might have problems keeping the oil in the sump where it belongs when you turn it on its side. It was manufactured to be in a vertical position. Laying
it on its side, liquids will end up in places not intended.

 

[pearl111]

Welcome to DIY, I don't know how many times that you have built or worked on go karts, four wheelers, and such. But if this is a first time project, even though you saw videos of someone doing this I'm pretty sure it will be very challenging.

Something to think about.... if you need to do this project for low budget purposes, you can probably find a good used side shaft motor on Facebook and Craigslist, ect.... This would help your build go much easier. It will also be easier for future maintenance and upkeeping,

Just something to think about. But what ever you choose to do, I'm sure we'll do our best to help you with your project.

 

[mojoking]

Welcome to DIY, I don't know how many times that you have built or worked on go karts, four wheelers, and such. But if this is a first time project, even though you saw videos of someone doing this I'm pretty sure it will be very challenging.

Something to think about.... if you need to do this project for low budget purposes, you can probably find a good used side shaft motor on Facebook and Craigslist, ect.... This would help your build go much easier. It will also be easier for future maintenance and upkeeping,

Just something to think about. But what ever you choose to do, I'm sure we'll do our best to help you with your project.

Thanks. Yeah this is my first time doing anything like this. I have a lawn mower just lying around so would prefer to use that and have a go making it work for now. Might buy a different engine later down the line though. Appreciate the advice.

 

[Denny]

You really need a horizontal shaft engine. Or you could convert it with an expensive right angle gear box.

 

[mojoking]

You might have problems keeping the oil in the sump where it belongs when you turn it on its side. It was manufactured to be in a vertical position. Laying
it on its side, liquids will end up in places not intended.

Is it not enough to weld a piece of metal to the crankshaft to sling oil, plug the oil dipstick hole and add a new hole? Also is it hard to add a new hole for oil? I saw a guy do it with just some hose pipe and jb weld.

 

[Denny]

Oh Grasshopper, you have much to learn! It is so much more complicated than that. Look up right angle gear boxes instead.

 

[BaconBitRacing]

Is it not enough to weld a piece of metal to the crankshaft to sling oil, plug the oil dipstick hole and add a new hole? Also is it hard to add a new hole for oil? I saw a guy do it with just some hose pipe and jb weld.

Some of those videos on the internet are not done well. I'd love to see your kart, some pictures would help. I'm with @pearl111 on this one, a sideshaft engine will be a heck of a lot easier. Also is this mower a ride on? If it is it may be a little more power than you bargained for.

 

[karl]

Yeah Ive done it, but it's not going to be worth it 98% of the time. Especially when you can pick up
a new predator for cheap, just grabbed one this weekend for $100.

But here is how I mounted mine, just angle iron and some scraps.

 

[itsyxt]

Oh Grasshopper, you have much to learn! It is so much more complicated than that. Look up right angle gear boxes instead.

How would you mount a lawnmower engine with a right angle gearbox connected to it?

 

[jmaack]

Yeah Ive done it, but it's not going to be worth it 98% of the time. Especially when you can pick up
a new predator for cheap, just grabbed one this weekend for $100.

But here is how I mounted mine, just angle iron and some scraps.

Nice, those gc160 190s are good candidates. They already have the slinger etc and easier to rotate imo. Also can get horizontal base and just swap it out. Very cool bike btw are you able to use the blade clutch like a regular clutch?

 

[JimD]

The other thing about vertical engines is the shaft size is NOT your standard for a clutch which will complicate your design even more. Denny advice up going to a horizontal is very good advice.

 

[karl]

Nice, those gc160 190s are good candidates. They already have the slinger etc and easier to rotate imo. Also can get horizontal base and just swap it out. Very cool bike btw are you able to use the blade clutch like a regular clutch?

Thanks, yes they are very easy to convert.

The blade clutch is hooked to the original clutch lever and works just like any other manual clutch. Poor man's 3d motorsport lol.

I gave the bike away a few years ago, I think it's
still working for him

 

[jmaack]

Thanks, yes they are very easy to convert.

The blade clutch is hooked to the original clutch lever and works just like any other manual clutch. Poor man's 3d motorsport lol.

I gave the bike away a few years ago, I think it's
still working for him

Haha now that is awesome and good to know.