Very new, quick engine question.

[FallenEkho]

Hey. I'm relatively new to go karts and i wanted to know if this engine http://www.smallenginesuppliers.com/shop/html/pages/products/tecumseh_horizontal_shaft1923.html would work out for a go kart? I heard that tapered engines wouldn't easily work, but I don't know if that "tapped" meant the same thing. If so, why exactly wouldn't a tapered shaft work? Couldn't I just held the connections?

Otherwise, where can I get an engine with similar horse power for around the same price? I'm planning on having very heavy loads and I need as much power as possible. Thanks.

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

a stepped shaft wont work well. If you want a lot of power for heavy loads, have you considered a motorcycle or sled engine? they have plenty of power and can often be had for fairly cheap on craigslist.

 

[Affair_driven]

Not tapered, but is stepped. 2 different shaft designs.
"Tapped" refers to internal threads for a bolt and is desirable.
Straight shafts are best and far less trouble to work with.
"Stepped or "tapered" engines are generaly cheaper because they are specialized and don't sell well for that reason. Hence the low cost.

 

[FallenEkho]

Ah, I see. I also found a used pressure washer engine, would that work just as well? Also, I have a 2004 Aprillia scooter. It's 50cc, and pretty trashed. Is there a way to use this, but not use the key to turn it on? That's the only part of it that's turning me off on that idea, since it was stolen (from me, not the other way around) and they trashed the ignition.

EDIT:
On further thought, I'm in florida, and a sled isn't something that'll be too easy to find. Would a sea doo work out?

 

[Affair_driven]

I also found a used pressure washer engine, would that work just as well?

Usually, but not always.
Look for a straight, keyed shaft.

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

50cc scooter engine will be too weak to have any fun with on a kart. I have never looked closely at a jet ski engine, i really have no idea but i have seen sled and jet ski engines combined to make a crazy powerful 4 cyl sled engine. It really depends on the output of the jetski engine, but for some reason i doubt it would be easy. What about a larger motorcycle engine? like 250cc or larger.

 

[FallenEkho]

Thanks everyone. I'll try to find out if the pressure washer'll work. Otherwise, my hunt begins for a bike engine.

Would a generator work?

 

[Affair_driven]

Would a generator work?

Not outright, utilizes a tapered shaft.

 

[FallenEkho]

Ah, I see. Thanks

 

[skid20]

tapered shafts are used for mostly direct drive machinery where the shaft rather than being affixed by hubs or set screws it is generally wedged into a pump or gear box so the engine can just be removed with ease.

The same way a chuck is on a drill press. The shaft is tapered so you can just tap on the chuck to take it off.

So when you run across taperd shaft engines, the only way to make them work for kart or minibike purposes is change the crankshaft out. Which in my opinon is just a bunch of BS you can avoid.

look for compressor engines, tillers, old lawn tractors, stuff like that.