vintage margay kart

[andyrocksocks]

i have this sweet margay kart its got a mc-93 McCulloch 100cc 2 cycle racing engine with a tillotson hr-181 carb and hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels. id like to know what model chassis it is and what year this is my first racing kart and id need some info. Also it would be cool if anyone knew any good spots to to really open this thing up i live near chico california and ive really only got to get it up to about 50. Due to limited space, but the previous ower said it would hit 70 and up. He also said that everything on the kart except the carb and air filter were original.

 

[Russ2251]

Around 1977.

 

[MacfarlaneRacers]

1980 If Not Before ! Ye Range 1977-1980

 

[Jeff Campbell]

looks like a 1975 Margay Panther X.

you will find a lot of photos and info over at the Vintage Karting Association website: http://VKAkarting.com

Jeff

 

[Bluethunder3320]

may i ask how much you bought it for??

 

[andyrocksocks]

we got this for 800 hundred from a friend. The kart is also pretty difficult to start it uses a pulley like system on the left side of the engine im currently using a 1.5 hp electric motor to start it . its quite bulky and hard to maneuver i was wondering if a gas engine could be used to start it.

 

[r97]

looks like a nice kart!

 

[andyrocksocks]

looks like a nice kart!

thanks do you have any idea on the total value of the kart

 

[Russ2251]

Any 12v car starter will work.
Add a pulley and belt...done.

 

[anderkart]

i was wondering if a gas engine could be used to start it.

Yep, check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=dxbpl55FPMg&feature=related

 

[andyrocksocks]

Yep, check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=dxbpl55FPMg&feature=related

thanks i actually have a little chainsaw with without a blade on it that would be perfect for my kart

 

[MacfarlaneRacers]

How much cc is the ''little chainsaw'' ? If Its Small Cc it will not be fun !

 

[andyrocksocks]

How much cc is the ''little chainsaw'' ? If Its Small Cc it will not be fun !

i thinks anywhere from 30 to 50 cc's

 

[Bluethunder3320]

can you make a wrap and pull? they are reliable for sure.

 

[andyrocksocks]

can you make a wrap and pull? they are reliable for sure.

no i cant it takes more power than id like to start it

 

[Bluethunder3320]

im not sure if a chainsaw would be enough then... wait how is it supposed to be started?

i know i remember these diesel tractors used to have 2 stroke starters

 

[Jeff Campbell]

I run karts just like yours all the time at Vintage Kart racing events. These karts are almost always started with an automotive 12v electric starter. The first electric starters from the 60's mostly used Ford 6V tractor starter motors, powered with a 12V battery to give them some punch! Take a look at this article I wrote: http://vintagepowersport.com/?s=starter&x=0&y=0
The hand held starter with chrome handles is one that I made from a Honda Prelude starter motor, usually a good rebuilt one on ebay can be had for around $30. These are nice gear reduction starters with a built in solenoid switch, they will crank over ANY kart motor. You only have to pull a spring out of the starter bendix so the shaft stays out, and put a pulley on it. In the above article is a video that shows some of these electric starters in action. Also, years ago, I used a horizontal 4 cycle engine with a pulley on it to start the same type of kart motor you have. Not that I would recommend it, but I put a pulley on the engine, fixed the throttle about 1/2, started it and picked it up and yanked on the belt with it, it worked, probably not a really safe deal though.