What engine for a go kart?

[ubersoldat]

I know its not fun but if u wait until HF has a sale that motor will only be like $90

How often the sale takes place?

 

[go kart mozart]

theyre pretty random. basically they put a big scratch in the gas tank and sell it as "damaged" at a low price check the papers n see if theres any local ads

 

[Russ2251]

Still the problem of shipping over seas. Hf won't do it...I could be wrong.

 

[ubersoldat]

Yep HF don't ship outside US just as many others. They suggested me to use a freight forwarder, I think using USPS shipping will cost me around 133$ + engine price, if i'll catch one on a sale the price should be quite reasonable.

 

[ubersoldat]

Hey, I found a water pump and it cost not too much. Will the engine from a water pump be ok for a go kart?

 

[Russ2251]

Might be ok. Pump will have to be separated from engine to check crankshaft (pto) to see if it is straight and keyed. Some engines may have gear reduction transmission and should be avoided as they cannot be used for our application. May or may not have internal threads.
Should have diameter of ⅝ or ¾ inch.
Should look like attached:

 

[ubersoldat]

Some engines may have gear reduction transmission

Maybe you know how could I check this besides asking the salesman?

 

[Russ2251]

Maybe you know how could I check this besides asking the salesman?

Depends on manufacturer.
Some examples (circled transmission should not be there):

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

The salesman will not know what kind of shaft the pump has.

 

[Russell ATV]

Russ,

Good name. I see you dabble quite a bit with the Lawn Boy 2 strokes, but I have seen how these can be a bear to convert to karting (carb, PTO, etc). With 2 strokes almost exstint, can you recommend a viable (sustainable, cost effective) 2 stroke solution in the 5+HP range. I found some good Tecumseh two strokes at Surplus Center, and used this to good effect, but a little light on power.

I know chainsaws can be an option but is the clutch really up to teh task. As for Snowmobles, I am in Dallas, TX. The only snow down here is in the clubs restrooms.

Russ Barrow
Russell ATV

 

[Russ2251]

can you recommend a viable (sustainable, cost effective) 2 stroke solution in the 5+HP range.

Nope. Primary reason why I went to Lawn-Boy. There all over the place...literally!!!

but a little light on power.

That's for sure. Don't like to be ungoverned either. 40 years ago they were good (Power Products), but no more.

I know chainsaws can be an option...

Not worth the effort unless can get something around 7 or 8 (and larger) cu. in. Husqvarna 3120XP is a good example but is cost prohibitive @ $1800.
Too much work (for me anyway) to get pto to accept a centrifugal kart clutch.
Look at these: http://www.usmotorpower.com/820.htm
These are made in cw or ccw configs. True kart engines with a long history. Probably in the $600 range.

 

[Russell ATV]

Very interesting engine. Do you think they are making their own engine block, or simply moding out a Briggs or Tecumseh block?

I knew about the Yamaha and other racing 2 stroke engines, but those will eat you alive with additional running costs (starter, clutch, exhaust, etc).

Russ Barrow
Russell ATV

 

[jr dragster T]

I knew about the Yamaha and other racing 2 stroke engines, but those will eat you alive with additional running costs (starter, clutch, exhaust, etc).

That's nothing to what we have into our racing engine!

 

[landy mad luke]

can i ask would a cement mixer engine work? they have about 10hp max.

 

[jr dragster T]

Yeah that engine would work as long as it has the correct crankshaft.

 

[r_chez_08]

y cant i live in america... everythings so cheap!

 

[landy mad luke]

tell me about it. All the enginges on ebay are £80 plus VAT and P&P

 

[r_chez_08]

Is this a gear reduction transmission?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....m=130271387231&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=003

 

[Russ2251]

Described as wet clutch. Probably 2:1 reduction.

 

[r_chez_08]

do wet clutches work similar to centrifugal