Would this be a GOOD or CRAZY idea

[speed1]

I was thinking of puttin two 212cc engines in the rear one for each wheel...Has anyone tried this? Does it work? Or am I just crazy?...Thanks Bob

 

[r_chez_08]

Sounds like a possibility. The hardest thing would be making sure they throttled the same, otherwise you will pull to one side.
You want to keep the same maintenance program, and have identical throttle setups to ensure similar power output.

 

[B.M.800]

As in the 6.5 HF engines? Each one driving one wheel, the two wheels arnt connected in any way?

Heres is a kart with 4 engines...
Although, I think they are all liked together on the axle...

 

[klicky96]

In this way, the two engines together on a live axle would be the best. With one powering each wheel, it would be kinda hard to get the throttles perfect, reducing your performance actually. If that happened, the engine running with a lower throttle would hold the other engine back from gaining more speed. On a live axle, it'd be much easier, but still, you need to get the throttle together perfect.

 

[speed1]

Correct (1) 61/2 hp on each wheel and then somehow connect the throttle to work atthe same time...What do you think?

 

[fallguy]

run a chain to the front wheels as well and dont have them turn... then two throttles and have a skid steer

 

[r_chez_08]

In this way, the two engines together on a live axle would be the best. With one powering each wheel, it would be kinda hard to get the throttles perfect, reducing your performance actually. If that happened, the engine running with a lower throttle would hold the other engine back from gaining more speed. On a live axle, it'd be much easier, but still, you need to get the throttle together perfect.

Surely with a live axle you would hurt the performance more because they are actually fighting each other?

I think it is a great idea, I have seen pro karts are often twin engined, see if you can find some pics.

Also ask russ2251 about the throttle setup- he has done it before with lawnboys.

 

[jamyers]

In this way, the two engines together on a live axle would be the best. With one powering each wheel, it would be kinda hard to get the throttles perfect, reducing your performance actually. If that happened, the engine running with a lower throttle would hold the other engine back from gaining more speed. On a live axle, it'd be much easier, but still, you need to get the throttle together perfect.

One engine isn't going to hold the other one back that much unless one throttle is WAY off from the other. Anything the "lagging" engine contributes is a net gain, unless it's so far off that the other engine is actually having to spin it against its compression (like with its throttle closed). As long as each engine is making power it's a net gain.

Hook both throttle cables to the same pedal or rod, make sure both engines are idling the same rpm with no slack in the cables, and that they both hit wide open at the same time, and have fun with it. On two identical engines, ought to be easy as pie.

Actually, I'd say that without a live axle would be a great way to go with multiple engines, since you'd get the effect of a differential in turns without the drawbacks of an open diff (one-wheel-peel action on loose surfaces).

 

[the-cyborg]

I run dual West Bend 820 two strokes on my 1959 Bug dead axle kart, it works in a similar fashion as having a differential. Screams like a banshee, and handles like a dream.
In a flat out run she'll do 70 mph, that's white knuckle when your only 1-1/4 inches off the ground with old school hard skinny slicks .
Where this setup really comes into it's on is on a track, you can power on in the turns and drift thew, then power away from the pack in the straights.

With my setup it's a little different than with a tater digger four stroke, because on mine the engine on the right when looking from behind runs CW pto end and the one on the left runs CCW pto end.
If you have a dead axle kart you'll have to do a jack shaft setup to power the right side because most 4 stroke industrial engines are CCW rotation pto end.
As far as throttle setup, that should be pretty trivial.