How to build a go-cart from a push lawn mower engine?
I want to build a go-cart from scratch as a summer project. I would like to build one from a push lawn mower engine, and i don't have a lot of money to start out with. Can anyone recommend either a good book or any Step-by-Steps on how to build a go-cart from scratch. Or, can anyone just help me out on how to build one.
I don't really know where to begin....
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You are looking at quite a bit of work, trial and error (mostly error), but here is a link that can help:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=go+cart+building
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First you will need a frame. Whether you build one or buy one I don't know. To build one you will need the steel and have to weld it into a frame. Remember not to make it too heavy.
You will have to use a side shaft engine such as a tiller. A mower engine will not work on it's side. Try internet search for go-kart parts suppliers. Lots of work and parts to start from scratch, try to find a used one needing repairs, cheaper in the long run. I was lucky to find one years ago in a scrap metal bin.
parts are available in a granger catalog. its pretty thick but it has everything. even if you want to go with a larger engine. (use a torque converter- its in the catalog)
The main problem with using a lawn mower engine is the shaft's orientation. The second biggest problem is that almost all modern day lawn mowers use the blade as centrifugal weight instead of using a heavyweight flywheel. Basically what the blade does is keep the motor spinning in one direction while the motor is running. If you take off the blade, you will need to buy a heavy pulley to compensate for the weight of the blade, otherwise it will just fire once, and then spin backwards making terrible noises. The motor can usually be tilted a little bit, but I certainly would not angle it at more than 15 degrees. You can use two pulleys (one on the motor, and one on an idler shaft assembly) and have the belt run diagonally between them to convert the motor's vertical motion into a usable horizontal motion for the wheels. You can use another set of pulleys (one from the idler shaft, and one on the driveshaft) for a clutch assembly. PM me if you need help on this, I can explain better with pictures! If you have access to a welder (or a lot of nuts, bolts, and quality drill bits) you can generally make a fairly sturdy one from metal bed frames. They are cheap buys at thrift stores, and can often be found on the side of the road being thrown away. Craigslist is also an excellent place to find them. Good luck!
cant you have to have side shaft
i got a push lawn mower an i need help of how can i make it into like a go-kart it does not have to be a go-kart just like a riding play toy that would be fun for like 12 year old boys. I’m not looking for anything hard an i cant buy a frame (i can make one) so write what i should do
thanks!
comment here .
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an it cant be really heavy i cant do much to it just adjust some things an all that. No hard work please!
thanks a lot-Josh.
please give me some advice thanks!
I am 14. I’m Building a Go Kart out of an old kettler car that i cut in half and extended and strengthened the frame. i have an old 6 horsepower push mower engine. i moved the seat forward and made a platform for the engine to go over the back axle (which happened to have a sprocket on it). You can turn the engine at a 90 degree angle. You just need to find the right side that the oil wont spill out of the engine. Attach a cord to the throttle and a petal wherever you please. I put a spring behing the petal so the throttle wouldn’t stick and there you go! up and running.
p.s. 6HP engines can get you up steep hill and have power but are just not very fast.