Karts to Go » go kart engines

Go Kart Engines

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 03:51:59 +0000

GO KART ENGINES

Since Art Ingels first invented them in the 1950s, go-karts have permeated the world of motor racing in unprecedented ways. From children to adults, the go-kart continues to thrill many all over the world. It has become a popular sport and quite addictive once you have had a go at it. Go-Kart circuits have given rise to many renowned names like Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Sarah Fischer, and Tony Stewart.

The go-kart, also known by other names such as go cart and gearbox karts (depending on the design), is a miniature, four-wheeled vehicle, often designed for racing in small-scale circuits. The racing of go-karts, known as karting, is considered the preliminary level that paves way to the more advanced forms of motor sports, such as Formula 1 and the Indy Car Racing. As in many other types of motor sporting, the actual catch of the kart lies in its engine.

A simple go-kart comprises of a chassis, engine, seat, transmission, and four tires. There are two types of engines commonly used by karts, namely, 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. The 2-stroke engine is the more advanced form, commonly used by companies such as Briggs & Stratton and Honda. The 4-stroke engine, on the other hand, is the standard type of engine often used on lawnmowers. There are also electric go-karts. These are normally powered by lead-acid batteries, which require constant charging for continued performance. As they are pollution free, emitting no smoke, they can be used indoors in a controlled environment. A fully charged electric go kart can perform up to 20minutes. This makes them a growing choice in amusement parks and fun centers. They have low operational and maintenance costs, devoid of fuel consumption. They are also easy to learn and run. The downside to this type, however, is that its engine batteries need constant recharging and their speeds are quite low.

The 4-stroke engines are low-powered engines with about 5-20 Horsepower (hp). Nonetheless, just because they are low-powered does not necessarily imply that they have low speeds; quite the opposite. On average, most of these types of engine go-karts reach speeds of up to 50mph (80km/hr).They are thus ideal for fun karting or beginning racers. In addition, some manufacturers such as Yamaha, TKM and Biland make 4-stroke engines that have been known to produce between 15hp and 48hp. They run up to 11,000-rpm (revolutions per minute).This type of engines are more suited for karting.

However, for faster speeds, the 2-stroke go-karts are most recommended. Less powered engines of this type generate about 8hp while, more powerful versions can produce up to 90hp and run about 16,000rpm. Some, like the super karts, can exceed speeds of 160mph (257kmh).

Another notable difference in these engines is the cooling systems. Older go-kart engines were cooled with air. However, as speeds increased, most of those engines became water-cooled. Some of the 4-stroke engines are still cooled with air but most go kart engines today are cooled with water.

In summary, whether you prefer a high-powered fast or the low-powered slower engine, there is always a variety from which to select from to suit your ideal preference.

Technorati Tags: 2 stoke engine, ENGINE, go kart engine, go kart engines, GO-KART, low powered engine faster speeds

The Elusive Go Kart Engine – Smoking, Choking and Backfiring – What is That All About?

admin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:30:59 +0000

One of the most valuable lessons to be learned when playing with go karts is engine repair. Also, like any big problem to solve, some of the engine problems can be very elusive and frustrating. I had this engine that just would not run right. It would run, but not fast, and it was very frustrating.

What would occur is that the engine would start and run just fine, but when the throttle was opened up the engine would just back fire through the carburetor, out the exhaust, blow black smoke and just would not get past really anything but idle. You can imagine my frustration. I have this elaborate strait tube intake (which really is a high rise manifold) and this oversize carburetor mounted to this 4 horsepower Briggs.

I had that engine torn down probably twice. Removed the head, checked the valve clearances, tore apart the carburetor, added more sealant to the intake runner and the carburetor interface…all to NO avail. The engine still ran like junk. Having just exhausted all remedies, I took off the engine and tore it apart completely looking for the elusive problem.

And after I tore it apart I had to laugh, and be educated. The points on the engine had a spring that keeps the points coming back into position. Trouble was, the spring was on sloppy, and allowed the points to literally float as the rpms increased. So what occurred was the engine was literally losing spark at the higher rpms. The floating points acted like a governor. Old “his and pop” engines actually use this method for slowing their engines down. Instead of playing with the throttle, they play with the ignition to slow the engine down.

Once the engine was reassembled the engine ran full throttle no problem. Understanding the reasons why engines behave the way they do is very important in diagnosing the problem. One of the elusive things about this problem though is the assumption that the points are fine, that the spark is consistent. The trouble shooting motto is question everything and exhaust it at the least cost.

The Go Kart Guru is a Go Karting Design, Fabrication and Performance specialist. Topics ranging from Turbo Charged Go Karts to Wood Go Karts, the Go Kart Guru has something to say (that will help you!) about it. Visit GoKartGuru.com for more details.

Be sure to fill out our Go Kart Building Survey, at http://gokartguru.com/go_kart_building_survey_.php and tell use what you are looking for with regards to go karts and we should be able to help you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Gamble

Technorati Tags: ENGINE, ignition fabrication, kart engines, perfomance specialist, throttle

How Do I Put A BMW Engine Into A Go Kart?

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 08:56:09 +0000

I’ve got this brand new M3 engine lying around, it’s the 4 liter V8, and I want to put it into a go kart and take it for a ride down an airport runway. Where do I start? I have only basic mechanical skills.

…whattttt…

i dunno. sell the engine and buy a normal gokart? unless you’re crazy. D:

I need help with my go kart does any 1 knows alot about them?

admin — Sat, 01 May 2010 06:11:06 +0000

ok so my real question is how fast and strong is a 6.5 horsepower go kart engine can it still run with a big adult?

y not! easily….let me tell u …at a nearby go-karting track at my place….i have seen ppl weighing 100kgs…drive arnd the track on an ’2BHP kart..4stroke tht 2!!…also those karts r highly ill mantained…..urs must work easily…

What is the best thing to use to remove spray paint from a small engine on a go kart?

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 04:31:04 +0000

I have a Briggs & Stratton L-Head 8HP engine that I am putting on a go kart, and the paint on it is really bad looking, what is the best solvent/liquid to remove paint on something like this?

spray paint remover, it comes in a can like spray paint

Go kart centrifugal clutch question?

admin — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 01:58:02 +0000

Ok, I got a go kart engine from my friend and I have a question about the clutch.

Is it supposed to spin around in both directions when the engine isn’t running? I don’t know much about go karts and I figured that if the clutch doesn’t catch on the driveshaft, then It doesn’t pull the chain. Am I wrong? Is the Clutch actually supposed to spin both ways?

Yes, the shaft driven by the clutch, on the other side from the motor, should freely turn when the motor isn’t running. When the motor revs up, spring loaded pads within the clutch will connect the motor and driven shaft, providing torque to the wheels.

If you rev up the motor and don’t get any torque to the wheels, the pads within the clutch are worn and have to be replaced (or possibly the inside of the clutch has rusted — open it up to find out).

See here for a picture:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrifugal_clutch

ARE VICTA 160CC 2 STROKE ENGINES FAST ENOUGHT TO RUN A GO KART THANX?

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:10:54 +0000

i have a well running victa 160cc engine im wondering if it will be fast enought to put on a go kart and if soo how fast will it bee..what are the speeds it mite hit

sounds like it would work good in any smaller kart. 160 cc is pretty good for a two stroke in a light kart. my kart dose 40 mph ish with 163cc 4 stroke so im sure you could do better with the right gearing and good design if you keep the kart small.

Wanting to replace my go-kart engine?

admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 07:37:57 +0000

I was wanting to take my go-kart engine off and find a better one for it , the current one i have is a robin..think it only has 3.5-4.5 hp and thats not good enough for me, anyone know what kind of engines i can get to replace this one? atv engines?dirtbikes?lawnmowers? anything? or where i can get a good engine for a cheap price? or really good engine for a high price?
im 17 and think u meant 12-15

how old are you like 12 -35 if so 6hp -20hp rodin is a good motor

What do i need to install a CBR engine in a go kart?

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:21:52 +0000

my friend wrecked his Honda CBR600 and we wanted to put the engine in a go kart and where wondering what we would need,we want to build the kart from scratch and desing the chassis.but my real concern is getting the engines chain to hook up with the rear axle and how do i make the shifter for it.any help would be appreciated thank you.

….your asking about chain/axil setups and yet your going to build the chassis!…….
forget designing the chassis,buy one with a fecked engine.common sence and a bit of sniffing round on the net at pics of the rear of quads and youll soon see how they work…wort bit will be bracketing the engine in place but as youve a bike just cut them off there….once you getinto it its not that hard…ive done a few..

admin — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 05:00:59 +0000

My title page contents