How to Build a Go-Kart Engine
Building your own go-kart is a fun project that the whole family can be a part of or you can go it alone and make it a solo project. One of the most essential parts of any awesome go-kart is having the right engine. If you are speed junkie, you are going to need an engine with enough power to burn rubber and feed your need for speed. A killer engine doesn't have to cost a fortune as it can be assembled right at home using a few spare parts from old, unused equipment.
Things You'll Need
- Go-kart
- Welding gloves
- Welding helmet
- Welding apron
- Safety pads
- Helmet
- Lawnmower
- Welding tools
- Metal plates
Instructions
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1
Clean out the garage and organize a work space to build your go-kart engine. One of the best ways to ensure you stay safe and productive while taking on a project such as this one is to make sure your work space is clean and neatly organized. Remove any flammable debris and fluids to avoid fire hazards since you will be welding later on. Keep your tools and gear organized so that you can find it quickly and safely.
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2
Remove the motor out of an old unused lawnmower. Make sure to look the motor over, checking for any rust or other types of damage. Clean the motor up and make sure it is in good working condition before moving on to the next step.
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3
Put on your welding gloves, apron and helmet. These pieces of equipment are designed to protect you from the sparks caused by welding two pieces of metal together. Inspect the equipment to make sure it is not defective as defective equipment increases the risks of sustaining injuries. If you have no welding experience or you are not an adult, you need to find a partner who is an adult and has welding experience to help you with this step of the process.
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4
Take the vertical shaft from the mower motor and weld it to a metal plate.
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5
Attach a wheel to the back axle of the go-kart and make sure the wheel is touching the metal plate. The contact this wheel makes with the metal plate is what propels your go-kart forward, so this is a crucial step.
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6
Place the motor in the go-kart in order to allow the wheel to move around freely. Make sure the wheel does not end up in the middle of the metal plate, but that the wheel continues to travel around the edges of the plate without losing contact.
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7
Test drive your go-kart. Make sure to put on safety pads and a helmet before taking your go-kart out for a spin. Be sure to start driving in slow speeds as any tiny mistake in the above process can cause an accident and may lead to an injury. Never test drive your go-kart without a witness being present in case an accident should occur.
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