How to Make a Homemade Gas Powered Go Kart
If you are interested in building a go-kart, many options for designs, kits, and even ways to build one from scratch are available. Building a go-kart can be a great project for a father-and-son weekend or for a handy grandparent. Choosing the do-it-yourself route can help to save money and utilize your creativity and ingenuity on a project that will provide hours of entertainment.
Things You'll Need
- Old lawnmower engine that works
- 1/2-inch plywood sheet
- 4 by 4 and 2 by 4 lumber pieces
- Angle iron
- 3/4-inch-thick wall pipe
- Bearings
- Nails
- Welder
- Double flanged hub
- Wheel and tire set
- Sprocket
- Brake drum
- Brake band
- Screws
- L-brackets
- Wrench or socket wrench set
- Go kart wheels and parts
- Go kart axle cog
Instructions
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1
Use a socket wrench to unbolt the lawnmower engine from the mower frame. Disconnect the blade first in order to remove the engine block itself. Leave as many of the cables and wires attached to the engine as possible, such as the throttle lever and the pull cord. Both of these components will be useful in providing a way to start your go-kart engine as well as control the speed of the go-kart itself.
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2
Build your go-kart frame. Make sure that it has a low center of gravity to prevent the possibility of flipping while making turns. Also make sure it has enough space in the rear for the engine block. Construct a wooden frame out of lumber and plywood, or you can choose to weld together angle iron.
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3
Mount the lawn mower engine to the frame of the go-kart by using the same bolts that previously connected it to the lawn mower frame. Use L-brackets from a hardware store to connect the motor and the frame of the go-kart. If possible, position the drive shaft cog so that it connects with the axle cog of the back wheel of the go-kart.
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4
Install a steering, brake, and throttle pedal so that your go kart is ready for driving. If you are an accomplished welder and machinist, you can fabricate your own brake and throttle pedals. Otherwise, you may want to opt for kits. Assemble the pedals and connect the throttle wire to a pedal, or you can even use the same throttle lever from the lawnmower and place it on the dashboard or beside the driver's seat on the go-kart.
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5
Assemble the sprocket driver system by bolting it together. Components for the sprocket drive system include the double-flanged hub, wheels and tires, sprockets, brake drums, brake bands and a 3/4-inch-thick wall pipe for the axle. Install the brake drum and brake band on the axle with washers and bolts. Going from the inner axle to the outer part of the wheel, the following parts should be placed on, as well: sprocket, drive shaft cog, flanged hub, and the tire set. Bolt the wheel set on securely so that the tires do not become undone while driving. Also be sure to connect the chain from the engine cog to the drive shaft cog before sliding the sprocket system onto the axle.
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Tips & Warnings
If the engine's axle cog does not line up with the wheel's drive shaft cog, then you may need to buy a gear box that can transfer horizontal cogs to a vertical cog on the other end. Attach the chain to the gear box cog so that it can interface with the drive shaft cog on the axle.
Add a roll bar for extra protection for the driver.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit karting in the rain 4 image by Xavier MARCHANT from Fotolia.com
