Bought a used go kart a few weeks ago for the kids for christmas. Darn thing started and ran great, just needed some paint and tuning on the throttle cable. Went to the shop tonight to work on it and ran it for about 20 seconds and it locked up. 5hp Briggs. When I tore it apart the governor inside had come apart at one time but the cylinder was scored so bad that it was stopping the piston. New sleeve is $180. El cheapo engine from Harbor Freight $120. New Subaru 6.5 HP from surplus center in Lincoln ne is $220. I sure hate to throw things away and I don't like to buy junk either, maybe I'll see how much shipping is from surplus center. Any ideas?
- Thread starter Greg K
- Start date
retired farmer
Well-known Member
Try --jackssmallengines.com--. Got a couple of Honda 5 hp. for about $240.
notjustair
Well-known Member
They are going to be hard on it - don't be too skimpy with the engine. When I was a kid dad ordered a three wheeler kit from Carl Heald. I'd hate to say how many miles we put on that thing. I know it had about four engines on it. My brothers had a habit of not checking or changing oil. I'm happy to say that I have it out in the shed and it still has the Briggs on it that was new when my dad gave it to me (after my brothers graduated to cars and chicks). It runs good to this day. I use it when I run electric fence with a little trailer attached. Don't go too cheap.
Dave H (MI)
Well-known Member
that's a good idea. Can't beat a good Honda. I have a Honda mower I bought 35 years ago this year. Used to hire myself out with it. Still runs and starts like new.
Bought my son a yellow Rick Mears Indy car go cart when he was about 2 years old, had to take the body off so I could get in with him in my lap. Stored the body up on the trusses in the shed, hasn't been down since. Bought it from the Snap On man, was part of a promotion. The kid's 26 now.
Lou from Wi.
Well-known Member
Greg k
Search out your local lawn mower and small engine shops. They may have a used good engine off a small piece of equipment,that the owner didn't want to have repaired. Just a suggestion. You could also look on craigslist for small engines. Hope it works out for you and the kids,
Regards,
LOU
Search out your local lawn mower and small engine shops. They may have a used good engine off a small piece of equipment,that the owner didn't want to have repaired. Just a suggestion. You could also look on craigslist for small engines. Hope it works out for you and the kids,
Regards,
LOU
Jim in Ma.
Well-known Member
I have had good luck at small engine shops.
I look for snow blower engines because most don't have a lot of hours on them.
I look for snow blower engines because most don't have a lot of hours on them.
Super Trucker
Member
Don't knock the Harbor engines . I have one on my log splitter and it starts 2nd pull every time and I don't take care of it like I should by covering it up.
I have a 6.5 Subaru on my pressure washer and have not had any problems with it what so ever.I am a DIE HARD Honda small engine fan but this Subaru is going on 6 years old and always cranks easily even with ethanol mix gas.I have been well satisfied and would buy another one in a heartbeat.
Steve@Advance
Well-known Member
Is this a big kid go fast cart or a little kid putter?
Possibly the governor was broken because the throttle was connected directly to the carb and over stressed the gov from over riding it.
If it's going to be rode hard and the gov bypassed, better go for the best motor you can.
If it's going to be run by the gov, you can get away with a HF engine, maybe even a used one, especially if the new wears off and it does a lot of siting.
Possibly the governor was broken because the throttle was connected directly to the carb and over stressed the gov from over riding it.
If it's going to be rode hard and the gov bypassed, better go for the best motor you can.
If it's going to be run by the gov, you can get away with a HF engine, maybe even a used one, especially if the new wears off and it does a lot of siting.
huntingreen2day2
Member
go with the 6.5 from HF. It should last a long time.
DaninKansas
Member
I bought one there for my Troy Built Horse tiller. Good power for the money - the only thing "cheap" is the air cleaner.
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