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How to Make a Go Kart From a Weedeater

If you have a tiny go kart that may have formally been powered by an electric motor, replacing the electric motor with a tiny gas motor is a fun way to get better performance out of your kart. You will lose torque by eliminating a DC motor, but you will also lose a lot of weight from the electric motor. Adding a tiny gas motor, like a weed-eater motor, will add range, decrease refueling time and provide an enjoyable alternative to the electric motor's power.

Things You'll Need

Very small go kart rolling frame
Weed-eater
Grease pencil
Socket set
Screwdrivers
Sprocket
Bicycle chain (that accepts sprocket and go karts sprocket)
Metal strap steel 6 to 8 inches in length
Arc or spool-fed welder (with Arc welder rods) and welding mask

Instructions

- 1
  Find and mark the sprocket that connects to the rear wheels. This is the same side the sprocket of the motor will go. Be sure your weed-eater motor will fit.
- 2
  Take the shaft and cutter off of weed eater. Remove the hand-grip throttle control with the control wire/line and keep it intact for later use.
- 3
  Remove plastic shrouding from the drive gear (where the shaft used to connect to the engine).
- 4
  Connect the sprocket to the drive gear, making sure that the chain will clear the shroud and will allow the chain to connect to the wheel sprocket directly.
- 5
  Place the weed-eater motor in position on the go kart frame. Use a metal strap to secure the motor. You want the sprocket of the weed-eater to line-up with the sprocket of the go kart precisely. If it's off center, the chain will derail.
- 6
  Connect the chain to both sprockets. Be sure there is a bit of flex (about ½ inch) in the chain.
- 7
  Replace the go kart foot throttle with the weed-eater's throttle lever.

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