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How to Make a Go-kart Engine

Some of the most famous drivers in professional racing started out behind the wheel of a go-kart. True go-kart enthusiasts enjoy the thrill of driving just as much as they like building them by hand. While go-karts can have bells and whistles, like automatic transmissions or leather seats, you can build yours cheaply and simply. Removing the horizontal engine from an old lawnmower and installing it in your go-kart is a straightforward process as long as you're comfortable with a set of tools.

Things You'll Need

Horizontal lawnmower engine
Adjustable wrench
Nuts
Bolts
Washers
Drill
Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Open the engine cover. Disconnect the spark plug wire. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts connecting the engine to the lawnmower. Disconnect the electric starting wires. Remove any belts or chains from the engine.
- 2
  Examine the lawnmower base for any other connections and disconnect them with the wrench or a pair of pliers. Remove the engine from the lawnmower. Drill four holes in the space over the rear axle of your go-kart where the engine will go. Slide washers onto the bolts and insert them into the corresponding holes. Secure the bolts to the go-kart frame with nuts.
- 3
  Attach the clutch to the shaft of the lawnmower engine. Attach the sprocket to a rear tire. Wrap the chain around the clutch and sprocket. Connect the gas tube to the carburetor. Connect the engine throttle to the go-kart's lever or pedal to control the speed. Now start the engine. The chain will turn the sprocket on the rear axle and put the go-kart in motion.

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