[oldred]

You would probably be better off using a torque drive (Northern has them) instead of a centrifugal clutch if you are going to use an engine that big. The clutch would work ok by itself but the torque drive would be much better IMO even with being a bit more complicated. If you decide to use the clutch simply select the one with a bore size to fit the crankshaft diameter of the engine you use then use an axle sprocket and chain of the same tooth pitch, the size of the sprocket will depend on wheel diameter and to a lesser extent the weight of the Kart.


Keep in touch and let us know how it is working out and I am sure someone here will be able to help with any problems you may encounter.

[35WINDOW]

Originally Posted by matt167

I think Airens builds the JD snow throwers...

I run a John Deere Dealership (Ag and Construction)-we are also an Ariens Dealer. You are partially correct-Ariens USED to build the John Deere SnowBlowers. John Deere exited the SnowBlower business for two Years (in about, oh, 2004 or so). We were so happy with the Ariens Blowers that I took on the Ariens line, and continue to sell/service them over the John Deere (and oh boy, my Deere guy doesn't like me about this). Great Blowers, and I, for one, am glad that the Tecumseh engine is no longer being produced, although most of the problems it had were operator induced .

As for the current John Deere SnowBlower, they are being produced by Briggs and Stratton (which also produces the Deere Generators, Pumps and Pressure Washers)-this is a conundrum for me, as how does a manufacturer of engines compete directly against it's Customers? Anyway, back to your regularly scheduled discussion-

[matt167]

Originally Posted by oldred

You would probably be better off using a torque drive (Northern has them) instead of a centrifugal clutch if you are going to use an engine that big. The clutch would work ok by itself but the torque drive would be much better IMO even with being a bit more complicated. If you decide to use the clutch simply select the one with a bore size to fit the crankshaft diameter of the engine you use then use an axle sprocket and chain of the same tooth pitch, the size of the sprocket will depend on wheel diameter and to a lesser extent the weight of the Kart.


Keep in touch and let us know how it is working out and I am sure someone here will be able to help with any problems you may encounter.

Yep. Cent clutches are really only good to about 5-6 hp even tho most times, there rated to 8hp. They will work, but create extra heat.. torque converter actually provides gearing

[S10Fan]

My Sears push mower used to start the first time every time. With today's gasoline I have to give it 3-4 pulls to get her going. Now I use a Harbor Freight hand pump to snag some gas out of my daily driver for the mower, the mower is back to starting the first time every time.