replacement engine

[383]

Has anyone tried this engine as a replacement for a Robin 6.5? http://www.harborfreight.com/engines-generators/gas-engines/65-hp-horizontal-shaft-overhead-valve-gas-engine-66015.html?p=2

It looks like it would bolt right in with no modifications, wondering if it would really be that easy.

[metalstudman1]

Yes- it is that easy,they bolt right up with NO modifications.The new clone isn't anywhere near the quality/reliability of the Robin engine but has the same performance level.

[383]

Well, I ordered one. The 6.5 Robin in my sons Silver fox seems really weak. It has good reviews and for $130 with free shipping, it's worth a try. I'll let you know how it does.

[metalstudman1]

If the Robin engine seemed weak and wasn't smoking then you probably won't see much of any performance change with the new clone.If your mechanically inclined-remove the govenor and make a throttle plate.The additional rpm's do make a noticable difference.Good luck with your swap and definitely let us know how it does.

[383]

The engine smokes a little, but I believe it's more likely a carb issue. My driveway goes up a hill, but not terribly steep. The cart will barely make it up the hill with my 9 year old son. I don't want to remove the governor because I want the top speed to be limited since my son drives it. I moved the spring to the 3 hole in the driven pulley, but didn't notice any difference.

[metalstudman1]

When you get swapped out with the clone let us know if it's still weak.Even a weak engine should pull better than you describe,a silver fox isn't that heavy of a kart.I understand about not wanting to remove the govenor,you can do it later if you need a little extra umph as his skills improve!Does your CVT system seem to be working properly?

[383]

It is working OK, but not great. The previous owner had the belt on backwards, the belt had an arrow that said "this side toward engine" and it was facing the other way. The bevel on the belt looked right, beveled side away from the engine, so the belt had to be worn a lot to wear a bevel on the wrong side of the belt. I ordered a new belt also, maybe I should try it on the old engine just to see what it does before I swap engines.

[metalstudman1]

That will make a considerable difference on performance.When you do your clone swap make sure you clean/service and lube the clutch and driven units while you have everything apart.

[383]

I replaced the belt today, before I did the engine swap. I didn't realize how much the old one was worn. The new belt is about 1/4" wider than the old one. It didn't make much difference, so I drove it to the garage to do the engine swap. I was hoping I could rob parts from the old engine to hook up the throttle linkage, but the parts are enough different that they aren't interchangeable. I need to come up with a way to hook the throttle cable to the new linkage. I added gas, and the tank leaked like a sieve through the seam around the tank. Harbor Freight is sending me a new tank. When enough gas leaked out that the gas level was below the seam, I put the engine back in the kart.I got everything together and went for a test drive. I had to drive it reaching back to the hand throttle on the engine, and it runs great. No lack of power now. I told my son that he will have to be careful, it's a lot faster than it was. I think I'll be really happy with it after I get the throttle cable hooked up.

[metalstudman1]

Post a pic of the existing throttle arrangement(pedal to engine and old parts from the other engine)-I might have some mod ideas to make what you have work.Glad to hear that it's working well now minus the throttle situation

[383]

I got the throttle hooked up today. The old engine had a cable swivel that i had hoped to re-use, but it was crimped in place, no way to remove it.

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss257/383/IMG_6971.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss257/383/IMG_6973.jpg

The new engine had a hole in the same location.

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss257/383/IMG_6974.jpg

I found a bolt the right diameter, cut it to the length I needed, and inserted it through the hole with washers on each side. I drilled a hole in an acorn nut, inserted the cable in the hole, and tightened the bolt.

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss257/383/IMG_6977.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss257/383/IMG_6978.jpg

I robbed the cable clamp from the old engine to hold the sleeve in place, everything works great. Because of the leaking gas tank, I only put about a quarter tank of gas in it to take it for a test drive. Before the engine swap, it would barely go up the driveway with my 9 year old, now it will take off with both of us on the steepest hill I have. It seems a little cold natured for the first couple of minutes, but is is only 25 degrees here today. I'll be good to go when I get a gas tank that doesn't leak.

[metalstudman1]

Great job!It might be cold natured due to being NEW!

[383]

It might not be the perfect throttle set up, but it was what I could come up with using miscellaneous hardware I had, without running to town. Thanks for your help!

[metalstudman1]

My "Real Frankenbuggy" is being built exactly that way-So far no trips to town!!!

[383]

You have a lot better scrap pile than I do, that thing looks awesome!

[joshstep1]

I did it too, but I replaced mine with a 8.75 hp B&S I got out of Rural King... I think... But that was a good engine, it fit right in, and I'm know it's better than anything from Harbor Freight.