How To Build a Go-Cart

It can be easy to learn how to build a go-cart.

Learning how to build a go-cart is fun and challenging. And best of all you get to speed down the hill in a cart you built all on your own. However you will need to learn about the basic components of a cart before you get started. Go-carts come in a variety of styles and use different components depending on the design.

Go-carts can be fitted with a range of different engines. These include 1) motor-cycle 2) lawnmower 3) chain-saw 4) generator 5) moped 6) generator and water pump 7) reclaimed go-cart 8) car 9) tractor lawnmower and 10) rotavator. When you learn how to build a go-cart it is important to understand how each engine works and what the effect will be on the performance of your cart.

The amount of horsepower that each engine offers effects how fast your cart can go. Horsepower is the amount of power an engine can produce. The higher the horsepower of your engine the more power it will have and you will be able to go faster. If you know the kW of your engine, calculate the horsepower by multiplying that number by .746. Remember this calculation. It will come in handy as you learn how to build a go-cart.

However you will also need to understand the concept of brake-horsepower. This is the combined power of the engine, clutch and gearbox. It can be read off the driven wheel and is a better measurement of the real power of your go-cart. . When you learn how to build a go-cart make sure you understand the different kinds of engines.

Two-stroke engines offer more power than four-stroke engines. They also use more petrol and exhaust emissions are bad since they use oil. However two-stroke engines are powerful and tough and have better acceleration. Unfortunately they sometimes seize. Four-stroke engines offer better gas mileage and can go fast with good gearing mechanisms and technique. When you learn how to build a go-cart you need to decide which engines you are going to use.

What about cooling systems? Air-cooled engines are usually smaller engines. They should not be run at a stand still for long periods. They are cooled by the wind as the vehicle moves. They have large cooling fins and are a good idea for a go-cart. When you teach yourself how to build a go-cart bear try to use this system.

Water-cooled engines use fluid which runs through the engine into a radiator which cools the engine. They may also house a fan to help cool the engine when it's not running. When you learn how to build a go-cart you need to understand ignition systems. What kinds of ignition systems should you know about when you learn how to build a go-cart?

Points ignition is where the spark that ignites the fuel is generated by set of breakers operated by crankshaft. The spark comes from an alternator or magneto. Electronic ignition is where the spark is generated by a magneto or alternator and delivered via a "black box" called a CDI or capacitor discharge ignition. This set up doesn't require and maintenance but can be expensive if it gets damaged and needs to be replaced. Learn about both when you teach yourself how to build a go-cart.

When you learn how to build a go-cart you can also opt for a kick start system where the engine is turned over using a kick start pedal or use an electric motor or pull start.

So be sure to check out our pages on Racing Go-Carts, Racing Dirt Go-Carts, Go-Cart Kits, and Go-Cart Parts elsewhere on this site.