How to Build a Kart Racing Engine

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Have a clean

   you can get rid of it because you won't be needing it. , you will not be able to use this either unless it is the flip-choke type with a screw-on air filter. , if it is not, find one. ,,, The gasket might break but don't worry, you will replace it later. , Make sure you have drained the oil out of your engine first or your clean, dry area won't be so clean and dry anymore. , if they don't, find the right socket. ,,, Two lifters should fall out of the block. this is okay, you won't be re-using these. ,,,,,,,,, you will know they are finished when you see a cut circle all the way around the valve and the valve seat. ,,,,,,,,, a slight tap with the handle of a hammer will help it go on. , don't worry about torquing them, just make sure they are tight. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,
2. 2

   Step 2: dry area to disassemble your engine.

3. 3

   Step 3: Remove the stock exhaust from your engine.

4. 4

   Step 4: Remove the carburetor from your engine.

5. 5

   Step 5: If your carburetor is one like mentioned above

6. 6

   Step 6: keep it.

7. 7

   Step 7: remove the sheet metal cover from your engine

8. 8

   Step 8: you will need this later so keep it.

9. 9

   Step 9: now remove the flywheel from your engine.

10. 10

    Step 10: Now remove the cylinder head from your engine.

11. 11

    Step 11: Remove the crankcase from your engine.

12. 12

    Step 12: the bolts on the connecting rod should have a 3/8" head.

13. 13

    Step 13: Take the rod bolts out and remove the cap from your connecting rod.

14. 14

    Step 14: Now push the connecting rod and piston out of the top of your engine block.

15. 15

    Step 15: Remove the crankshaft and the camshaft.

16. 16

    Step 16: Use your valve spring compressor to compress your valve springs and remove the keeper from the valve.

17. 17

    Step 17: Remove the valves from the block.

18. 18

    Step 18: Now that your block is bare

19. 19

    Step 19: use a wire wheel or some sandpaper to remove the remaining gasket material.

20. 20

    Step 20: Now soak your block in your favorite degreaser.

21. 21

    Step 21: Rinse your block out with water and dry it to prevent it from oxidizing.

22. 22

    Step 22: Clean the rest of your parts the same way.

23. 23

    Step 23: Order a higher lift cam for your engine

24. 24

    Step 24: billet lifters and valve springs to match your cam of choice.

25. 25

    Step 25: Order a racing exhaust pipe for your engine.

26. 26

    Step 26: Use your valve lapping tool and valve lapping compound to lap your valves in.

27. 27

    Step 27: Wipe the valve lapping compound off of your valves and valve seats.

28. 28

    Step 28: Now start assembly of your engine by putting your valves in.

29. 29

    Step 29: install your billet lifters followed by your camshaft and your crankshaft.

30. 30

    Step 30: It is easiest at this point to install your connecting rod.

31. 31

    Step 31: Compress your piston rings and slide the rod and piston into the block.

32. 32

    Step 32: Using your torque wrench

33. 33

    Step 33: torque your rod bolts to 50 inch (127.0 cm) pounds

34. 34

    Step 34: Go up in torque by 10 inch (25.4 cm) pound increments until you hit 100 inch (254.0 cm) pounds.

35. 35

    Step 35: Recheck rod torque.

36. 36

    Step 36: Install the crankcase.

37. 37

    Step 37: Install the crankcase bolts.

38. 38

    Step 38: Use your flat file to take material off of the bottom of your intake valve stem until a feeler gauge of the recommended thickness (valve lash) fits snugly under the valve.

39. 39

    Step 39: Do the same for the exhaust valve.

40. 40

    Step 40: Install your valve springs and keepers.

41. 41

    Step 41: Put the valve cover back on your motor.

42. 42

    Step 42: Install the head back on your engine and torque it to 140 inch (355.6 cm) pounds in a cross pattern.

43. 43

    Step 43: Recheck head bolt torque.

44. 44

    Step 44: Install your carburetor.

45. 45

    Step 45: Install your racing exhaust.

46. 46

    Step 46: Install your flywheel.

47. 47

    Step 47: Install your sheet metal side cover.

48. 48

    Step 48: Put oil and fuel into your engine.

49. 49

    Step 49: Make sure it will start up.

50. 50

    Step 50: If it starts up

51. 51

    Step 51: go racing and have fun.

Detailed Guide

About the Author