Talk me down

David Maner

Please

I'm having problems with my old '86 DS kawasaki side valve. When I purchased it a few years ago it had a problem, like using oil. so I started using 20w50 Royal Purple synthetic oil and that kept the oil smoke down to a minimum but it was still there. Trouble is I'm old (69) and I have COPD and the exhaust was causing me problems so I decided to put a new set of rings and a new piston in. I've overhauled/rebuilt many many engines over the years from little B&S's, Kohlers to Big block GM's and Fords to the little six cylinders. Many VW air cooled engines under my belt and up until now I never had a problem with an engine that I couldn't' get the rings to seat.
This old Kawasaki has me stumped, it was in excellent shape when I took it down, no ridge at the top of the cylinder, very little wear on the rings that I removed, Piston looked good but since I had already bought a new piston and rings I replaced them with new. Now I'm seeing compression north of 100 psi and a lot more power but the thing still smokes. Whats the deal with that?

Right now I'm using non detergent oil in hopes of seating the oil ring. compression rings seem to be seated no problem evidenced by the compression.

I'm seriously thinking of big blocking this DS. Should I go with a VC 460 or spring for a Vanny? I like the price of the 25 HP VC 460 and the specs and do believe I'd be perfectly happy with one. What do you all think? I like the fact that the VC 460 comes with everything I need to make the switch and can do it in a days time no problem.

Mostly I use my cart for mushroom hunting, morels and oysters, but I also drive it on the street. Our small town allows us to drive Carts on the streets as long as it has lights and Insurance and its been inspected by the Police Department, all of which I'm on top of and do drive on the street some. I would use it a lot more going to and from breakfast and the grocery store if it had some more speed which the 25 HP VC 460 would surely give me.

When I'm foraging for Mushrooms its rough, rocky, hilly country. I'm not doing any stream crossing or mudding at all just up and down some steep hills and hollers of Northeast Oklahoma, making my own trails in many cases which this CC DS has been OK with.

I put a 6 inch lift with 12x10.5x23 wheels and tires on the cart when I first purchased it and with out those mods I'd never be able to use it for what I'm using it for. I went back to the original springs because the springs that came with the lift was simply too stiff and was causing me back problems. With the original springs back on it I'm at a 4 inch lift now which is exactly perfect for me.

Anyways now I'm at engine mod time and thats why I'm asking for help in deciding what would be the best course of action for me.

Peace

BGW

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

Shepard

When you did your ring job --- that sealed up the bottom. Did you any head work or check the valve guides or seals? There's more then one place to draw oil.
I own 2 VC 460's so I'm a little prejudices. I like Briggs but have no experience with them in a cart. The 460 is a very reliable engine and easy to work on engine.

sho305

The VC460 has a lot more power than stock engines, so if you do something with your cart now you will be spinning the tires with the 460 in there. It will rev much higher so your top speed will be significantly more if you wind it up. So why get a twin, well they are pressure oil they should last longer, on the other hand it will be a long time before you wear out a clone, and if you do parts are cheap anyway. The twin may sound cooler, can't change that. Twin will have a lot of low end power, plenty for grunting around. However stock they do not rev high, you can put a rev kit in that helps that but I am not sure they rev quite as well as the 460. The 460 does have a different cam in it that makes it run better than a normal lawn engine. It will cost you more to modify a twin, clone parts are pretty cheap and you only have one cylinder to mod. Though the VC460 already has most of those parts in it. Look at your budget and what you want from the cart. You can buy kits for twins also. With a club car you do have to look at the CVT, it is not that great for swaps and should be upgraded. There are a couple ways to go with it. Another CC issue is newer than '93 I think run reverse rotation and reverse is a lower gear that will cut your speed some. I can tell you a swap with a clone is great fun, extra power makes the cart even more capable.

David Maner

I ordered the 25 hp kit from Vegas Carts today. I also ordered the 1-3/16" belt and 9 inch clutch and belt. I expect this engine will make me very happy.
I would have liked to have had the pressure feed oil, filter and all that the V2's have but this engine is good for 6000 rpms so I should be good to go. One thing about it is there isn't too many things in this VC 460 to go wrong. Researching this engine I see the crank is definitely a beefy one and the rod they build and put in it should make it bullet proof

I think its time for me to remove the body of my cart and get ready for this upgrade.

sho305

You can't go wrong with the VC460, its a great package and a great deal. If you want a twin I understand that, they are larger also. But even a 420 clone like I have the power is near double a tired old cart engine and its brand new. The 460 is even better and beefed up. I would have gotten one if they had them back then, but putting a 460 cam and rod in mine right now.

David Maner

I'm excited and I don't excite easily

I have a friend who has a muffler shop and I may be having him put me a walker 22229 muffler on it. I'm thinking that at the speeds I'll be foraging for mushrooms at it won't be too loud with the exhaust system as it comes from VC. Out on the street I'd be fine with it making some noise while it's breathing a little fire

I'm not an animal hunter so the noise out in the woods won't be a problem with me but if I think I do want it to be quieter I have an answer for that in the 22229 walker muffler