DuroMax?

Bigfoot67

I'm considering a clone engine for my acquired 86 CC DS. The KF86 engine has no spark and trying to find ignition parts is non existent and ridiculously over priced. I've been looking at alternative engines such as the Duromax. They are relatively cheap, made in China and I'm wondering if after going to all the trouble of installing it, how long it will hold up??? Anyone with reviews on this engine. Honda engines are known for their reliability, they are more expensive but run better and are easy starting. Any input would be appreciated

BGW

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sho305

A few people had them toss rods right away they were too tight on the crank some think. They did warranty them far as I know. But not heard of any lately, plus most people are running them in golf carts and karts at high rpm they may not have broken them in enough for hard running. The one I put in runs fine it took half a summer to loosen up you could tell it was more responsive after some run time. They are a copy of an older honda, most parts fit. Lifan is the largest maker home depot has them pretty cheap right now also. The stock one I did we took the governor out, it still only does about what stock G9 did, around 5K rpm. When I do mine I plan to cut the head, advance timing, and port the head along with new springs and see what happens. Close to 6K would be nicer on occasion. For <$300 you just can't beat them. You can buy anything for them and make 30hp if you want, rods/cams/flywheel/heads/etc are all sold by a lot of cart places. But you could end up with v-twin money into one if you go crazy. I have not heard of one wearing out, only blowing on gokarts that run them really hard. If you put a cam in one you need to put flywheel and rod in plus needed valvetrain parts for the cam or you will get trouble. But for a GC the stock or smaller torque cam seems to work well unless you set the clutch up for more rpm for trail riding.

Bigfoot67

Wow, That's a grand review, more than I'd find anywhere else, thanks for the information
Your right, the price is right though. I finally got the old KF82 running but she coughs and spits and theres a slight knock in her. So because of money, I guess I'll run her as long as she holds up. I don't want to rebuild her, parts to expensive, ignition parts are extremely hard to find also, as you more than likely know already.. Thanks for the review
I'll use this information when the time is right.

sho305

In the G9 I did (and most all gas carts have about the same 9-10HP) the power is around double far as takeoff and climbing feel (compared to a tired stock engine), its a lot more fun to run. Check out other threads on them here and note how they do the exhaust/intake/throttle linkages that will be the most work in putting one in depending on how you want it. I used a car muffler and airbox for more flow.

I figure I can put springs in and do the head fairly cheap, getting the head cut is about the only thing that will cost and should not be that much. You can advance the timing and not use a key at all if you want, but offset keys are cheap or you can make your own. Want to do all that before its installed.

If there is any way you can fab the install its a no brainer compared to stock rebuild, you get a new engine with more power stock for not much more than rebuild parts cost. But it is a job and not many if any conversion parts are out there. I'd guess a new cradle for a v-twin should work with some mods like redrilling the holes, if one is available for your model cart. I just welded two bars of steel in there it was the easiest part.