Engine rebuild or ?

SGF

I have to make a decision and I'd like some input.

I have a 2006 gas txt that I use to feed animals and for other chores around the property. The cart normally runs for short distances and only gets to operating temps. once in a while. In 2011 the cart got an engine rebuild. It recently started losing power and blowing blue smoke under load. Essentially a repeat of before. The shop says bad ring (s). They now ship the motor off for rebuild and the price is much higher than before.

So here are my options. I'm thinking someone here might think of something or have an idea I didn't consider. I want a used 4x4 utv at some point but still want to keep a cart.

The engine rebuild for the Robin's is about $1,000, far more than last time.
If the shop does a turn key Honda big bore kit, out the door price is about $3600.
A used 2011 txt with the Kawasaki engine, they say is far more powerful, is $3600. I have no idea how the 2011 would compare to the 2006.

So there it is. I should mention that my cart has a lift with ATV tires and other ad ons so I have to consider that investment. I realize every option has ups and downs but any input is welcome.

BGW

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raydhd

Or a vegascarts 460 swap for about $1500

SRDCOMPOSITES

If you want to do a big block swap let me know I may be interested in your robin engine

ez go go

IMHO... I would lean towards the more reliable Kawasaki cart... Tough engines and sounds like for the long haul it may be the way to go... Not saying the robins isn't tough, but you've already been through one rebuild and eventually you will again... They don't manufacture that engine anymore so I can't see where you could go wrong.. The Kawasaki engine and newer cart is where I would lean to.

kgsc

I am kinda surprised that Robbins let go that soon... I currently have an 08 and a 02 with 350s I have run the crap out of and they are still fine. Both on lifted workhorses. Anyway. A rebuilt 350 installed will probably run close to 1k but like was mentioned a Vegas carts install would be around 1500 but a substantial increase performance increase. Newer Kawasaki motor is 13 hp vs 11 for the 350 and with the newer Team clutches has a good bit more torque. That said they are completely different running motors. Single cylinder vs 2 is a different animal.

raydhd

Another option for less than $1000 would be the vegascarts install kit with one of the stock clone engines. Probably less than $700 if you use the stock clutch.

SGF

First off, thanks for the input. I was looking for options and things to consider and that's what I got.

I was starting to lean towards the rebuild since it is the cheapest choice. What I really need is a UTV, and I plan to buy a used one when I find what I want. Because of that I am reluctant to dump $3,000 plus into this cart or buying another one. Those options aren't off the table but I'm hoping for a better choice. I think the reason the engine failed is because of how we use it. I try to run it a mile or two on occasion but the daily norm is that it never warms up. Going from pen to pen all week is a few minutes running time per day. On the weekend it gets more time carrying tools around, etc., but even that isn't much. If I do opt for the rebuild I may try a synthetic oil.

All your points are well taken. I am curious how much power and overall performance difference there is in the 2011 Kawasaki vs my 9 hp Robins in the 2006 cart.

I haven't considered the Vegascarts option but I just looked at it. I assume we are talking about the 25 HP clone. I am not familiar with that engine but since some of you recommended it can I assume the following that the kit is well made, the engine is reliable (I did like the idea of the Honda since I've had good experiences with them), The power isn't too much for the rest of the drive train and parts are available. I'll look on the big block forum for more on these kits. I don't have the numbers in front of my but this kit is half the price of the one I was offered. Frankly, I haven't looked into it but a diesel swap would most appeal to me, I don't want to see that price total though.

cart around

I think your kind of stop, and go driving is exactly what a golf cart was designed to do.

SOUTHVIEW

i have a Kawasaki 13hp I am going to pull out of my 2008 ST Express. Check out for sale section

SGF

That is exactly what I thought when the folks at the shop told me that was probably the issue. That said I sure wish I new what caused the engine to fail so quickly after the rebuild.