A little OT: Need cyclecart help.

If this is too far OT, please, let me know, and I'll not do it again. Im building a cycle cart, its a little 30's style car, based on motorcycle parts. Id post the link to what im doing, but the server that the pictures are on appears to be down. Anyway, I need a little help, and you guys are smart on this kinda stuff. In the picture, you see two gears. One at the back of the engine, and one on the axle. They need to be connected via chains. I was thinking of running two sprockets on a shaft behind the engine, and support that by bearings. But I know the results of that will probably leave some to be desired. The shaft on the engine is splined, and I dont know if I can find a match to that. If I could, I could come off the engine with a shaft over to where the axle sprocket is, and support it with a bearing to reduce stress on the engine bearings. What would you guys do? Oh, and the engine has to stay where its at.



thanks.

trey

 

This kinda what I mean. The red represents chains, the black is a shaft and two sprockets. Yes, my windows paint skills are humorous!



trey

 

You're gonna have to make that "black" axle move a bit to tension the chains. Will there be any suspension to the axle with the big gear on it? You'll have to compensate for that as well.

I don't see why this wont work.

 

yes , i think your jack shaft idea will work. as for tension on the chains , maybe you could make the motor mount with a little adjustment so you could slide it fore and aft maybe 1". you could also use an idler sprocket on the jack shft to axle chain

you could use a jack shaft kit from northern tool

 

Thanks guys. I planned on making the engine slide forward and back, for chain tension, and the same for the jack shaft. I appreciate the advice! Also, the rear axle will not have suspension

trey

 

this is what im building, but in my own version.

http://www.stevproj.com/Carz/CycleKartGallery.html

 

trey! Those are some fantastic little machines. What kind of m/c engine are you running.

 

The jack shaft is a good idea. And as had been mentioned it will need to slide.

You other option would be to take the center out of a sproket to match the splines and weld it ot a y tube alot like we do with a steering box when we make a cowl steer setup, then support it on the end with a bearing and pus your drive sprocket out there. With this setup you'll have to do a bunch of bearing alignment a real pain.

Anyway your jackshaft is the easiest setup. Use pillowblock bearing on it they are moderatly self aligning and will be a little more forgiveing that say a straight ball bearing.

 

The engine is similar to what honda used on the xr50, but its 110 cc. The other dudes are running briggs and scratchin, with pull start. Mine is electric start, and 4spd with a clutch. Seemed more fun that way. Now, if I could just con Mr. Gordon into flying out here and pinstriping the thing...haha.

trey