Mark42
Fleet Admiral
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2003
- Messages
- 9,334
The kids go kart uses a Peerless differential - common diff used on many small riding mowers, but in a 1" axle size. The "cone" shaped part of the differential housing on one side cracked and broke off. It is a cast aluminum housing. Before I order a new case half (about $60 plus shipping!) I thought I would try some epoxy and see how well it holds up.
Thought I would ask here for epoxy input! I'm thinking JB Weld might be the way to go. Or maybe Marine Tex?
BTW this is the second time this case half has broken. It happens when the kids get the kart air borne then when it lands, CRACK! The axle is only supported by 1" bearings at each end by the tires. To prevent this from happening again, I'm going to add additional bearings to the axle on each side of the differential, so there will be little or no stress transferred to the differential housing.
You can see the setup in this photo:
Its an old Rupp go kart from 1970 that I modified for "off road" use. Even though it only has a 5 hp motor, with the torque converter trans and the low gearing, it will climb steep inclines at tops out at about 25 mph. Its just too much fun!
Thought I would ask here for epoxy input! I'm thinking JB Weld might be the way to go. Or maybe Marine Tex?
BTW this is the second time this case half has broken. It happens when the kids get the kart air borne then when it lands, CRACK! The axle is only supported by 1" bearings at each end by the tires. To prevent this from happening again, I'm going to add additional bearings to the axle on each side of the differential, so there will be little or no stress transferred to the differential housing.
You can see the setup in this photo:
Its an old Rupp go kart from 1970 that I modified for "off road" use. Even though it only has a 5 hp motor, with the torque converter trans and the low gearing, it will climb steep inclines at tops out at about 25 mph. Its just too much fun!
