2.5 tecumseh ????

[Jeem]

Alright, I'm new.

I was hoping to have my mini bike put together and be able to show, beginning to end, my build. I was stoked to pick up an old edger at the swap meet. Set choke to full, two pulls and it ran great. Is this engine even suited for a mini bike? My two boys AND myself will ride it when done and my littlest is 9 and has never ridden anything other pedal power.

Thanks!

 

[cncsparky]

2.5 hp Tecuseh's were factory installed on some mini bikes. I had a Scat Cat with that engine, it worked great for us when we were young.

 

[Jeem]

Cool, good to know. Can someone point me to a thread that covers throttle setup, maybe?:smile:

 

[Jeem]

OK, anyone know of a good place for info on these engines? Stock, modified, etc.?

 

[Strigoi]

i don't think any companies make aftermarket parts for the smaller engines. most people will do home made filter and exhaust setups.

2.5hp will be fine for your kids to learn on. it's not enough power for an adult and will probably have a hard time moving you on anything other than flat ground. if you're running a jackshaft it will be a bit better.

i'd suggest having a mild one for your kids and pick up another one to put a bigger engine in for yourself. check Craigslist for a Doodlebug and do a 6.5 swap. if you get a deal on a DB you could have a fun mini for yourself for around $275.

 

[Jeem]

Thanks, probably work out well then. The kids can learn, and I'll be looking for a BIGGER engine!

 

[delray]

2.5 tecumseh will make a great starter engine for your kids to learn on:thumbsup:
my avatar i built for my stepson to learn on. the engine is a 3hp tecumseh. about the same as yours. if you go with a 6inch rim? your tire height would be about 12inch+. use a 35# chain with a 11 or 12 clutch and use a 72t rear sprocket. that will make a good set up for your son to learn on...

 

[delray]

were is your gas tank? most sears tecumseh edgers are located in the rear. you can always flip it around with just little rework on the bracket:thumbsup: and then you can build a header pipe exhaust system:thumbsup:

 

[Jeem]

You're correct, right now it's on the rear of the engine, above the carb. I'm turning a cylindrical stainless steel canister into a MOON tank of sorts and probably will hang it below the top of the frame rail, so yeah, I can make a neat little header for it too.

The engine fired off right away quite a few times and now won't start at all, I'm thinking it's the carburetor as I've noticed a few gooey drips on the ground directly beneath, yep, it's leaky now. Are carb rebuild kits readily available (hardware store)?