By argonaut II on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Finally was able to weld up the tires on this,used golf cart tires and rims.We were out giving it a test run when a large 8"x8" hole appeared in the engine block.Not sure why - had oil?

Proud to say though the resulting bang from the explosion was loud enough to rattle windows around here and knock at least on picture off the wall.(sorry again Mrs Bales)

The Motor was an old 1935 Wisconsin.Collectable in itself so Ive learned on the web.

Any Suggestions on what type of motor to replace it with? , As I mentioned before the body on this project is missing,so size of the motor isnt an issue. But the under/over powered part is.

Also - Was I wrong in useing manual transmission gear oil on the transmission? Someone here mentioned Automatic fluid was the way to go?

Tranmission seems to work fine - Only there are 5 "clicks" one is reverse,N,foreward and the other two are broken ?

I do have photographs if anyone is interested,soon as I figure out how to send i'll will do so.

Thanks again for all the help.

By david berger (Davidrrrd) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

yah please send me some pics
davidrrrd@yahoo.com
id like too see your trans,
the 5 clicks part confuses me some,
my sugestion as a minimum size 2-stroke at aprox
30 hp would be a 340cc snow mobil engine,
just enoph power to do the job without overworking the engine,

By hellonsixwheels on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Does your transmission have "apex" cast into the top of the housing? sounds like it may be the same
trans that was used in coots and a handful of 6x6
rigs.the if it is an apex the "five clicks" would
be...high gear,neutral,lowgear,neutral,reverse.
i could be wrong but it sound like the tranny that
your running.

By argonaut II on Unrecorded Date: Edit

doesnt say apex - has # 512304 on top.

Anyone ever use a gas powered golfcart motor ?

By argonaut II on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I had no idea it was so expensive for a motor .

Tucon prices are roughly 800.oo for a 10hp to 1800.00 for a 25hp.Rebuilt .Was too afraid to ask on new prices

But you can find motorcycle's here for 100.oo ? any suggestions on useing a motorcycle engine ?
example - what type would be best to hook up clutch too ?

I'm half tempted to beat a peice of metal into the shape of the motor , use self tapping screws and oil sealent & patch the 8x8 hole. I've heard it can be done,lots of luck though needed to get it working properly.

Anyone ever try the patch n pray method ?

Can't quite figure out why these small engines are so expensive.Perhaps these blocks were hollowed out from a solid block of cast iron by the ceo's tongue?

Any sugestions on motorcycle power plants would great.

- thank you in advance

(not that anyone will care , but I always call myself Argonaut II after Simon Lakes wonderful Argonaut submarine not the argo's - around 1900 he made a submarine with wheels to explore the ocean depths and salvage ships.)

By Red Wolf on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Man!!!! I can't remember the last time I've laughed this hard! This is GOOD stuff ArgonautII. I'm just picturing you making that patch now... Even have some tears from this one.....Red Wolf

By argonaut II on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Cough,cough ...

Reminds me of how they laughed at Simon Lake when he took reporters under the sea , they laughed at him when he explained the basics of his new invention - the Dive chamber.
They stopped laughing when he threw open the trap door on the floor at 100' depth!.And the few who didnt faint, tried to escape out the top hatch ....

Anyway - sounds like a challange to me,My lucky rubber chicken and I think we can do it.Will send photos when I get a chance to work on it.

By David W. Bryant (Davidbryant) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

ArgonautII,

Try http://www.tulsaenginewarehouse.com or http://www.northerntools.com They both have new engines reasonably priced and they have a very good selection.

Don't know about motorcycle engines but the small 3 cyl Geo engine is 1.0L and weighs only 147 pounds and has 62HP. Abount the same physical size as a 25HP B&S.

By Red Wolf on Unrecorded Date: Edit

ArgonautII,
This has nothing to do with the present discussion, but........................
If you get a chance, search for the "Marsh Master Amphibious." This thing really will go almost any where! Let me know what you think...Red Wolf