Weed eater engine conversion

Discussion in 'DIY Marinizing' started by Ward, Jun 2, 2003.

  1. WalleyeRanger
    Joined: Aug 2010
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    Location: Illinois

    WalleyeRanger Junior Member

    52cc hop-ups

    Mark Wo or John O'neal :

    It seems that the t-10 or t-12 props (5 and 3/4") are what have worked best on a 52cc engine that has no reduction. Based on that observation and that hull speed is the best I can hope for with this size engine, what if any benefits would I hope for by modding out the 52cc engine with aftermarket air filters, the velocity stack and some exhaust mods?

    Please understand that I'm not trying to be critical of the enhancements that John mentioned in his post. I'm guessing that these wont be enough to let me swing a larger/steeper prop - but that they may help if I encounter weeds or some muck?

    Additionally, I think I have this right - it seems to me that the 52cc motor could be hooked up either to a kill switch or a key switch and that those two options are designed to perform the same function.

    Has anyone rigged one of these with the electric start 52cc motor from monster scooter parts? If so, did the engine come with the electric start relay included (so the only additional parts needed to wire the starter was a start button) or did you need to also purchase the relay as a separate part?

    Any pics of a creative battery mount?

    Thanks!

    I'll post pics of our build-out once we've made some progress.

    James
     
  2. WalleyeRanger
    Joined: Aug 2010
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    WalleyeRanger Junior Member

    Since everyone has been contributing freely - here's my contribution.

    This is how we intend to build our adjustable height pivot mount. The black nubs will be screws that can be screwed in / backed out to adjust the resting angle of the motor's shaft.
     

    Attached Files:

  3. rmenasco
    Joined: May 2010
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    Location: Florida

    rmenasco Junior Member

    Bracket

    You could just buy this part from southwestspeed.com. then take a piece of 1" aluminum and make a bracket to hold it.


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  4. Mark Wo
    Joined: Dec 2007
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    Location: Minnesota

    Mark Wo Senior Member

    My opinion, not having done the mods that John did, are that your proposed motor mods will not allow you to swing a larger prop or go through weeds easier. The 52 cc motor has no problem cutting through weeds.

    Now, doing those same mods to a 31 cc motor will make a difference in ability to turn the props you mention.

    A kill switch and a key switch are not the same. Personally, I would prefer a kill switch as it if the motor gets away from you, with a kill switch the motor shuts off. With a Key switch the motor is still running.

    I know that a couple have tried the motor with the starter. I know one person had no luck and I can't recall what the results were from the other. I recall, but I am old, that an additional relay was required. Note that I am only 60% sure of this.

    Mark
     
  5. Mark Wo
    Joined: Dec 2007
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    Location: Minnesota

    Mark Wo Senior Member

  6. WalleyeRanger
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    WalleyeRanger Junior Member

    Thanks Mark.

    If anyone has successfully assembled the electric start, please post up. I'll let you all know what I find when I get that far along.

    It can't be that hard - it's just frustrating to have to wait until it's in your hands to know what additional parts it will require.
     
  7. WalleyeRanger
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    WalleyeRanger Junior Member

    It looks like the electric start question has been answered and the answer is - it depends. If you want to mount a start switch on the handlebar then you should use a starter solenoid / relay - otherwise you may decide to cheat and wire a switch in-line from the battery to the starter. The switch will be handling a lot more current if you put it in-line.
     
  8. thehildi25
    Joined: Aug 2010
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    Location: Sacramento CA

    thehildi25 Junior Member

    Hi, I am new to this site and have made a dual weedwacker setup for the amphibious car that I have designed. I wasn't happy about the output but the car did move upon throttle. I am using 25cc craftsman wackers with 7 inch props made for trolling. I am trying to make small jet drives now but I am wondering if this has been done or can be done. I have a water intake under the vehicle in front of the rear tires. Heres a video of my first launch on July 1st 2010. Any Ideas would be appreciated. not sure how to link video so if interested search guy drives sports car into lake on purpose.

    Thanks
    Rob
     
  9. rmenasco
    Joined: May 2010
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    Location: Florida

    rmenasco Junior Member

    My MM

    Here's my mud motor. Its almost finished. All i have left is the welding.

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  10. rmenasco
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    Location: Florida

    rmenasco Junior Member

  11. ben2go
    Joined: Jul 2008
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    Location: Upstate, South Carolina,USA

    ben2go Boat Builder Wanna Be

    Shweet!
     
  12. rmenasco
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    Location: Florida

    rmenasco Junior Member

    UPDATE

    OK Guys... Here is the update...


    The mud motor ran great and i did not have any problems with it.

    I was in a residential apartment complex so I had to make a quick launch and run. It was pretty sketchy but we did it late, and we only did a quick test. The motor ran great, but I wasn't able to get it up to full speed. However, I know that i was going faster than a trolling motor.

    One problem that I had is that my boat wouldn't turn good! At one point I almost ran into the fountain and I had to paddle my away from it with the motor! This is a simple fix that will require me to place some runners on the bottom of the boat and that problem will be solved!

    I will have better pics this weekend when I test it at Newnan's


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  13. WalleyeRanger
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    WalleyeRanger Junior Member

    Here is the one we've been working on...

    The video is dark, will get a better one soon.

    Sea trials to come..
     

    Attached Files:

  14. WalleyeRanger
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    Location: Illinois

    WalleyeRanger Junior Member

    The too dark to see much, but sound tells the story video...
     

    Attached Files:


  15. ben2go
    Joined: Jul 2008
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    Location: Upstate, South Carolina,USA

    ben2go Boat Builder Wanna Be

    That first photo,I thought you were heading toward a whale breaking the surface for air.Then I saw the lighter photo with the fountain in the back ground.LOL
     
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