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I’m not sure if you know this but a vertical shaft engine cannot be used horizontally, because the oil will be in the wrong place and the float on the carburetor will be upside down.
I’ve converted server all to run vertical, there’s videos on here showing you how it’s done. Hondas are the best to convert they already have an oil flicker on the conrod and the carb can be turned the holes are already in the block just need tapping out
I was wondering about this. I believe the oiling system essentially just splashes up from the sump using extensions from the crank. With the engine on its side, it'll be poking those entensions into air, burning up in a hurry. Also, seems like with it on its side, the oil might be pooling into the cylinder. The carb seems like it would be simple enough to get around with a bit of fab work though.
You used the wrong engine. you need a horizontal shaft engine (found on generators) not a vertical . It will work for a bit but will kill the engine in a short time with the oil not being where it needs to be for oil pickup and distribution. Owner of a Go-Kart tour in Alaska.
I just wanted to write this. The other thing is he need a different carburetor with control over the gas because the cable on this engine is the on off switch an it has a set rpm.
Besides the other problems mentioned with using lawnmower engines (oiling and carb issues) I think you will also find that the lawnmower engines have aluminium “flywheels” and without the blade acting as an actual flywheel you may get kickback when attempting to start the engine which would just rip the cord out of your hand and possibly injure you.
I love how Alec isn't afraid to just dive into a project just to learn how to do a new thing. I really admire that trait in people. Learning is the freaking best! Once you stop learning you stop living, there are always new things to teach yourself, old skills to improve on, new heights to reach for. Keep striving to be at least a little better than you were yesterday
This engine is the worst possible choice for scooter. You can not mount it vertical. Engine from chainsaw or brush cutter would be more suitable. And of course all engines with horizontal axis (like from generator).
Yes, but how fun would it be to see Alec try and make a set of Bevel Gears or come up with some unique solution to transition vertical rotation to horizontal. People make go karts out of lawn mowers all the time. It can be done and I want to watch him try.
Hey thank you Alec, you’re never afraid to bite out a big chunk and just jump in and show the world that you can figure it out. Everybody starts from somewhere
I admire someone who can, in one day, go from idea to buying parts, to fabricating the thing. I spend a week just designing the thing, modeling it in software, scrapping it and starting over, rinse repeat. Alec says "YOLO", and just starts drawing and cutting the same day he thought it up.
2:44 "F-rate Colin Furze" xD Don't worry, you're an A-rate Alec Steele though! I'd like to see Colin try to forge a blade... (...that would actually be pretty cool)
Colin Furze making a blade - "Right, what I want to do today is make a knife using a 650cc Suzuki engine, a flamethrower, a pulse jet and one million firework rockets. Let's get started!"
Having the engine up right can cause the oil to not get parts it needs to inside the crank case. I’ve seen people weld bits on to the crank area to help splash oil over the components
You cannot use that engine sideways without modifying the oil Pan area it needs a piece well get on to the piston to kick the oil up and you need to block one of the ports so that oil does not prematurely leak out on you for being on its side
While he can't rotate that engine, It would be cool to still use it. It'd be added stress/wear on the tire, but he could add a little wheel to the vertical output shaft and have it press against the side of the drive wheel. sort of a similar setup to some bicycle to ICE conversions
He could use it. Mount it above the rear wheel, a vertical shaft is attached to a second vertical shaft off to the side via belt or chain, that shaft runs down to a pair of bevel gears that turn the wheel...
This dude never fails to impress me. He is always taking on challenges and does amazing work. You can tell how hard of a worker he is and how much he puts into the projects he does. Much respect man.
Dude.. love what you're doing with stepping out of your zone, but some research would've prevented you from wasting money on a lawn mower. I don't know if you folks have Harbor Freight stores, but you can buy a good horizontal shaft engine. Look into mini-bikes.
You can use this engine in a horizontal shaft configuration (i used a lawn mower engine for a go kart) but you will need to turn the carburator and ideally add something to move the oil around.
He could use this engine....it would just take more parts to get the axis of rotation correct...Actually now that im thinking about id love to see alex try to make some way over engineered gearing set up to MAKE that engine work lol. Love this show.
@@danielgoodyer7811 No matter hor you mod that engine it will never work with the shaft coming out on the side. The oil pick up is to complex to mod. It will start and run sure but it will ither blow the engine do to no oil or oil will get in to the head etc and ruin it that way ither way he will need to re do the mounts and buy a side shaft engine. Now if it was a 2 cycle you could mount it anyway you like and it will run just fine
Alec, I know others have commented on this, but you can't lay that engine on its side, it can't cope with it and will die very quickly. I suggest checking out screwfix or toolstation and look for a petrol generator, or petrol pressure washer which has the pump on its SIDE. Simply put, an engine designed with a horizontal shaft will work, a vertical one CAN'T unless it undergoes serious modifications, which is something even an experienced engineer would shy away from.
I think the trimmer engine will be even better - it had a built-in centrifugal clutch, it can work in different angles, real throttle, not governor, and most of these are 2-stroke, so lighter for the same power.
@@philipmihailov I think I know what you mean, though I can't say I've had much luck with petrol trimmers, maybe I got a lemon, but the trimmer I had was a royal pain in my ass, it was so unreliable, I gave up and went corded and battery powered
@@GaisaSanktejo You probably just had bad machine. Mine is 3HP, 2 stroke one made in China under Daewoo brand and for 3 years, I had only one problem - punctured gas line (probably I catched it on thorny bush) . 5 minutes repair with new gasoline hose and it works well to the moment.
I appreciate that you assume I could have an idea of what are you doing, but almost in every project I just watch and try to learn from you, I’m just a chemistry student
A snipper or chainsaw engine is what you need. Not only are they much more compact, they already have a centrifugal clutch fitted. With your vertical shaft engine you will require either a gearbox or transfer box sourced from a lawn tractor or a belt and spring loaded pulley attached to a lever for the clutch. With the latter you will still need a 90 degree twist in the belt to drive the wheel.
As others commented you can't turn a mower engine on its side because of the oil sump and carb. The fuel tank can be relocated but, you can use a mower engine in the correct configuration if you use a belt or some 45-degree gears. Those should be fun to make on the lathe.
Best explanation of why things cost money, "this is why things are expensive, because they require smart people to plan things" Reminds me of that test where you ask someone to make a drawing/sketch of a bicycle. Everyone knows what they are and has an idea what they look like/how they work, but few can draw a sketch that actually would work mechanically if built. Like the chain doesn't connect to the pedals etc.
Alec I'll be honest, I kinda miss your experimenting with Damascus patterns I'd love to see you go back and try to make more mosaci damscus patterns Or maybe even try some wootz for once
I only watch every video from four channels. Alec’s, Will’s, Cars and Cameras and Mr,beast. Now Alec is starting to work on small engines!? He just needs to start giving stuff away and I’d get everything all in one channel. Well done, this looks like a fun project. God bless you!
Just a tip. Aside from the shaft orientation (mentioned in other comments) you're likely to run into another problem using that engine. Typically, modern lawn mower engines don't have a throttle per say. They're set to run at a constant RPM, on a governor. The cable, and handle, that you referred to as the throttle, is most likely the engine brake / kill switch. That lever would need be held down for the engine to run. Once released it kills the spark, and applies a brake to the engines flywheel, stopping the engine.
Hey alec, for the setup that you're using at the moment you would need a 90* worm gearbox because the engine you have is a "VERTICAL' engine. then get a go-kart clutch which is a belt drive system to a chain, which this isn't an ideal system to use. The preferred system you need to use is a horizontal engine (which goes up and down not side to side) and all you need from there is a clutch and your done. So the next ep. return the lawnmower and engine you have and get a horizontal engine. so that you don't have the hassle to ruin it and have a random engine you have lying around in your shop. "I hope this helps"
Alec, the process of doing these "out of comfort zone" projects is ultimately for your own personal development (as opposed to pleasing all of the armchair fabricators). If it is better for you to exercise your deductive skills in trying to build something without looking it up, then more power to you! I like watching something original, anyway!
Must admit.. This is a new challenge for Alec... But not something that is beyond his skill set. You can do it... I did this kind of project not long after I learnt to weld... My workplace had ( now repaired ) some bad flooring when I started, I went over a hole, the wheel stuck and my 160Kg rolling toolbox tipped over. It destroyed the box, its wheel fasteners and lost all integrity. Basically I shredded a £300 toolbox to pieces. I could not be bothered to buy a new box as they could not handle the flooring. So I ordered some 2 inch 4 mm thick angle iron... I made my own Toolbox from the remains of the old one. Little trolley on the bottom, sheet panels on the sides and top. salvaged the runners and drawers from the toolbox. That toolbox lasted me 12 years ( I left the workplace after 12 years... The box is apparently still going after 22 years. ) I had 4 inch hard rubber tires on it, 2 rotating on the push handle side, so it steered like a truck :P Anyway If I can build that when my job was fixing machines and making engineering parts on lathe / milling machines... Alec can do this !!
"Steering tube" = Steering column. "Head tube" = Head stock. Spinny thing = Wheel (okay, I added that for fun!). Love your work Mr. Steele Sir. Keep going regardless. Best wishes, Sir GinoX of Canterbury, Carlisle and Cardiff. ;-)
You may want to look into a horizontal shaft motor. A 125cc Chinese dirtbike motor/ transmission combo can be sourced for less than the average lawnmower. And will already be equipped with a proper output sprocket.
That motor will work just fine if you twist the vee belt 90 degrees. The only problem is where you mount the engine. With a little creativity you can do anything, I'm 75 years old and I was building things like that when you young whipper snappers were riding your big wheels! You go Alex! You and Colin have what it takes. Kudos from America.
When I was a kid the bearings were the wheels. Turning was achieved by leaning to the side. We sat down, no standing and could only go down hill and we went fast.
Ok, Alex or editor, if you are reading the comments. There is a tab that connects to the bottom of the piston connecting rod cap. It's called a flinger. It, as you might assume, flings oil at the bottom of the piston. When you change the orientation of the engine you need to change the position of the flinger tab so that as the motor spins it dips into the pool of oil in the bottom of the engine crank case. A quick Google search will help explain more. Just wanted to point it out.
If you were back in the States, Harbor Freight sells a cheap Horizontal shaft gas engine. Converting the vertical shaft to turn the wheels will be the biggest challenge. You will need some sort of gearing to convert the axis of the spinning engine.
It is admirable for you make all this from scratch. I would, however, also point out a great resource for DIY projects like this: junk bicycles. Where I'm at, I routinely see old bicycles offered for free online. May be rusty, wheels busted, whatever. A couple of minutes with a saw and you got yourself a great head tube with all bearings etc, a fork, suspension, bottom bracket with bearings, the works... A fantastic resource!
Alec! Make your life easy, buy a horizontal crate engine from the hardware store and let the shaft friction drive the top of the wheel. Like all the commenters are saying, that vertical drive will lead to so much unhappiness.
You need to do A steel versus Stelter challenge on both of your UA-cam channels international challenge to make a boot knife. You pick his steel he picks your steel.
I think I am not the only one saying that u should use an engine with a horizontal shaft ... If u tilt the lawnmower engine the Oil wont reach critical parts an ur engine will die after 2-3 hours of running. The cable isnt for the thottle but for the interruption of the spark, so u have to hold onto the handle while mowing. The throttle on those engines has to be constant for mowing so u cant realy manipulate it the way the engine is by now ... Just remove the spring holding the Part the Cable is leading to, or remove the Part (looks like a little break on a wheel) and use the cable u removed to manipulate the throttle directly on the carburator ( i think thats what "Vergaser" translates to :D). Or simply buy a new engine ... Idk ur choice
The parts you built now are probably the simplest, its going to be interesting how you will mount the motor (cant be tilted and turned in every direction becouse the oil and gas may not get through the system, also the exhaust cant be facing down then the engine wont work and the oil will run through the exhaust, which smokes very densly) and the clutch youll need, connecting the back wheel to the motor will also be interesting (a chain is probably the best solution),... but im sure youll find a solution and it will be good for sure!!
Besides engine orientation being wrong, the cable you pulled on is not a throttle. It's a brake release. If you let go of that lever while the engine is running (when installed in the lawnmower), it is supposed to stop the engine within a revolution of the release (or something close to that). Engines on lawnmowers are governed by a wind vane. The fan on top of the engine blows air on it. As the engine speeds up, the air pushes on the wind vane, closing the carburetor, which allows the engine to slow down, which pushes less air against the wind vane and allows the carburetor to open, causing the engine to speed up. It's a balancing act which actually works quite well. You'll need to remove the wind vane and attach a separate cable (maybe relocate the one for the brake?) to the throttle on the carburetor. You're also going to need to take out the brake, then put a kill switch in there which would ground the spark plug wire, preventing the engine from firing. A small wire with a momentary switch attached to the spark plug lead will work, with the other end grounded to the block of the engine.
Compression fit the front axel bearing sleeves into eachother, instead of the wheel. that plastic will easily warp under stress. You want the weight distributed evenly across all load bearing surfaces. As it stands, there is a gap in the center of the tire between where the bearing bushings don't meet. Weight is not being distributed there, and instead is being pushed from the center of the tire outwards. Consider JB weld too (for when you can't use fire), or the wheel may slip on the bearing sleeves just in general. Combine this with the turning and redistrubution every quarter turn, your wheel will rock itself off the compression fit bearings pretty fast, and just be a sideways mess in no time. You need to make one bearing sleeve slightly smaller and have them overlap in the center at equidistance. I'm not an engineer, but my brother is, and I dabble. I believe, just spitballing here, bout 1-1.2 inches of overlap for your particular procject. Assuming you have average hands. Those bearing themselves need more than a dab of superglue, weld them in, or JB weld them in. I grew up in the sticks, I never tried this project, but I could get yoru car off the side of the road with a full pepper shaker or an egg. I can also fix a blown fuse with a paperclip. I'm not a pro, but I understand mechanics and physics very well.
Alec, there shouldn t be pressure on the outside and the inside of bearings. Only the rorating part should be pressfit ( the inside of the bearing on the shaft here)
Hehehe... Wheelhouse. I see what you did there. I am a little bit disappointed to not see so many Swords anymore, but your videos are still fun, so... Just keep going!
If the cable is connected to the big bar at the top of the mower, its not the throttle its an engine break to kill the engine and to prevent it from starting without having the bar clamped in your hand. The throttle will be on the carburetor and most likely it will be controlled by the governor and just goes to full power right away so you are not trying to cut grass at with the mower underpowered.
Alec, just so you know, that lawnmower engine wont run for very long on its side without modification, it only lubricates itself while running in the same orientation as it was in the mower ;-) Edit: I see everybody else already told him this, doh!
Can't wait for Jamie to beat me in a race once it's finished!
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Hey Alec, have you left Montana permanently? Or will you be returning to us
YEs big pog man again at last
Люди хотят видеть дамасск и булат, а не всякую гадость.
FURZE!!! Do a collab with this guy and build some medieval rocket launching, sword throwing reclining wooden chair scooter!
You need a horizontal shaft engine not vertical it won't run standing up like that you need a 212 predator horizontal shaft engine from harbor freight
After seeing this i need to try n make a knife in my workshop then we can compare our "out of comfort zone" projects.
Would love to see the collaboration!!
This racing lawnmower is a Colin Furze-ish project for sure ! Can’t wait to see your Damascus dagger project 😁
Jet powered knife?
Bro hope you’re well. I’m on the other side of the world but hope to meet you one day
I guess you'll be needing a jet powered forge and/or hammer for that.
I’m not sure if you know this but a vertical shaft engine cannot be used horizontally, because the oil will be in the wrong place and the float on the carburetor will be upside down.
Would be easy to use some small motorcycle engine ey ?
I’ve converted server all to run vertical, there’s videos on here showing you how it’s done. Hondas are the best to convert they already have an oil flicker on the conrod and the carb can be turned the holes are already in the block just need tapping out
I was wondering about this. I believe the oiling system essentially just splashes up from the sump using extensions from the crank. With the engine on its side, it'll be poking those entensions into air, burning up in a hurry. Also, seems like with it on its side, the oil might be pooling into the cylinder. The carb seems like it would be simple enough to get around with a bit of fab work though.
Yeah he would have been better off with a weed whacker ("strimmer?") engine or maybe a 2-cycle lawn boy if they sell those in the uk?
The Honda style engines have tapped holes to make it super easy to turn.
You used the wrong engine. you need a horizontal shaft engine (found on generators) not a vertical . It will work for a bit but will kill the engine in a short time with the oil not being where it needs to be for oil pickup and distribution. Owner of a Go-Kart tour in Alaska.
I'm waiting to see if he scraps the vertical shaft or engineers around it
I just wanted to write this. The other thing is he need a different carburetor with control over the gas because the cable on this engine is the on off switch an it has a set rpm.
@@30CalCoreLokt Yeah there are ways around it so he can still use this engine but it is a pain to have it be reliable.
Probably a string trimmer engine would have been better. Especially being 2 stroke.
@@TheTothtamas There is more to making a Kart then most think there is.
"Mechanical skills are 0"... However has rebuilt mills, power hammer and lathes just to name a few things
Besides the other problems mentioned with using lawnmower engines (oiling and carb issues) I think you will also find that the lawnmower engines have aluminium “flywheels” and without the blade acting as an actual flywheel you may get kickback when attempting to start the engine which would just rip the cord out of your hand and possibly injure you.
I love how Alec isn't afraid to just dive into a project just to learn how to do a new thing. I really admire that trait in people. Learning is the freaking best! Once you stop learning you stop living, there are always new things to teach yourself, old skills to improve on, new heights to reach for. Keep striving to be at least a little better than you were yesterday
This engine is the worst possible choice for scooter. You can not mount it vertical. Engine from chainsaw or brush cutter would be more suitable. And of course all engines with horizontal axis (like from generator).
This here.
Yeah probably gets no oil in the oil pump and this won’t be good😂
Yeah I was thinking the same, return it to the store before you brake it, no no noooo!!! Alec stop, aaaand its done.
snowblower engine would be great
Yes, but how fun would it be to see Alec try and make a set of Bevel Gears or come up with some unique solution to transition vertical rotation to horizontal. People make go karts out of lawn mowers all the time. It can be done and I want to watch him try.
Before you went to Montana you met collin furze, you should do a project with him. You guys could make something really cool together.
I feel like ToT is watching this with either his head in his hands or a childish grin
And colin furze like where are the flamethrowers
ToT needs to get off the internet and make some new videos lol. I don't even care what they're about, within reason.
@lucas his father in law died, so he's taking a short break
@@jim-fe7fs now that you say that, i vaguely remember it.
@@jim-fe7fs ahhhh... that's sad.
I wondered what was going on.
Now Alec is just fulfilling his childhood dreams
Seems like it 😄😄
And my viewing pleasure
Wonderful new project Alec! Looking forward to the next episodes 😎
Eeeeeeh Mars, I'm a big fan
Hey thank you Alec, you’re never afraid to bite out a big chunk and just jump in and show the world that you can figure it out. Everybody starts from somewhere
When I was a kid we had the opposite problem. We had a go-kart frame but no engine. So we just took turns pushing each other around :)
I admire someone who can, in one day, go from idea to buying parts, to fabricating the thing.
I spend a week just designing the thing, modeling it in software, scrapping it and starting over, rinse repeat.
Alec says "YOLO", and just starts drawing and cutting the same day he thought it up.
2:44 "F-rate Colin Furze" xD
Don't worry, you're an A-rate Alec Steele though! I'd like to see Colin try to forge a blade...
(...that would actually be pretty cool)
Colin Furze making a blade - "Right, what I want to do today is make a knife using a 650cc Suzuki engine, a flamethrower, a pulse jet and one million firework rockets. Let's get started!"
Having the engine up right can cause the oil to not get parts it needs to inside the crank case. I’ve seen people weld bits on to the crank area to help splash oil over the components
You cannot use that engine sideways without modifying the oil Pan area it needs a piece well get on to the piston to kick the oil up and you need to block one of the ports so that oil does not prematurely leak out on you for being on its side
The carburetor will not work in that position either it will not allow for the fuel to fill the carburetor bowl correctly!
While he can't rotate that engine, It would be cool to still use it. It'd be added stress/wear on the tire, but he could add a little wheel to the vertical output shaft and have it press against the side of the drive wheel. sort of a similar setup to some bicycle to ICE conversions
I'm glad someone already said it
@@meZeusta14 I agree I just don't want him to be upset if it locked up on him but it is going to be awsom
He could use it. Mount it above the rear wheel, a vertical shaft is attached to a second vertical shaft off to the side via belt or chain, that shaft runs down to a pair of bevel gears that turn the wheel...
This dude never fails to impress me. He is always taking on challenges and does amazing work. You can tell how hard of a worker he is and how much he puts into the projects he does. Much respect man.
Every tool's a hammer eh, Alec. Even a drill!?!
Ever hear of a hammerdrill?...😆
@@Captain_Yodelstein 🤣
yet another 25 part series.... gotta squeeze every dollar out of these videos,
Dude.. love what you're doing with stepping out of your zone, but some research would've prevented you from wasting money on a lawn mower. I don't know if you folks have Harbor Freight stores, but you can buy a good horizontal shaft engine. Look into mini-bikes.
And if not, he might have some luck in a scrapyard for some scavenged motorbike motors.
He could run it the right way around but think of a differential that can be forged to make what he need maybe a vertical 90° angle drive
@@g3t0wNeD420 yea. Or buy a 90° gearbox
You can use this engine in a horizontal shaft configuration (i used a lawn mower engine for a go kart) but you will need to turn the carburator and ideally add something to move the oil around.
Bets on which episode he begins embedding jewels in the handlebars?
Plot twist he's going to encrust the head tube.
It's so awesome seeing a blade smith taking on a mechanical project, such as this.
You cannot use this engine! the shaft need to point straight down. You need a engine with the shaft on the side. Like on a generator.
He could use this engine....it would just take more parts to get the axis of rotation correct...Actually now that im thinking about id love to see alex try to make some way over engineered gearing set up to MAKE that engine work lol. Love this show.
@@payne3249 he have zero skills in mecanic.. he would probably not be able to make that correctly 😅
He can have the engine like that he just has to modify it
Use a gear system.
@@danielgoodyer7811 No matter hor you mod that engine it will never work with the shaft coming out on the side. The oil pick up is to complex to mod. It will start and run sure but it will ither blow the engine do to no oil or oil will get in to the head etc and ruin it that way ither way he will need to re do the mounts and buy a side shaft engine.
Now if it was a 2 cycle you could mount it anyway you like and it will run just fine
So glad your having fun with your videos again Alec
Alec, I know others have commented on this, but you can't lay that engine on its side, it can't cope with it and will die very quickly.
I suggest checking out screwfix or toolstation and look for a petrol generator, or petrol pressure washer which has the pump on its SIDE.
Simply put, an engine designed with a horizontal shaft will work, a vertical one CAN'T unless it undergoes serious modifications, which is something even an experienced engineer would shy away from.
I think the trimmer engine will be even better - it had a built-in centrifugal clutch, it can work in different angles, real throttle, not governor, and most of these are 2-stroke, so lighter for the same power.
@@philipmihailov I think I know what you mean, though I can't say I've had much luck with petrol trimmers, maybe I got a lemon, but the trimmer I had was a royal pain in my ass, it was so unreliable, I gave up and went corded and battery powered
Just run to the hardware store and buy a bunch of unions, weld into a drive shaft. it'll work! At least longer than it would have.
@@GaisaSanktejo might be the wrong oil ratio my Stihl has run like a charm for more than 3 years
@@GaisaSanktejo You probably just had bad machine. Mine is 3HP, 2 stroke one made in China under Daewoo brand and for 3 years, I had only one problem - punctured gas line (probably I catched it on thorny bush) . 5 minutes repair with new gasoline hose and it works well to the moment.
Best way to make this stuff (AKA DIY stuff) to recycling or salvation on old parts
I feel like he's prepping for his colab with Collin Furze
I appreciate that you assume I could have an idea of what are you doing, but almost in every project I just watch and try to learn from you, I’m just a chemistry student
Get after it son!
Awesome to see you, a valid UA-camr expanding your skill base outside of what you know.
Following as always!
A horizontal shaft engine would be so much easier
"Who needs a hydraulic press when you have guns of Steele?!!"
*Smash cut to him hammering*
A snipper or chainsaw engine is what you need. Not only are they much more compact, they already have a centrifugal clutch fitted. With your vertical shaft engine you will require either a gearbox or transfer box sourced from a lawn tractor or a belt and spring loaded pulley attached to a lever for the clutch. With the latter you will still need a 90 degree twist in the belt to drive the wheel.
“Why do Americans call a liquid gas” - Jeremy Clarkson - 2010
Abbreviation of "gasoline"
@@jeremy8942 why is it called gasoline and not petroleum?
As others commented you can't turn a mower engine on its side because of the oil sump and carb. The fuel tank can be relocated but, you can use a mower engine in the correct configuration if you use a belt or some 45-degree gears. Those should be fun to make on the lathe.
Best explanation of why things cost money, "this is why things are expensive, because they require smart people to plan things"
Reminds me of that test where you ask someone to make a drawing/sketch of a bicycle. Everyone knows what they are and has an idea what they look like/how they work, but few can draw a sketch that actually would work mechanically if built. Like the chain doesn't connect to the pedals etc.
Alec I'll be honest, I kinda miss your experimenting with Damascus patterns
I'd love to see you go back and try to make more mosaci damscus patterns
Or maybe even try some wootz for once
Love the video Alec, and truly admire your undaunted enthusiasm to learn new skill sets and challenging projects. Keep up the good work buddy =D
I only watch every video from four channels. Alec’s, Will’s, Cars and Cameras and Mr,beast. Now Alec is starting to work on small engines!? He just needs to start giving stuff away and I’d get everything all in one channel. Well done, this looks like a fun project. God bless you!
He handles that engine like it is a styrofoam box. This hammer swinging dude has man strength.
and/or it's just a crap engine
I kind of miss the times when Alec tried to improve himself as a blacksmith and knifemaker, teaching others and improving through his videos.
So happy to see this is gonna have more then one part I love these types of builds
Am l the only one feeling he's regressing? How do you go from cavalry saber and viking sword to "my first attempt at an awesome go cart"?
Just a tip. Aside from the shaft orientation (mentioned in other comments) you're likely to run into another problem using that engine. Typically, modern lawn mower engines don't have a throttle per say. They're set to run at a constant RPM, on a governor. The cable, and handle, that you referred to as the throttle, is most likely the engine brake / kill switch. That lever would need be held down for the engine to run. Once released it kills the spark, and applies a brake to the engines flywheel, stopping the engine.
Hey alec, for the setup that you're using at the moment you would need a 90* worm gearbox because the engine you have is a "VERTICAL' engine. then get a go-kart clutch which is a belt drive system to a chain, which this isn't an ideal system to use. The preferred system you need to use is a horizontal engine (which goes up and down not side to side) and all you need from there is a clutch and your done. So the next ep. return the lawnmower and engine you have and get a horizontal engine. so that you don't have the hassle to ruin it and have a random engine you have lying around in your shop. "I hope this helps"
Return the lawn mower? Lol
Did you miss the part where he was smashing pieces of it?
@@FlinnGaidin Oh yeah i forgot about that LMAO
I find you working on these design projects fascinating. I'm an engineer, so this is my day job.
This is easily the earliest I've ever been to one of your videos
Alec, the process of doing these "out of comfort zone" projects is ultimately for your own personal development (as opposed to pleasing all of the armchair fabricators). If it is better for you to exercise your deductive skills in trying to build something without looking it up, then more power to you! I like watching something original, anyway!
Must admit.. This is a new challenge for Alec... But not something that is beyond his skill set. You can do it...
I did this kind of project not long after I learnt to weld... My workplace had ( now repaired ) some bad flooring when I started, I went over a hole, the wheel stuck and my 160Kg rolling toolbox tipped over. It destroyed the box, its wheel fasteners and lost all integrity. Basically I shredded a £300 toolbox to pieces.
I could not be bothered to buy a new box as they could not handle the flooring. So I ordered some 2 inch 4 mm thick angle iron... I made my own Toolbox from the remains of the old one. Little trolley on the bottom, sheet panels on the sides and top. salvaged the runners and drawers from the toolbox. That toolbox lasted me 12 years ( I left the workplace after 12 years... The box is apparently still going after 22 years. ) I had 4 inch hard rubber tires on it, 2 rotating on the push handle side, so it steered like a truck :P Anyway If I can build that when my job was fixing machines and making engineering parts on lathe / milling machines... Alec can do this !!
"Steering tube" = Steering column.
"Head tube" = Head stock.
Spinny thing = Wheel (okay, I added that for fun!).
Love your work Mr. Steele Sir.
Keep going regardless.
Best wishes,
Sir GinoX of Canterbury, Carlisle and Cardiff.
;-)
Love this, nice to see you try new thing. Will be awesome to see the progression!
You may want to look into a horizontal shaft motor. A 125cc Chinese dirtbike motor/ transmission combo can be sourced for less than the average lawnmower. And will already be equipped with a proper output sprocket.
Bronze flange bushing for that steering tube Alex. Simple, easy, plenty rigid and the steering tube doesn't turn enough to require ball bearings.
That motor will work just fine if you twist the vee belt 90 degrees. The only problem is where you mount the engine. With a little creativity you can do anything, I'm 75 years old and I was building things like that when you young whipper snappers were riding your big wheels! You go Alex! You and Colin have what it takes. Kudos from America.
Precursor to the collab we've all been waiting for?! STEELE VS FURZE LETS GOOOOO
Was anybody screaming at their screen, saying: "BEARINGS! USE BALL BEARINGS ALEC!!!"
Or was that just me?
I was shouting about chopping up an old bike.
When I was a kid the bearings were the wheels. Turning was achieved by leaning to the side. We sat down, no standing and could only go down hill and we went fast.
Looking great Alec. Think it would be great for you would make a large project with collin, using both your expertise?
Ok, Alex or editor, if you are reading the comments. There is a tab that connects to the bottom of the piston connecting rod cap. It's called a flinger. It, as you might assume, flings oil at the bottom of the piston. When you change the orientation of the engine you need to change the position of the flinger tab so that as the motor spins it dips into the pool of oil in the bottom of the engine crank case. A quick Google search will help explain more. Just wanted to point it out.
Love these kind of videos keep them coming!
Alec: completely deconstructs power hammers with his eyes closed.
Also Alec: my mechanical is almost zero.
If you were back in the States, Harbor Freight sells a cheap Horizontal shaft gas engine. Converting the vertical shaft to turn the wheels will be the biggest challenge. You will need some sort of gearing to convert the axis of the spinning engine.
It is admirable for you make all this from scratch. I would, however, also point out a great resource for DIY projects like this: junk bicycles. Where I'm at, I routinely see old bicycles offered for free online. May be rusty, wheels busted, whatever. A couple of minutes with a saw and you got yourself a great head tube with all bearings etc, a fork, suspension, bottom bracket with bearings, the works... A fantastic resource!
Alec is just the best. He got me into UA-cam!
Looking forward to the next part on this project.
as I saw him welding the first 1" tubes together I was thinking: " this will be a tank of a scooter"
I think possibly getting a purpose-built engine would've been more money- and material-efficient, but this is looking fun.
YES I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SEE YOU MAKE SOMETHING LIKE THIS
Alec! Make your life easy, buy a horizontal crate engine from the hardware store and let the shaft friction drive the top of the wheel. Like all the commenters are saying, that vertical drive will lead to so much unhappiness.
Takes guts to step out of your comfort zone and tape it at the same time for all to see. Well done.
You need to do A steel versus Stelter challenge on both of your UA-cam channels international challenge to make a boot knife. You pick his steel he picks your steel.
For everyone saying he chose the wrong engine, he was obviously was going to create a differential from scratch for it to run horizontally
I think I am not the only one saying that u should use an engine with a horizontal shaft ... If u tilt the lawnmower engine the Oil wont reach critical parts an ur engine will die after 2-3 hours of running. The cable isnt for the thottle but for the interruption of the spark, so u have to hold onto the handle while mowing. The throttle on those engines has to be constant for mowing so u cant realy manipulate it the way the engine is by now ... Just remove the spring holding the Part the Cable is leading to, or remove the Part (looks like a little break on a wheel) and use the cable u removed to manipulate the throttle directly on the carburator ( i think thats what "Vergaser" translates to :D). Or simply buy a new engine ... Idk ur choice
Loved Alec’s quick flex on the new Audi!
Looked good to me.. I may have chosen a different style of motor but what your doing looks good. New ideas are always welcomed.
Missing the classic hard core blacksmithing. But your projects are also fun to watch. Tons of learning paths in making stuff.
The parts you built now are probably the simplest, its going to be interesting how you will mount the motor (cant be tilted and turned in every direction becouse the oil and gas may not get through the system, also the exhaust cant be facing down then the engine wont work and the oil will run through the exhaust, which smokes very densly) and the clutch youll need, connecting the back wheel to the motor will also be interesting (a chain is probably the best solution),... but im sure youll find a solution and it will be good for sure!!
the intro to the video is some of the most warranty voiding footage I have seen.
Your doing a great job Alex,knowledge is power!!.
Lawn mower engines are made to sit shaft side down if you sit the engine shaft horizontal the oil won’t lubricate anything and will seize
And here I thought you were making a normal-ish scooter... Nope, it's a zombie apocalypse scooter.
Damn, that's a crossover i didn't know i needed. Alec Steele x Colin Furze
Yeeeesssss!!!! I've been looking for this!
Me doing mechanic work for the last 35 years, I wish I had no mechanical knowledge like you have.
I remember some long time ago, this used to be a bladesmithing and weapon making channel... now it's about making half-a-ton scooters.
Ok Alec with the subtle Audi flex
Suggestion: Make something from scarp, used... Kinda recycling?
When your metrics keeps plummeting, you turn to oddities.
Besides engine orientation being wrong, the cable you pulled on is not a throttle. It's a brake release. If you let go of that lever while the engine is running (when installed in the lawnmower), it is supposed to stop the engine within a revolution of the release (or something close to that). Engines on lawnmowers are governed by a wind vane. The fan on top of the engine blows air on it. As the engine speeds up, the air pushes on the wind vane, closing the carburetor, which allows the engine to slow down, which pushes less air against the wind vane and allows the carburetor to open, causing the engine to speed up. It's a balancing act which actually works quite well. You'll need to remove the wind vane and attach a separate cable (maybe relocate the one for the brake?) to the throttle on the carburetor. You're also going to need to take out the brake, then put a kill switch in there which would ground the spark plug wire, preventing the engine from firing. A small wire with a momentary switch attached to the spark plug lead will work, with the other end grounded to the block of the engine.
Alec, you probably want a steel rimmed tire for the rear wheel. That will handle the torque much better than plastic.
Compression fit the front axel bearing sleeves into eachother, instead of the wheel. that plastic will easily warp under stress. You want the weight distributed evenly across all load bearing surfaces. As it stands, there is a gap in the center of the tire between where the bearing bushings don't meet. Weight is not being distributed there, and instead is being pushed from the center of the tire outwards. Consider JB weld too (for when you can't use fire), or the wheel may slip on the bearing sleeves just in general.
Combine this with the turning and redistrubution every quarter turn, your wheel will rock itself off the compression fit bearings pretty fast, and just be a sideways mess in no time. You need to make one bearing sleeve slightly smaller and have them overlap in the center at equidistance. I'm not an engineer, but my brother is, and I dabble. I believe, just spitballing here, bout 1-1.2 inches of overlap for your particular procject. Assuming you have average hands.
Those bearing themselves need more than a dab of superglue, weld them in, or JB weld them in.
I grew up in the sticks, I never tried this project, but I could get yoru car off the side of the road with a full pepper shaker or an egg. I can also fix a blown fuse with a paperclip. I'm not a pro, but I understand mechanics and physics very well.
Alec, there shouldn t be pressure on the outside and the inside of bearings. Only the rorating part should be pressfit ( the inside of the bearing on the shaft here)
"Why couldn't I have just made a knife?"
You could always do that with the lawnmower blade after you finish the scooter! **hint hint**
You're off to a great start Alec! I'm interested in how you will attach the motor and its drive system.
Hehehe... Wheelhouse.
I see what you did there.
I am a little bit disappointed to not see so many Swords anymore, but your videos are still fun, so... Just keep going!
If the cable is connected to the big bar at the top of the mower, its not the throttle its an engine break to kill the engine and to prevent it from starting without having the bar clamped in your hand. The throttle will be on the carburetor and most likely it will be controlled by the governor and just goes to full power right away so you are not trying to cut grass at with the mower underpowered.
Alec, just so you know, that lawnmower engine wont run for very long on its side without modification, it only lubricates itself while running in the same orientation as it was in the mower ;-)
Edit: I see everybody else already told him this, doh!
I've had the same problem whit the stearing bearing, I'd recommend a stearing bearing for a bike