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The time will arise, when you may want to consider purchasing a second hand engine.

If your budget allows for a new engine, a new engine will ensure that you have all legal equipment from the beginning for your particular

class and not an engine that has been modified during it's life time.

This will also reduce future problems you may have during your start-up period. However, if your budget does not allow for a new engine

or you wish to buy a second engine, consider the following.

Does the engine suit the class you are to race in?

If the engine is not suited for your class, then think very carefully before you go any further. Sometimes, cheap kart deals become available, is it worth purchasing a kart with the wrong engine, no matter how good of a price you have arranged. Usually if you buy a second hand kart with the wrong engine, you will be forced to purchase a new engine to suit the class anyway and the old engine ends up sitting on the bench of your garage forever and ever.

Ask the seller why he is selling? Are they selling because they are leaving the sport, is he moving to another class or is the seller having some sort of cash problems?. Don't beat around the bush! Ask these questions.

Is the engine modified in any way? If so, why & is it legal?

If the seller says that the engine has been modified and is legal, ask them to state so in written form.

BACKYARD ENGINE BUILDERS - Be afraid - BE VERY VERY AFRAID

Run.....Run as fast as you can in the other direction!

We cannot stress this point enough! If you buy an engine from an inexperienced or backyard engine builder, do so at your own risk. Many backyarders attempt to blueprint an engine, with in many cases, dire consequences. Remember that to blueprint an engine, it takes a great deal of machining expertise, expensive precision equipment and a great deal of knowledge. The average backyarder does not have this capability. If the engine has been blueprinted or modified, ask if you can have a reputable engine builder pull it down for inspection. That will determine whether or not it's legal. If they agree for that to be done, then there is a far chance that the seller believes the engine is legal, but get it done anyway.

There are many little things to look out for within an engine. For example: Cylinder Head, Cylinder, Crankcase, Piston, Conrod, Crankshaft, Ignition, Carburettor, Reeds & Exhaust Manifold etc. But the chances of seeing all these parts in an engine, is unlikely. Having said this, if you are inexperienced, it is sometimes easier to get a reputable engine builder to have a look for you.

Carburettor

Check for any modifications, which could make it illegal. Look for any machining to modify the carburettor. Check for new holes being drilled or old ones being enlarged or covered up. Ensure that mating surfaces are not damaged. A dirty carburettor indicates, lack of maintenance.

Overall Condition of Engine

Check for nicks, edges worn away or any outside damage. Ask how many hours since the last rebuild.

Ignition

The rotor should be clean and show no signs of score marks. The presence of rust or dirt will indicate lack of maintenance.

Exhaust

Check that the exhaust is legal and is in good condition. Look for bumps and dents. Small bumps are not a worry, but those large ones could cause some problems with engine performance. Ensure that the exhaust end is tight and check inside the muffler to ensure that it has not been tampered with or holes have not been drilled.

As a rule, it is safer to replace all bearings when acquiring a second hand engine. If you do not have first hand knowledge of it's operating background.

And, remember that you are buying used equipment and in most cases this will not be as good as new equipment. Buyer Beware!

REMEMBER YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!