What to watch out for when purchasing a used kart engine

A kart engine is no small investment, especially for the top models of the most reliable and prestigious manufacturers. For this reason, turning to the second-hand market is an option which many enthusiasts often take into consideration. In the market, there are many good deals yet meager deals are a daily occurrence, especially if the sale takes place between private individuals rather than through shops which guarantee and certify second-hand products. Leveraging the experience of Galiffa Kart, a company which has built its success on the preparation and maintenance of engines, as well as winning many important titles over the years. We have compiled a small guide on the parts to check and inspections which are absolutely recommended to use when deciding on purchasing a used engine.

1 INFORM YOURSELF

Before going into the more technical details Galiffa’s technicians kept reiterating some general recommendations to be used even before starting to browse the ads. First of all, it is essential to set a budget so as to have a reference point for the research. The second “preparatory” step, especially for those who are just starting out, is to get informed about the various types of engines available on the market and how they have evolved over time. At Galiffa Kart they explain. “It seems ridiculous – Galiffa’s technicians explain - yet often we meet people with a 20-year-old engine because they did not have the faintest idea of what they were buying”. Finding yourself with an engine in which spare parts are no longer available is definitely not a good way to start your adventure into the karting world. After having provided this preliminary reference point, let us see in more detail, some good and valid practices which everyone should remember to apply every time they are hunting for a good deal.

2 ORIGINAL PARTS

The essential inspection, to the point that it would make all other assessments useless, is to make sure that the engine is assembled only with the manufacturer’s original parts. It is a recommendation which applies to all components, with extra attention to the connecting rod and the piston. This is not due to particular technical reasons, but to the simple fact the these are the two components with which self-declared engine builders or improvised mechanics “experiment” more, with the sole result of compromising the reliability and also the performance of the engine. If you have the opportunity to check the inside of the engine you must always look for the logo with which any manufacturer brands its spare parts. If you do not find it, be wary. Remember that the best and only guarantee when it comes to a kart engine, is the incessant development and quality control checklists undertaken by the manufacturers in producing every single component.

WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO... WHEN YOU PURCHASE A USED ENGINE