20+ HP Harbor Freight Engine Build ~ Predator 224cc Max Performance

In today's video I break down the Harbor Freight new 224cc Max Performance Engine, remove the governor and oil sensor, get the engine cerakoted, then completely re build it with performance parts- billet rod, billet flywheel, cut to length push rods, ratio rockers, hot 265 cam, flat top piston, flat slide makuni carb, billet side cover, and billet valve cover- and topped the build off with billet cup washers. I did have to clearance a few minor things. We should see ~20+ hp compared to the original 6.5hp. I put this on my trail master mb200 mini bike.
~Parts Used On This Build~
Stage 4 Head - bit.ly/2RiYBWK
Billet Rod - bit.ly/2Jr5HVm
Billet Flywheel - bit.ly/3scRGAg
70mm Flat Top Piston - bit.ly/3opq7lV
Billet Rod For Flat Top Piston - bit.ly/3ulIVq9
Fire 265 Cam - bit.ly/3HwY9MH
Gauge 1.2 Ratio Rockers - bit.ly/3yFOkaP
Billet Side Cover 6057 - bit.ly/2Jtikzf
Cut To Length Push Rods - bit.ly/34bHpwe
24mm Mikuni Kit - bit.ly/31TsUWm
Mikuni Velocity Stack - bit.ly/38VQ3Li
Silver Billet Valve Cover - bit.ly/3HqKB5p
Black Billet Valve Cover - bit.ly/32WGyPj
Valve Cover Spacer For Stock Valve Cover - bit.ly/34ffrj2
Clear Valve Cover - bit.ly/2JsuFn6
Build Your Own Header Kit - bit.ly/2NDPdM9
Top Plate - bit.ly/3buiBOs
Spark Plug 3910X - bit.ly/3qCKjCk
Jet, Air Filter, Air Filter Adapter Kit - bit.ly/3kZ96wr
Billet Cup Washers - bit.ly/2Fg1pAG
MB200 Mini Bike - bit.ly/2OutchV
~Tools~
1/4" Torque Wrench - amzn.to/3xzIrur
3/8" Torque Wrench - amzn.to/2RKP8bR
Red Plastigauge - amzn.to/3CzouYu
Piston Ring Compressor - amzn.to/2YITNwr
Piston Ring Tool - amzn.to/2sp60tT
Valve Grinding Compound - amzn.to/34fNAt9
Valve Lapping Tool - amzn.to/3q5ZgMB
Feeler Gauges - amzn.to/35iUM9c
Valve Spring Compressor - amzn.to/2rwLqbg
Soft Jaws - amzn.to/3q3aQZ5
Merch & Events - bit.ly/33YbmtO
Check Out Go Power Sports for all your Go kart needs! bit.ly/2viX9vP
Parts & Tools used on the channel - amazon.com/shop/redbeardsgarage
Quantum Machinery- Siegmund Welding Table - bit.ly/36PHm6G
- Nargesa CC60 Bender - bit.ly/2xWDVxj
Prime Weld Tig 225x - bit.ly/2EbSIqK
Prime Weld MIG180- bit.ly/2Q44l5V
Benchmark Abrasives (cut-off wheels, flap discs..) bit.ly/2SENg4f save 10% REDBEARD10
Tube Buddy Affiliate- www.Tubebuddy.com/RBG
Help support us on Patreon - patreon.com/redbeardsgarage
Want to donate without the commitment? - paypal.me/redbeardsgarage
Want to send us something?
Red Beard's Garage
P.O. Box 572
Sweetwater, TN 37874
Facebook - redbeardsgarage
Instagram - redbeardsgarage
TikTok - redbeardsgarage0
Pinterest - redbeardsgarage
Twitter - redbeardsgarage
Instrumentals by Chuki Beats - / chukibeats
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*********Disclaimer*********
Please do not try to re-enact or recreate anything you see in these videos. We are trained professionals. Red Beards Garage does not take any responsibility for injury's created by doing so.
#RBGKarts #RedBeardsGarage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
00:00 Engine First Start
00:07 Intro
00:20 224cc Engine Teardown
01:43 Flywheel Removal
02:35 Oil sensor removal
3:31 Governor Removal
04:10 All stock parts removed
04:30 Cerakoted block
04:40 Tapped Governor & Oil sensor holes
05:01 Performance Mods Introduction
06:23 Billet Rod oil clearance
08:07 How to install Crankshaft
08:30 Crankshaft clearance
08:39 How to install a Piston and rings
09:27 How to install a piston rod
11:14 Rod Clearance
11:33 How to install lifters and cam
12:10 Rod & Cam Clearance
12:53 How to install a billet side cover
14:11 Crankshaft end play
14:30 Valve lapping
14:48 How to install a modified head
15:16 How to install pushrods, lash caps, & rockers
15:57 How to set valve lash
16:25 Billet Valve Cover
16:40 Spark Plug
17:03 How to install a Billet Flywheel
18:02 How to install a MSD Coil Pack
18:43 Replace stock hardware
19:10 How to install a carb
19:41 Built 224cc beauty shots
20:03 224 First Start on mini bike
20:59 Outro

[@downtoearthconstruction7768]

Iam impressed how mean this thing sounds! 20hp! What most dont realize or understand is what 20hp is like on a small cart or mini bike. My 1000cc ironhead makes 52 and weighs about 850lbs. Never thought of using cerekote on the valves and piston top. Learn something new everyday, Bro-ham I love your channel. Thanks for all the hard work feeding your subscribers killer content every week.

[@RedBeardsGarage]

I appreciate the encouragement! I'm excited to have found cerakote, too!

[@unclejohn5012]

Your iron head makes a butt load of torque though. My 250cc Single motorbike makes 22hp.

[@stevensanju]

@@RedBeardsGarage Are you ever gonna do a video on the vangaurd 993cc v-twins?

[@1mawesomel1kethat]

@@RedBeardsGarage I kinda wonder what your thoughts would be on something like a supercharged 70cc engine build. I hope to try to push similar power on my Honda CT70 that I've got up on my channel

[@iyanmangape2393]

Po urU

[@Brock_Landers]

Back when I lived in Florida I had a cheap old minibike that my parents bought me for my birthday and it came with a REALLY hard starting 5 HP B&S engine and I ripped it off, my buddy had bought a brand new Sun Racing Engines 26 HP single cylinder engine for his go-kart and never used it, so I bought it from him REAL cheap. I put it on my minibike and that thing was ridiculously fast. I was only like 12 back then and I'm 38 now, but I'll never forget that thing. My mom decided she wanted to ride it back when it had the B&S engine on it and she came FLYING around the house on it and rode it into a row of hedges that we had on the side of our house and straight into a railroad tie that separated our hedges from the empty field next to our house and she got folded. Turns out the throttle got stuck wide open and she couldn't shut it off...lmao

[@RedBeardsGarage]

These things make the best memories! 😂

[@ElectricBillAlbright]

When I was about the same age 12 a friend down the street had one of them basic lawnmower engine mini-bike frames. It had a Hodaka Ace 100 engine in it. I think it went about 60mph. His older brother had a Hodaka 125cc motorcycle they called them Combat Wombat. They were full-fledged 2 stroke race bikes. The kind you can't let idle or they would foul the plug. Always had to keep reving the engine. This was in the early 70s. Some engines had two spark plugs. When you fouled one, you pull the wire off and put it on the other plug. That's because it was so common to happen. LOL 😅

[@willieshaw2522]

A little advice from 45+ years of building engines. Running bolts dry into aluminum, (or anything, really) like when you checked rod bearing clearance, is asking for trouble - from incorrect torque squeeze to galled threads. It's good practice to fully torque the rod bolt fasteners as few times as possible - meaning, only torque them to full torque on the mockup install to check clearance, and on final install - 20in/lbs is plenty for the installs to check dipper, rod, cam, block clearances, etc. Running them to max torque every time puts unnecessary wear on the threads and stretch cycles on the bolts. You normally don't want to run the ring gaps top/bottom - this puts them on the thrust sides of the block/piston. They seal better and wear less putting the gaps on the sides of the pistons just above or below the pin hole.

[@raymondj8768]

SO TRUE DRAG RACER HERE N ENGINE BUILDER ALWAYS LUBE BOLTS N THE SURVICE THEY RIDE ON FOR TRUE TORK

[@dannymiller7187]

That’s was some good info to be blessed with thanks man. I probably wouldn’t of gotten that anywhere else.

[@neuclearb0mb]

Always the “iN mY 1000 yEaRs oF fiXiNg eNgInEs” it’s not a fucking f1 car where you rebuild it after 1 race. It’s a backyard machine this seriously only applies to min maxing not this…

[@willieshaw2522]

And there's always the "I can't get a point across without insults and profanity". There are basic assembly practices that apply across the board, whether it's F1 or a backyard Predator. A galled fastener is just a cheaper failure on the Predator.

[@corvetteshorts4670]

@@willieshaw2522 100%!! Some people are simply too stupid to understand the theory of "if you're going to do it, why not just do it correctly". You're attempting to speak common sense to people who probably use an impact on their wheels and wonder wtf their brakes vibrate. Good advice, don't let one dipshit with zero sense stop you from contributing your 0.02, sir! 🍻🍻🍻

[@mcjok88]

RB, from old guy, from days of Ruppman. The 70's. This is by far the best tutorial I have ever seen on small engine HP upgrade. If I only had this in the 70's with the parts, I would have been the coolest kid in my Detroit neighborhood. Damn good job son. This visual experience will inspire some burgering young gearhead that he "can do it". Possibly inspiring him enough to stay focused and out of trouble. Great Job. God Bless!

[@arcane2827]

Thanks to this video I was that young buck. I recently turned 20 and just finished this build and my friend he did do amazing. I can't wait to continue on this path. It is so much fun to put time and effort into something I truly enjoy.

[@BuildBreakRepeat]

This is a next level build for sure, looks and sounds like a million bucks!

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Thanks guys!

[@thinkingbubba32]

...but only costs half that.😘

[@ThatPhilBurgGuy]

I love this step by step build! So informative! This video is sure to get up there in views as im sure anyone building this engine will look to this video for instructions.

[@FunKingGarage]

This was a great video! Super helpful to see the actual individual steps without it being a drone on howto. Keep up the great work!

[@garystickney3084]

Man I took 2 years of small engines and this step by step refreshed my memory so well, you're a good teacher.

[@GNX157]

19:35 I noticed from 19:35 to the glamour shots he switched the hose clamps to proper sizes without as much excess.

[@mkuhlman77]

She's a ripper. Can't wait for the 459cc.

[@byker283]

Yes me too. Currently waiting for rod and flywheel to be sourced, I cannot find pushrods for big blocks either. Out of stock always

[@jayarmijo560]

Hey brother I just want to say thank you for your videos, these have helped me purchase the right engine for me and it’s extremely helpful for the builds on the Max Performance I picked up. Awesome work Sir! Thank you again! I’ll continue to share your vids.

[@rustyshackelford9414]

Sounds mean and looks good! My first build blew up a few mins ago and this vid is helping me cope haha.

[@RedBeardsGarage]

That's a tough one!

[@memosrt]

@@RedBeardsGarage Do you sell anything you took off that engine? I need the carb and the exhaust.

[@DarkCornerGarage]

Awesome build. I do a dry run without piston rings and lube to check clearances.

[@seanpaul5240]

Awesome job buddy,I enjoy your all your videos.. I have the Predator 212 hemi. I've got it on a Ct200u-ex. Bought the bike used with engine locked from no oil. Bought the 212 about 2weeks ago and all I've done is mount it. Haven't even rode it yet. I've ordered some upgrades and so far all I've received is my torque converter. Thanks for all your time you give to making sure we the little people know what to do to make our bikes a little better than the rest!

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Thanks for the support! There's nothing wrong with starting the build process slow. Enjoy it!!

[@Nothingmore71]

I definitely wouldn’t have ground on the crankshaft. You certainly threw it off balance there’s no doubt about that.

[@cygnus1965]

Should have at least taken the same amount off the other side to try and keep it close.

[@randyprater5773]

Great vid! I could only find two in stock anywhere close to me so I grabbed one today. I think I’ll grab the other one tomorrow after watching this!

[@ericfitzpatrick5319]

I love the amount of horsepower in a small package, and it's rigidity.

[@BuildProne]

I've been working on my vertical shaft motorcycle. Cant wait to get it souped up like that.

[@justinjohnson2841]

Awesome job broseph. Especially like the list of tools. Thank you bud.

[@garretjauregui2091]

Just got one of these for a go kart. Cant wait for the build series!!

[@Gebo357]

Hey red really enjoy your channel, i never use any cerakot on anything so i don't know much about it, anyhow seems like that would have messed up the valve seats. There's a good way to check and make sure there seating correctly, put your value springs on and then spray the bottom on the head around the valves with soapy water, then take a blow gun with a long tip and put it in the and blow through(90 100 psi) good value job you won't have any blow by. I hope this helps, thank for all the how to videos 👍👍

[@rocketscience777999]

Great Video. 10/10 for technical content, build quality, and video editing. You should teach other youtubers how to make great videos.

[@farrismoore7524]

naw that's like a 25hp or more 💯🔥 that thang is a MONSTER GREAT VIDEO

[@RedBeardsGarage]

👊 Thanks!

[@ClaytonGambrel]

Man you got me on this, I snap my 212 cam shaft today on my wood chipper. I might have to go get this engine and rebuild my old one if it's not chew to bad. I was thinking diesel but I'm doing this first

[@Nanoscape30]

That would be really cool if the pullstart assembly was clear like acrylic and not black so you could see the bullet inside.. great work my friend! 🔥

[@mindovermatter3988]

That's exactly what my Tillotson 225 sounds like I swear Predator built this engine as competition

[@robinmiller986]

I always love your videos on the engine builds on the 224 I wish I can buy that Mini bike I love it

[@scottjoy2094]

Another Great Build RBG 👏 Thanks for the Content it's very informative 👍👍

[@RedBeardsGarage]

I appreciate the support!

[@spldrong]

Great video! As a certified mechanic, i would recommend this video

[@towboatjeff]

I'm curious how long the coating will last on top of the piston and the inside of the head and valves. Be nice to see ya pull the head after a few hours of run time and see how it's held up.

[@DJsHotRodFab]

killer build! Great attention to detail

[@gr3513]

Man this stuff is so great to watch I have the money to buy the stuff but just don't have the tools or the time to put them together, with life throwing blows left and right this year I don't even have the time to ride my stock minibike, my downtime I'm working with RBG playing in the background you guys rock!

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@chaspruitt2610]

Great video, extremely informative!! Thank you.... 👍🏼😎

[@tristan6509]

What impresses me is 20hp from an air cooled pushrod engine Sure, lots of motorcycles makes 20hp from 150cc, but they usually use DOHC water cooled engines

[@arcane2827]

I just finished my engine build thanks tot his tutorial and i am so grateful. The detail was impeccable and well planned. I greatly appreciate how much time and effort you put into it. I definitely plan on building a vtwin now that i have the 224 running. Id love to show you my project thanks to you. The relief of it running as well as it did is all thanks to you. One question though, with your vaccum lines why not just run the one instead of 3? I get one is for pressure relief and one is for fuel. But why the 2nd pressure relief?

[@CODOutdoors]

Your instructional videos are awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Glad you like them!

[@jeffjohnson3912]

Been waiting for this!! Awesome!

[@kevinguazzi]

Nice job man, I work with like that engine, but this engine and your job stayed impressively 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Glad you liked it!

[@davidsettle8456]

This guy is amazing how fast he can tare one of these down

[@mikecondoluci53]

MAN THAT SOUNDS STRONG, GREAT VIDEO

[@mikecondoluci53]

WOW I DIDNT KNOW THEY MADE SO MANY AFTERMARKET PARTS FOR THEM, SOUNDS HEALTHY

[@kxlucifer]

Any honda 5hp-6.5-7hp clones accepts the predator 212 parts just have to choice the right ones thats all.

[@Principlesofpleasure]

If your not watching red beard your living under a rock this dude is amazing the best content and details in his videos 🔥💯

[@Buses2Bikes]

This is quite the build. I don't know if I could of tackled something like that. I think, personally, I'd have gotten the Predator 670 V-Twin and called it a day. But that's just me. I'm lazy like that.

[@OGTtom]

Too cool , looks and sounds great

[@randyanderson5653]

Thanks for the video's. I think Im going to build a super engine for my son's Cycle Kart. Normaly the club runs 5 hp 212, but my boy is big, and I want him to be able to complete with the other Cycle Karts. Thanks again,

[@ryandunwell7158]

That Ford sticker got me!! Subscribed right away!

[@tristanmcnabb2741]

Wow 😳 cool it look so good and sounds powerful . allsome stuff

[@stonerman15]

This channel is so informative

[@andrewwasson6153]

Dang, that’s a cool little engine. That cerakote is pretty awesome too. I’m probably rebuilding my oil cooled GSXR engine this year (if I get my shed built) and they’re a ridiculously hot engine. I’m going to look into cerakote for the pistons, valves, cases and cylinder block.

[@crouchingtiger5431]

1216 and turbo

[@uffeibsen8872]

Great build !!!

[@JavierTorres-py6rp]

This channel is SO cool!

[@nickgibson1191]

Keep it up love these engine build Episodes

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@samsgarage1716]

Great job.

[@scotthale2049]

Sounds awesome and Looks pretty dang cool too

[@RedBeardsGarage]

😎😎😎

[@stevefavero3204]

I'm building a 224 and I'm using champion rockers. I want to get billet retainers to switch to automotive style with keepers but I'm not sure if I need to run lash caps on both sides? Or not at all? Any info would be greatly appreciated! You're channel is one of the best tools a small engine builder can have. Can't thank you enough man just for giving me the confidence to open up a predator and doing internal work. Thank you

[@rednecksdoitbetter491]

Been waiting on this build!!!!!!

[@RedBeardsGarage]

👊 Thanks for hanging around!

[@rednecksdoitbetter491]

@@RedBeardsGarage 💯

[@Kettenhund75]

Fun to watch, but price as built: $1,853.62 (not including the cerakote). Yeah, that's never gonna happen.

[@jasonjohnsey3099]

Your mechanic skills are real professional. You just do everything right no matter how long it may take. I’ve seen some guys just not have the patience and rush the build. Awesome work man. New subscriber here.

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Glad to have you!

[@charlesclarke9430]

Awesome video PLAAAAYA!!! You should do an engine build that has been Micro-Blued or WPC treated!!

[@RedBeardsGarage]

😎 Thanks for watching!

[@donatomarchiori4837]

Sensacional parabéns amigo..

[@bigdogbigben]

oooooo that sound. love it

[@ernieclark9211]

This motor would be great in a open modified kart class, junior dragster or mini bike drags. Do you ever degree the cam?

[@adammartin1786]

Wish you would put a loop in the exhaust system behind that cover. It would really give a deep tone to it. Would take some cutting on the old briggs racing exhaust but it would sound so good 🤣👍.

[@adammartin1786]

@@bradensmith888 look up a briggs and Stratton hoop racing exhaust they give low end torque and make predator engines sound way different. But modification is required to get them to fit because how the exhaust ports are different angle from briggs to clone engines

[@chrisfisher3622]

Just curious about something, is there any issues with balance , after you having to clearance the crank,rod , and cam ?? I thought those would all be balanced from manufacturers? Just curious

[@larryfisher]

I did a non hemi predator build,arc flywheel - rod - mod2 265 cam Mikuni carb- pipe n swear I double Hp,n governor deleat,had to make wheelie bar because at 20 mph just gas it n your riding a wheelie 🔥💕

[@larryfisher]

Oh n 18 lb valve springs,she,s mean

[@justconcentrate9843]

Would you go any higher on cam lift and duration with the 1.2 rockers? Trying to figure out if I should get ratio rockers or not for 275 cam

[@chuckb9867]

I like the video sometime I'd like to see a build in real time just like this

[@ol-man-duffyj688]

Can you go over pricing for a build like this? I’d also like to see you drill and tap the relief venti holes and install tubing

[@trumpfancardanostakepool4737]

Epic build.

[@chrishale7763]

RED BEARD IS TOP NOTCH💯 PERCENT

[@michaelfranks6521]

enjoyed and learned .i got a question can you put the magnito generator for lights on a 224 i did on the 112 but don"t know if i can on the 224 never even tried until i know for sure

[@Robertksinmi1992]

Hell yeah makes me wanna build one.

[@RedBeardsGarage]

They are tons of fun for sure!

[@nitewatch2.027]

Sounds awesome

[@jdmtechllc6589]

RB please explain the CCV system I see the check valve on the valve cover keeping negative pressure up top inviting more oil mist up that way and removing pressure but why the two large clear hoses? Is this aiding in the transfer to the head?

[@johnconroy9555]

One word SICK!!!😎😎

[@tristanmcnabb2741]

Yip true 20 hp is a lot of power for sure 😊👌 cool

[@mrguppy1016]

Great job

[@jrodgers522]

Great video!

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Thanks for the visit

[@mccathernfamilyprojectsandadv.]

Sounded good.

[@joshjohnson4830]

I’m late on watching this video and am not trying to put anyone down or start an argument but from what I’ve learned from building and working on many performance engines grinding the block for clearance would be the best option when you grind on a rod crank or cam that messes with the balance and could cause vibrations and possibly failures just something to think about.

[@peanut71968]

Bad @$$, Red! Sounds so strong!

[@FangOfTruth]

There are others doing builds. But none this extreme and in depth of what problems to look for and how to solve them. I waited for yours after seeing a couple of videos that just isn’t as good.

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@slainesir432]

Insane, I want to build up a 212 predator but I have no idea how, I wish I had some pros In my area to build one for me 😆

[@AJC-jo3ds]

Curious if you gave feedback to the manufacturers of the cam, connecting rod on those clearance issues… most don’t have that cutaway hemi cover to see those interference issues and would have had some head scratching to find where it was hitting… thanks!

[@michaelchoate2810]

Hey man good build, my question is do you know of a 9 rpm capable flywheel that'll run a charging system for Orffriad lifhting?

[@franciscoribeiro6223]

sweet engine

[@YngwieLesso]

@Red Beard's Garage Can you please tell me what size sprocket and if you're using a 10T or 12T, or what you think the best combination would be for this motor?

[@adamjones820]

Love your channel bro ✊🏻

[@RedBeardsGarage]

I appreciate you hanging around! 👊

[@2strokesimdone833]

You wouldn't happen to know of a readily available belt drive transaxle that would work for a golf cart? I bought a duromax 440 to swap it but it's a 2 stroke ezgo so it uses the motor/generator to operate reverse. I've got a OG dingo and thought about robbing the open diff out of it with a reverse box but I'm torn. Excellent work as always man keep it up. Hopefully you guys make a trip out to Johnson City this season. Buffalo Mountain is awesome in a SxS.

[@Brian-bi7qe]

Awesome video!!!. I don't know Predator motors. What was the hp to start with?. Looks like a really good build with really nice parts. The only thing I didn't like was the grinding for clearance part. No way to do it and keep balance in your home shop. How much did this build cost?.

[@ganefo7578]

Mantap pak de👍👍👍

[@christhornton9859]

We gotta see the dyno vids. I’d love to see it ripping

[@nitrousshovelhead]

that is an interesting and unique method you use to balance your motor. just remove whatever is in the way?

[@wyattsgarage6122]

Love it sounds amazing. Where do I get the parts in this video. Can’t find on go-power- sports.

[@WeldonAutomotive]

Sucks I’m seeing this so late but what’s the size comparison between this and a regular 212? I have a 212 in my moto 80 frame and it’s tight but would be cool if it would be a direct swap

[@angelcook5364]

How do you use the headlight with this set up? I was going to build a 212 or 224 but I can't find a good billet charging flywheel to run my lights and my lights are a most have.

[@Principlesofpleasure]

One question can you use the 212 predator billet parts for this engine ?

[@jberry1982]

I always use a little red high temp grease on my roller rockers when I assemble them

[@davidwichner2018]

Thought the gopowersports Fire265 cam requires 26lb springs if so can I run 36lbs springs on a hemi?

[@davidprado4067]

Your simply Awesome!!