How to Wire Electric Start on a Go Kart & Other Small Engines

[@ProbeGT2]

This is, i think, your most extensive tutorial. Everything is well explained, simplified and organized. Great job!

[@trentonjoziah1092]

instablaster.

[@christopher33277]

Finally someone properly explains everything professionally! This is perfect timing as I'm adding that exact motor to my kart with head lights, electric start and charging coils. Thank you!

[@peterburns1004]

Hey RBG Im a qualified mechanic....... I noticed that your not referring to open and closed circuits properly.......A open circuit is NOT a complete circuit and a closed circuit is a completed circuit....... Great video love your work.

[@davidalderman5496]

That was driving me crazy!!

[@RoundBoyRanch]

Ya, I was grinding my teeth over that....

[@charleslittle458]

Had most other terminology correct

[@yobentley7274]

yeah. drove my crazy too.

[@Jbro824]

Drove me nuts to listen to the wrong terminology.

[@johnpoole7816]

Is that pancake syrup on the table @6 min. into the video, now we know why the karts are so sweet. You guys are great,love the videos, been a fan from the start. God has blessed you guys .

[@justlive56]

This video was posted at a perfect time. I'm about to swap the stock motor off my xtk go kart to a 16hp duromax and didn't want to lose the electric start.

[@jonpardue]

A fuse in the Yellow "always hot" wire would be a good addition. Good video.

[@tunechilee6052]

This is a very detailed and well explained tutorial!! I wasn’t looking for this video but I’m glad I found it. My uncle just brought my son an old go kart and I’m just trying to figure out how the choke works. I have no business doing anything you explained in the video but after some more research I have you to come back to if we ever decide to mod it. You got yourself a new subscriber!!

[@andrewmasonwerdna]

9:12 pull the connection to check it, don't just assume, also soldering tips should be coated with pre melted wire before soldering helps penetration. I don't think I've cleaned it once, decade old gun never seen a wire brush, original tip, just the tip.

[@Midlifecrisismods]

Rbg, Thank you for the clear and concise guide on this. I've been following a lot of your performance and dino videos on the predator 212 and stuff to do with go karts. I purchased two 3 am systems to put on mine since it said in your video it would come with just one if it had one on my clone. Also, I'm using the non-heavy 212 and I ordered port and polished valves, a performance head and a 224 mirkani flathead carburetor as well as a straight true axle, upgraded tires and brakes. I forgot how fun go-karts really are and as a 41-year-old your videos are super duper helpful. Keep them coming

[@xrebblegames8688]

This is hands-down the best video I’ve seen on the setup. It’s very detailed

[@royalwilson6640]

Thank you for the time you spent to help us beginners.Thank you, you are appreciated..seriously

[@RedBeardsGarage]

We really appreciate you for supporting us. We couldn't do this without you. Also your welcome!

[@enjoiboy385]

Can you make a video about installing the actual starter to something like a predator 212 that doesn’t come with one?

[@christopher33277]

This. Please

[@jg1746]

This comment needs to blow Up, I support this one whole heartedly

[@LightGesture]

Yeah, exactly what im thinking

[@danieldelarosa8806]

I lost focus all I could think about was did he have 🥞pancakes or 🧇waffles

[@walterschilling4512]

Can't teach an old dog new tricks ?This old dog learns alot on Red's Channel ,thanks for all you do!

[@lXxXsoulXxXl]

Dude that helps alot for someone who doesnt know what there doing this helped alot and i wish u lived close to me because i have a project i want to do

[@jonmartin5344]

Appreciate the video brother, my 5 boys are wanting to rebuild the old family go-kart, found an on sale electric starter, this video was great!

[@loganmartin7442]

You know more bout engines in stuff than anyone bro I been watching your videos sense it came on you tube bro your the best racing engine mechanic I have ever watched on here you do know what your doing

[@neeleywoods3149]

Anyone else notice the syrup bottle on the bench behind him ? lol LOVE IT!

[@Theloss52]

Showing people how to wire a proper ignition harness; right on dude 👍🏿

[@JonnyMudMower]

The soldering iron I never knew I needed till right now ,,,,,,,🍻🇨🇦👍🏻

[@mrshiloblack]

Good stuff. I would tin the battery cable wire prior to dipping it in connector though. Your creating a cold solder joint with your method. Also, a wet sponge is excellent for cleaning the solder iron after each use.

[@armandcalunia7036]

Hey BEARDS that's cool explanation.... please WE ARE EXCITED TO WATCH HOW to do the set up of connection charging the Battery.. you have the Best explanation 5 star thumbs up

[@josephmadden6860]

Thank you! Finally a video that’s clear to the point and explained perfectly. The off road kart I’m working on has headlights so I’ll be looking for your video on how to do that. Thanks again! Although I think you touched on it in the switch video on where to hook up the headlights

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

I bought a 440 this spring for my go kart and I just took the switch module off the engine and extended the wires. I found that the rectifier diode for the charging coil was inside the module. Not that you can’t move it back to the engine but be aware it’s there !

[@sanantoniocowboy82]

I see a golf cart limo canopy!!!! I cant wait to see that next video.

[@timelson6659]

I saw that too. I seached the comments first to see if anyone else saw it! Good Eye!

[@Tampaboys]

This was a very detailed video bud great job I really appreciate all the knowledge always have trouble with the wiring systems

[@hadenhitz7010]

Amazing video man, really appreciate how professionally it was performed and how clear you made the process.

[@MorphineDragon]

Thanks for the tips, never thought of soldering wires etc. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@michaelamykels6605]

I have an old snow thrower that has electric start but the way they get power is by plugging into a cord and the push start is on that box is that a voltage converter changing it from 120vac to 12vdc

[@ericrobinson9340]

Can you clarify the purpose of the bottle of maple syrup in the background at around 4:30?

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Lol my son was eating waffles and hanging out in the garage that morning. I never noticed that.

[@TheWilliammccormick]

You had me at rosin, again

[@bigedd91]

great job explaining things. thanks

[@scottyockman7716]

Good video ! Is this switch also applicable for use with the predator 670? I have a vegas carts switch that I am having trouble with . Thank you

[@scottpeck1149]

Proper connection, never turned back. That's what I learned long ago also👍🇺🇸

[@jayventransportllc]

Looking foward to the next one

[@notajp]

On a lawnmower, L would be for lights, M is magneto. BTW, I don’t understand why you don’t follow convention and use red for battery hot. I generally use yellow for lights/accessories. Have built many wiring harnesses and that’s the way I’ve always done and seen it done.

[@username-mk8gf]

I used to think those cars that die at every complete stop were stupid, until I was told no, that's the best hybrid system you could have, because the engine doesn't have to be engineered to idle and the power requirement is easily met with regenerative braking, and because the starter motor is already reduced, you don't need a first gear. I wonder if these starter motors are capable of such a thing too, because you could potentially have a two speed transmission. I always enjoyed taking off with the starter motor in my neon.

[@tylardixon3208]

So if I was to add light I would use the accessory spot on the ignition as my power source instead of going all the way to the battery?

[@andrewmasonwerdna]

Very simple setup!

[@bryduhbikeguy]

I never remember to buy Heat Shrink,so I use my Permatex rubber gasket stuff and seal so no water gets into the wires,etc.No corrosion after 2 years still.

[@TetraHydroCannabinolTHC]

Excellent tips with the soldiering

[@saavedravideos258]

Thanks 🙏 this will help me for an eventual build

[@TheSkoto1]

I see you work on these a lot and just recently bought one for my old tuff built tractor. I shorted one of the cheap wires out moving the control box about 3 feet. It smoked the wire that has 2 wires in it and another. now no mater where I put that wire it won't cut off with the switch. Starts and runs great but won't shut off with the switch. I could just use another switch to ground it out but was wondering what it cooked besides the wire, 5 wires coming off the engine but only 4 in the switch box. Any idea. Yeah and i should have removed the fricking battery wire but got in a hurry, It is the stock wiring that came with the engine.

[@TheWilliammccormick]

awesome video!!!!! I'm trying to install a cheap amazon rpm/mph digital display. Having issues getting a good place to read the rpm. Not sure if the wrap the wire technique works with the setup i have.. that said i'm assuming grounding everything out is probably going to be my answer. The 212cc reads if i connect to the spark plug bare wire, but it wont start. no starter just pull start. The tach goes up when i pull the chord. so that gets me some answers.... just gotta find out why its not allowing it to start.

[@bridgelund]

I've been wanting to make my mini bike Key (Electric) Start, thanks for the info

[@carlossolano5003]

Do you have an idea on how to wire it to an existing harness ! I have a Chinese buggy with a Honda gx motor on it ! I’m getting an electric starter kit and would like it to start with the original key ! Any help would be appreciated

[@christinaanderson6026]

Great explanation! Very informative.

[@minibikegarage1577]

This is exactly what i was looking for. Thank you brother for the great content.

[@ryandensley7688]

K on a tillotson 212 how do you regulate the power to the ignition oil?

[@kwatt-engineer796]

Jst a slight refinement to corrosion on the wire. The copper cladding is very thin. It is there to compensate for the fact that bare aluminum will corrode immediately. The problem is that aluminum is sacrificial to the copper. The aluminum will corrode leaving the thin plating behind . Functionally the whole wire corrodes. The plating is likely not even visible

[@MultiBassman55]

I am looking at a Predator 300series engine for my golf cart and I would love to hook up a electric start…show us how please!

[@PatTheBaker855]

Would the Vegas key switch work as a kill switch for the mb200 mini bike? It would be nice to have because i always worry about my bike when i run into a gas station and thinking someone could just walk up and start the bike and drive away with it

[@bradmaas6875]

Always use full copper wire. I like to pre-tin my wires before attaching them and and clean them after attaching with alcohol. Does the key release in accessory position?

[@Bri-tg6xr]

Such a clean install, I need to wire like that. Do they have 90-degree battery connectors to try and hug the wire closer to the battery? That bugged me, kinda looked like it might be under stress.

[@tonesdrones7395]

Hey red I put 2 coils for charging my battery because I want to run turn signals and brake lights and a radio! Can I run all this off of my coils with a rectifier? And how many ac volts come off those coils?? Thank you! And by the way I love your videos keep up your good work friend!!

[@Damiantjuh]

is it possible to add a electric starter to a 2 stroke bike wich has standard only a kick-start?

[@MegaKencam]

I'm looking forward to the charging system video. Please add suggestions for troubleshooting issues. I added a 2nd coil and a rectifier to my 420 and it will not charge my battery.

[@jwalkerftw]

Does this apply for the tillotson 212 as well?

[@ronaldmontenegro559]

What gauge wire was used on the switch and also how can I add a push start button

[@captaincaveman5766]

Great video. Dreading making a wiring harness for my Owosso BDI Explorer. I can't even work an ohm meter yet. Any chance for a "remote choke" video. Moving the choke up on the "dash"

[@Mustang086]

Love the video but do you think you could make a video with an electric start and charging system. I've been trying flip back and forth between your two videos on the topics to create a wiring diagram but it's been kind of difficult and tedious. I think you could help a lot of people out with a video combining the two systems.

[@nou755]

This is precisely what I've been trying to figure out, any insight on what you did?

[@MCscarfacematt]

my plan to wire the electric start is not to add it but move it but its a bit of a pain with one hand but when i move the stock key box ill be adding a remote choke because ill have to choke it out to start in the cold Canadian winter

[@nateboyd1758]

Will this also work for the HF predator 459cc ?

[@Nitewatch-xc9yz]

Glad I watched this,, wiring is not my strong point,,,, thanks Greg

[@mtbsobe]

Hows the quality of a stock setup for these engines? It will not be on a gokart just a log splitter turning a 22pgm hydraulic pump. Thanks

[@callofdutymobilegameplaywi7217]

About to do this myself only problem is I am running a high compression build 223cc wildcat with forged rod +0.50 etc I am scared it won’t have the UMPH to even turn it over … I’ve read on some forums some people say high compression builds don’t work with electric start setups at all period … ummm…hmm any advice ?

[@its_me_voltron6394]

It's good to be well grounded 😎

[@sammylisasmith2104]

Me and my family love the video one system at a time just like the confesion video makes scents one step at a time

[@warniedaniel9867]

Can you do a video on how to wire a gy6 150 stand alone. Like all the wires for cdi box and all that stuff, as if it was a donor motor going on another project

[@cbr600rx7]

Thanks for taking your time to do this. It definitely helps

[@minidraglife6732]

can you use the stock little box that comes on the side of them i took apart mine and kept everything on now i have to wire everything so could i do that ?

[@kylewhalley3573]

Any chance you can help identify where the coil kill switch is on my engine

[@spikeharvey6464]

hey i was wondering if you guys can do or have a video with a mod 2 cam vs a 308 cam

[@mikedavis6566]

Nice video. Well thought out and well explained. Very helpful. Looking forward to the rest of the series (Charging system, Lights, Accessories, GPS, DC Fridge, etc...). Will you show how to put in a fuse block and the correct usage of relays? Thanks, you are going a great job.

[@REAL_LIFE]

Hey Redbeard idk if you will see this but could you tell me if the tq converter from a predator 212 will bolt to a Duromax 212?

[@geoffreyallen9687]

Hey redbeard I have a Colman 200uex. My plan is to put a tilitson 220 on it w/ electrical start. Will the same circuit work for that app? / And a side note pretty for me I've had some problems with ordering the things I need I'm hoping that this is not one of my selfish wims so I'm leaving it in God's hands. Keep up the good work!!!

[@davidcallender3784]

If you tin the wires first it will prevent them bird caging when you crimp and then soldering goes real fast. Just a suggestion.

[@socialmediaego]

@redbeard’sgarage hey will all this work for a Massimo Mb200 pull start engine ?

[@TrojanHorse1959]

Great video and tips, thank you! P.S. You might want to let your viewers know that you can overheat copper and if you do it will not take solder well leading to bad connections. Only heat it enough to melt the solder and no more. Otherwise, you have to start over and clean it thoroughly before you can get it to work properly.

[@traemarks7213]

Also beneficial to scuff the inside

[@aeranstroup5976]

Can I do this on a 319cc 8hp briggs and Stratton?

[@straighthustlebullyz5315]

Quick question I have a cateye pocket bike I’m going to do a engine swap soon but my question is can I rotate the back rim to have the sprocket ⚙️ on the left side and would it work or would I have to weld the sprocket cause it’s a free spin

[@lorenmeyer5290]

Great video! Very helpful! Thanks!

[@Desertjoe789]

I used to solder the big copper ring terminals until one over heated, melted the solder and the battery wire came out and set fire to the vehicle. It’s much safer to simply get a hydraulic crimper and crimp the battery cable ends, and then shrink tube then to keep water and acid out.

[@dennisboyd6829]

Has the second video been made? Really would like to know how to install the charging coil

[@EPsanddrags]

I wanna see how u can hook up a rpm tach on one of these motors

[@leemer1]

Its easy if you use one of them rectangular garden tractor style digital tach/hour meters. Its one wire and the end gets wrapped around the spark plug wire at the boot about 6 times.

[@abrahampeshko1858]

Thanks for the video RBG

[@masonjordan4184]

Where can I buy the 670 performance build but with all the mods on it

[@tylardixon3208]

Wired my sons go kart up and my hot wire started smoking that is connected to the starter. Any ideas?

[@thedivinehammerswoodworks1895]

I see you are using that Milwaukee M12 soldering iron, I have seen nothing but reviews for it melting the collar or the heating element breaking in them, how long have you had yours? I am a Mechanic and I have the M12 ratchets so I was looking at this for working under dashes but if it melts or the elements fail, it will do me no good.

[@cjgentry2028]

Did you ever do a video for not having to charge the battery, where running it will charge the battery?

[@byronrace]

Looking for the charging circuit video. Are you going to do that?

[@cjgentry2028]

Did you ever find a video for this?

[@mongoosealltime7670]

I am wanting to make something with a Clinton engine will this work on it to?

[@romansmetak9212]

mr. red beard, i have a question, which elect start kit fits the predator 212cc hemi, i just bought a new one and i was thinking of installing this on my motor, its on a 3 wheel bicycle along with said motor Ive seen a bunch of kits for hondas the one im interested in is on eBay its the Honda GX390 13HP GX340 11HP Electric Start Kit Flywheel Starter Motor kit, has flywheel starter key set etc. iM sure you're familiar with em is there any special tricks im going to run into? would appreciate any advice or e help u can provide LOVE YER STUFF MAN ITS REALLY COOL!

[@HunterShelton-w3i]

Hey man I know this is super old video but I am hoping you will see this and be able to help me out. I have a yerfdog gy6 150CC and I can adapt this video to my wiring to install the John Deer ignition switch. Is there anyway you can do a video on that or get in contact with me to figure it out.

[@HunterShelton-w3i]

Excuse me “cannot adapt”

[@gabegibbs7898]

what if i dont have a soldering iron, i dont know anything about engines and im trying to figure out how to put electric start on predator 420. do i need to buy soldering iron.

[@tuckerbuzzell1882]

I got a 168f 6hp diesel engine how would I put electric start on it

[@jubileefan6079]

Thanks, Red Beard! I am HORRIBLE at wiring...

[@fatbuddycat]

RBG, can you guys do a video on the basic tools and welder needed to get started? I'm relocating my steering wheel and while I'm waiting for my rear axle I want to try welding it together myself. I have a Chicago Flux125 and a 100 amp AC stick that can only handle 3/32 6013 and burns through everything with 6011 before it sets a good bead. What would anyone who reads this do??

[@TheWilliammccormick]

You had my attention at Dab, all of it

[@lloydbaker7099]

Nice job

[@berrysbs6624]

hey redbeard i wanted to ask u a little bit about the 212 i got and the build i want to do i have about 200$ and an already upgraded 212 with a torque convertor an exhaust a air filter and jet kit and now im looking to make a little more power, i put together a cart on go power sports with a stage 2 cam 18 lb valve springs and i was either gonna get a off brand mikuni or just an assortment of jets to get the flow right but i was told by a friend to upgrade my rod too and im stuck between a carb or a billet rod and i really am not even sure if my engine will run after installing what i want i just need a little guidence on my build if u could please and thank you