Predator 212cc Amazon Performance Parts ~ Unboxing, Installation, and Dyno

[@rrossadillo]

Thanks brother for getting back into mini bike related content! Love the other stuff too, but I don’t do go karts or e-bikes! Love the channel, keep on keepin on. God bless.

[@matthewsmith9487]

I have found that you can verify what engine your getting for sure by looking through one of the handle holes and you can visibily see the head. I also noticed the non hemi boxes are glossy and the hemi boxes are more of a matte finish. I don't know how long that may hold true but I have verified this in store myself. Best way to be sure is to take a peek through the handle holes. Hope this helps! I actually have three hemis i built following Red Beards videos and ran into this issue so I did some research on how to locate which engine you need.

[@mikeylikesit01]

i love this channel! i feel like ive known yall for ever. good people and great content!

[@Charliegsand]

EC & ARC have a passion for the hobby/industry & it shows

[@bryduhbikeguy]

Thank you for the great information Greg. Yes, most of us are on a tight budget, and $40 is a few meals, but if something breaks...Glad you covered so many points and showed what's possible if we pay attention and check everything as we build for just 'a bit more power'.

[@christiannagy8417]

That video is exiting.. Always appreciate these type of videos 'cause they're so informative

[@Buses2Bikes]

While I appreciate the effort in making this video I feel that the testing of Amazon parts wasn't quite fair or accurate seeings as how 1/2 the Amazon parts weren't actually used. And the Wildcat Head threw the test results off as well. Weren't using a Predator head with the predator sized valves. Maybe revisit this video idea in the future when you have all the parts and the correct non-hemi engine to use as a test mule?

[@brentscharfe7361]

I second that comment

[@DirtyDave413]

What do you mean 1/2 the parts weren't used?

[@Buses2Bikes]

@@DirtyDave413 The head was different, they didn't use the Amazon valve springs And I have to go back and watch the video to remember the other pats that they got from Amazon but ended up not using in the build. The video idea was a good one but the actual build wasn't what they were originally trying to do.

[@tylergriffin8299]

Did u not see the play in the Amazon rocker arms on the roller end ? I wouldn’t run those on any of my motors ! Not ever

[@Buses2Bikes]

@@tylergriffin8299 I did see the play in the, But that wasn't the point of the video. To disqualify the Amazon parts and use something better. The point was to USE the Amazon parts and see how they performed. That wasn't done here. Not entirely. That's my point. If you do a review of parts you get from Amazon...you have to actually USE the parts you got from Amazon otherwise it's not a review of the parts from Amazon. It's a review of parts you got from somewhere else OTHER than Amazon.

[@kennethwelch4261]

A lot of the really high power drag race stuff have actually gone to using the bushings in their rockers over the bearing type, more for reliability than for power . The bearing type were exploding and dropping the needles from the bearings in the engine.

[@jazecamp269]

Cool to know, thanks for your input

[@spappy2k6]

My local harbor freight said they are putting both motors in the same box, so going by the number no longer works. Look for the box with cutouts for handles and you can look inside to see which valve cover it has - stamped for non-hemi, cast aluminum for hemi. 😉

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Good thinking. Im going to have to start doing that.

[@kelleyhargis9025]

I concur. I work at Palm Harbor Harbor Freight in FL, and the only 49 state 212 engine part number available now is 69730, but you can find both hemi and non-hemi in the box.

[@WalkerSmallEnginePerformance]

@@RedBeardsGarage We can no longer get them here in CA so I picked one up in Arizona. Non-hemi on the box, hemi inside.

[@nszabados]

have not been able to find a non hemi 212 in northeast ohio. everytime i peek into the boxes it’s just hemi valve covers

[@JasonStaggs99]

I can confirm they’ve been doing it for years. In about 22 I went and got what was supposed to be the non hemi part number but when I opened it it was a hemi

[@travis48g]

I bought a set of chinese copy champion rockers from amazon.I was so mad at the very poor quality and excessively loose clearances that I just threw them in the trash.Genuine champion rockers are very good quality and fit.

[@WalkerSmallEnginePerformance]

Yeah, those are junk.

[@trentbikes]

Why didn't you just return them get your money back?

[@citrus1973]

Because he’s telling stories.

[@SNELLERIZED]

24:37 I've seen it mentioned in multiple place to NOT use assembly lube on these engines. With these being splash/mist lubed engines, they do not flush out that assembly lube with oil like a pressurized oil system, which can actually lead to improper lubrication. Oil rings should never see assembly lube in any engine.

[@garykarenmcgruther6386]

Look in to The Oil Geek KZbin channel. Certain Assembly lubes melts and goes to an much less thickness and replaces with oil just by splash. Amsoil Assembly is one of them.

[@privatedata665]

for reference when buying a HF Predator engine , you can look through the handle holes in the engine box and visually see the valve cover so you know which engine is in the box

[@cedhome7945]

You can get a rough spring rated by putting a hole in steel box or 2x2 bar say 1/4 inch diameter put this in a vice and pass a heavy cable through a thick washer pass through spring and suspend weights below, sort of like a pendulum, keep adding weights until the spring compressed and that will give you a rate

[@SNELLERIZED]

20:56 I'm shocked that he doesn't know they both come in the same box.

[@trevorwebb9806]

My box pictures a hemi!

[@austins.6741]

Glad you made this video because I just order these Chinese parts a few days ago to upgrade my 224

[@SNELLERIZED]

24:23 Use a NPT tap and pipe plug for a much cleaner installation.

[@Minibikesquads]

Yess finally amazon parts buildd!!

[@Don.E.63]

I try to buy American whenever possible, we have been flooded with so much Chinese stuff sometimes it is impossible to avoid. Btw, love the scripture you put in your videos. God bless you & yours.

[@RedBeardsGarage]

I agree and appreciate the kind works. Thanks for watching.

[@02ws64]

I think a huge take away from this video is how much power the 212 made with just the head and rockers.......it made more hp than the tillotson 225r when you dynoed it. This was with the stock cam right? I'd love to see the Big Block Clone 18cc Shred head dynoed on a 224. See how much power you could make with bolt ons only. Keep up the awesome videos. 👍🏻

[@walkerfablab]

Support your local shops❤️🙌🏻 we appreciate it more than you know!❤️

[@kclaptraffic]

Just keep in mind some of the US companies are relabeling Chinese parts. Not all but some.

[@privatedata665]

I put a LOT of laps on an ARC rod in a 196 . Hundreds of laps @ 7500 RPM . At the end of the season the bearings looked really good . That was using Thor for oil .

[@christianousa9193]

The last batches of 212's from HF ARE ALL Hemi engines under a non hemi part number, i checked several. And there are no 420's hemi out there anymore. So would be nice if you play around with somw 420 non hemi and ahoq somw numbers on the dyno. Have a great day and God bless you sir!

[@DIYWilly]

I though the coating on the piston is suposed to go down the skirt also. Isn't that's where its really needed?

[@SpACeCruizeR2o3]

I think they just switch it up to make more sales slick tactics willy 🙃

[@jimhertel5125]

There’s heat coatings for the tops

[@SNELLERIZED]

24:04 No need to run bolts into untapped holes. Cut that shaft in half. Drive one half back into the hole it came out of and the other half into the other hole behind the flywheel.

[@metalmaniac9513]

Would've loved to see you use the stock rockers first to see the difference from the higher lift with that head

[@ilikemotors2008]

Do you know the part number? for EC rod for the Predator 212 non hemi?

[@duveedu826]

How much extra power you think this engine gained from having a billet fly wheel with advance timing vs a aluminum fly wheel with stock timing?

[@jimhertel5125]

Wonder if offset wrist pin hole is their idea of an offset bore or piston? Might be why piston was so far in the hole

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Could be. I should have measured it before the install but forgot.

[@jakedrew7365]

Good video/ series. Thanks for everything.

[@MinibikeAbe-89]

Awesome video. Did the exact same build months back with the exact same parts. 😎

[@matthewdrew6268]

I don't think China copied anything. Remember they are the ones that make the engine. They can look at some pictures online and make parts. China is not what you think. They are smart and are fully capable of making good products but also have the advantage of dirt cheap labor.

[@WalkerSmallEnginePerformance]

They absolutely knocked off the ARC rod. Yes, the Chinese are capable of making good stuff. So why not design and sell their own? When you’ve been on the receiving end of IP theft, you realize how messed up it is.

[@radoncave69]

Yes that is true but… being a noncommietard wouldn’t you rather support an American business?

[@matthewdrew6268]

@@WalkerSmallEnginePerformance I should have worded my comment different. I don't think they knocked it off in the sense of buying an arc rod and scanning it and throwing it into a CNC. And I agree with the IP issues. I worked for a small start up that kinda got screwed by Chinese. Sucks but for something as simple as a rod it's kinda hard to knock them. I personally don't think any of the aftermarket rods are highly optimized for strength and weight. They are all basic designs. Nothing wild about them , and I'm not saying they are bad or anything.

[@matthewdrew6268]

@@radoncave69 yes I would. 100% but saying China can't build nice stuff is something too many Americans actually believe and it's not true at all. People should be scared how good China is getting. I'm in manufacturing and we gotta use our brains to keep up and it ain't easy. Mexico is getting there too, they are advancing at a massive rate. And shipping from there ain't expensive

[@WyFoster]

Sounds like something a commie would say

[@FinalFinishDetail]

Great video as always! But I am very jealous of your beard lol.

[@southsidehunter]

That's the reason I look through the little handle hole because the valve cover is lined up with it

[@ilikemotors2008]

what is a good Predator. 212 non hemi Build.?

[@dleslie]

Here in Canada, EC & ARC parts are either not available or 2x the price or higher. It's not a small price difference, it's astronomical.

[@juanca.accord]

Alot of people were ordering non-hemi's and recieving them, I got lucky and got the non hemi when I ordered it, but its forsure an issue harbor freight has

[@austinarmstrong9729]

It’s not a issue , they are swapping to only offering the hemi on the ghost , if you get a hemi in a non hemi it’s just them getting rid of what’s left

[@kevinragsdale6256]

you can check the pressure of the springs with a drill press and a scale.

[@lowsquare6063]

22:25 I just recently decided to start building out a predator 212 and I picked up the engine at harbor freight thinking that it was a non-hemi as it wasn’t a Hemi on the box like what you had, but sure enough I opened it and it was a hemi style predator. So yea it’s happened to me recently with the box engine head style mix up.

[@JGsgarage_unboxings]

They let me open the box before I left. The first one I opened was a non-hemi. Soo I was pretty happy

[@aidanallen4191]

@@JGsgarage_unboxingshappened to me about two months ago on the last engine I bought as well

[@WalkerSmallEnginePerformance]

Hey, speaking of EC carburetors, are they having issues after that hurricane? They usually respond really fast but not the last couple days. Hope all is OK.

[@coltonberry9579]

Yay I frkn love this content!!!!

[@phafinley3052]

Look through the hand holes in the box you can see if it is a hemi or not

[@craigbowley6783]

Thanks Greg. Very informative 👍

[@heavybass7825]

Did u use stock length push rods for that wc-946 head on the hemi bottom.... I have wc223 I wanna put a wc-946 head on and wasn't sure what size push rods I would need...

[@privatedata665]

Great content . I have to question a piston for a 212 with coating on the top . For a turbo engine or running Galaxy gas ? I'd be more interested in a piston with skirt coating .....

[@OGTtom]

Great information Greg , thank you

[@lcp9073]

if 2 or more boxes are there on the shelf..just grab the taller box..hemi box is an inch taller for some reason..I was told tank was taller but haven't verified

[@kennycayson1485]

Hey buddy I had a clone Honda I believe a 206 that I blew on my racing go kart what do u suggest for a replacement for a upgrade and still be in the same racing class

[@joshkelly3743]

I imagine a lot of this stuff is parts that did not pass the QC when they were making the name brand blanks

[@desertdoll7]

hey is it safe to put a billet flywheel on if it has nicks or small hair line scratches it came out of the boxes like that talked to seller they said its fine there just machining marks ?

[@GorillaCookies]

Increasing the rocker arm ratio just provides a increase in valve lift and duration. The same thing can take place by just getting a bigger lift cam with increased duration. Having the benefits of reduced friction in your valvetrain by using a needle bearing and roller tip rocker arm is great. But the price for any of those rocker arms is absurd in my opinion. They cost more than a Brand new Predator 212. And thats just ridiculous

[@mitcrex]

I agree although the rockers are sweet a nice cam and some new springs still less than $80

[@philipgagne1852]

Is there still a benefit in that chinese rod being that it has bearings vs the stock rod? More for longevity then anything?.

[@seansysig]

RBG you’re repeating yourself frequently beating your point to death. Great information and USA all the way.

[@ezrarandall]

does anyone know a good vid on how to attach the wiring on a predator 212? i have a simple gokart and just bought the 212 but am unsure of how to connect wiring ty

[@chicknman72]

in building my stock 196, if you want to call it that, I am taking some Chinese shortcuts...right now I am using my bike as intended, not pushing high RPMs for long periods of time....just looking to get 40-45 mph out of it so I don't get run over on the shoulder of a two lane riding between properties and state land.....if I delve into the internals, I will be going all EC there.....may save that for the 212 I have sitting here, just waiting on funds.....

[@raleighparker7046]

I suspect the results could be different than many might assume or think. Even if it does fail miserably, at least then a fact based result can be seen. Keep,it real dog. 🐕

[@troymartin5511]

Why is ec carbs out of stock on almost everything? Are they still in business?

[@jaredbudzinski8434]

Awesome video. When you are referring to the flywheel you couldn’t get is it a billet flywheel? I’ve seen tons of cast aluminum ones claiming 10k rpm safe. If it’s stock timing they run like $35. If you get one with a timing advanced it’s closer to $70 I think.

[@joebolden3884]

Hey I have a taotao125 with a Chinese motor 212 and a comet 20 series torque converter it runs in the air but when I put it down it just rev can u help me?

[@Dennis4523]

Should’ve gotten the Chinese 14cc chamber head on Amazon too. I got one of them and god bless the casting is terrible, and they don’t even use split keep retainers. But with some new valves, a dremel, and a polisher. You wouldn’t know what the difference is

[@thaddeusgettys2726]

I wonder if you could rig nos to one of these engines

[@allmylifebassheadz]

YESSIR COLUMBIA SC IN HERE GREAT CONTENT BROTHER #ALLMYLIFEBASSHEADZ

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Thank you for supporting!!!

[@allmylifebassheadz]

@@RedBeardsGarage WILDCAT 223CC FTW BAYYYYBEE

[@SNELLERIZED]

8:32 That's all I had to see. JUNK!!!

[@dekriecastle-cook327]

Absolutely 💯. End of the story for me too.

[@vegaspete100]

That side cover gasket was defective, incorrect for the application..........something. 26:47 shows the amount of gasket material hanging out the bottom. There shouldn't be any.

[@fanofoldfans9238]

I've seen the Chinese "billet" rods in pieces from some of the rebuilds I've done. If you know a local machine shop with a Rockwell hardness gauge I'd like to know what type of supposed billet material China is using and compare hardness to the real USA made stuff. Another great video!

[@dekoldrick]

I've been reading stories of people who've bought what they though was a non-hemi 212 in a non-hemi box only for it to be an hemi. Serial numbers are unreliable because for some reason, hemi and non-hemi are using the same serial numbers.

[@MiniBikeNoob]

Yupp just picked up a predator an the box shows a non hemi but when i opened the box it was a hemi😢 an i went back an checked the other boxes an they are all hemi with the picture of a non hemi on the box

[@ericdome2394]

Hey red beard can you help me out. Stock 212 predator on a long tail mud motor kit nothing special all stock everything only thing i have done is pull off the wire to oil level sensor. I run it for like 30 40 min and it just bogs out and dies and then wont start worth a shit after that then load it up go home and it fires right up runs like no problem and i cant figure out what is going on its literally brand new maybe 7hrs on it if that thabsk for any help

[@Trap..house.]

What size jets are you running in the carburetor?

[@j.finesseflights1403]

Please, make a video of the birth of said tensioner!?

[@leosweeney7955]

Hi, Glad to see all is well with you and family!!! Can you tell me/us, if you have any info on Iassic, John (Cars and Cameras) or Rather B Welding!!! Really worried about them.

[@metalmaniac9513]

I commented on Ikes Instagram and he said they're good idk bout rather b welding though

[@leosweeney7955]

@@metalmaniac9513 Thanks, I'm in E. TN, about 1 1/2 hrs from RBW, I know his area got hit pretty bad!!! Thoughts go out to him!!!

[@Johnnyboy71792]

Hey RBG, I'm doing a similar build, but with a 3.328 rod. Will 1.3 rockers still work for me? They're in my cart, but I'm worried to check out. Lol

[@davessparetime83]

Which motor is better Hemi or non Hemi?

[@MisterSunday]

Why didn't you compare the price of the Amazon rocker to the price of the Gage rocker it is "copying"?

[@firstshooter-5435]

Good to know I’m not the only one confused about why a hemi is in a non-hemi box and has the same part number. 😂😂 got my non hemi head ready for my set up

[@mashakamakarov4296]

Hey can I run my 200cc mini bike with 2 stroke oil ?

[@Robert-k7m]

Yes sir. I'd like to see you send it!!! 😇🙏👍👍👍👍👍

[@YourFriendlyHoodVampire]

Not only a lack of support; The chinese rockers may not be made of the same alloy and may suffer in longevity

[@georgehunter4023]

Pin through roller tip of chinese ratio rockers are obviously SOFT steel on a wear item which is BAD. Kart racing shop we go to had us look for stapled box to identify as a Hemi engine since all are the same part number now. his advice to us on stapled box hasn't steered me wrong yet.

[@jbspider88]

How about three motors in the past year that all had the non hemi on the front of it but when I open the box they were all hemi trust me it kind of sucks when you order parts for non and you end up buying three motors trying to get a non- so I just start ordering parts for both

[@andrewklahn7899]

Well you can always once you get done beating on it take it to the band saw cut it in half and see if it's poured or blow on billet😊

[@newmonengineering]

6.5 hp to 14hp is very cool.

[@peterchristlieb]

I wouldn’t jump in e chinese rockers just yet. The needle bearing is a good thing but now you ne$))ed hardened shaft ends. To many quality control areas to be overlooked. The EC Rods are my favorite!

[@PumpkinKingXXIII]

With the port union strike going on better buy now or get ready to wait

[@jeffreylyons1531]

Chinese junk comes in on the west coast.

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Yeah it will hurt the prices for a while.

[@nesbit240]

If you are on a budget, why would you be building an engine for a go kart/ minibike?

[@rhetericalpha]

Cast aluminum isn't bad if it's of some quality. Motorcycles have cast machine clutch baskets. With 600cc classes pushing 16-17,000 rpm. That being said safety should come first. If you plane to rev to the moon then maybe not get cast if you plan to rev to say 7k rpm I don't see an issue.

[@TecraTube]

CHINESIUM! dayum bro you pulled that thing apart quicker than I can say VAGATARIAN

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Lol I've had a lot of practice.

[@TecraTube]

@@RedBeardsGarage 😂

[@loganutterback4952]

Put that hoss through the ringer! I wanna see what it can handle

[@christiannagy8417]

„i took so many of these appart, it's rediculous“ 'throws parts on the table'

[@walkerfablab]

Blue lock tight everything 😂 ask me how I know😂😂

[@mlhm5]

We get it. You hate the Chinese rockers but not the engine?

[@memfusboi]

13:13 i thought my video was buffering 😂

[@BruanTurner]

The ec rockers are not the best honestly I’ve had two sets crack on my stock appearing dirt kart engine professionally built that’s never turned harder then about 8600

[@chevybb3275]

Japan came up with this style of engine . Honda

[@hu5116]

I hope you know where all those parts came from! Not for the novice

[@raleighparker7046]

RedBeard, I would prefer to see you use 100% China rotating parts and the China rockers, China cams etc. put it on your Dyno, break it in, then roll the coal and load it. Run it till it dies as fast as it will turn. Let’s see if their flywheel is really the risk you and others say it is. Just back up a bit further and make sure Lonny is between you and the engine while it’s ripping. I watch all your stuff and like it but I really don’t think you gave or rather give any credence to China parts. Just seemed like this vid was more of a bash the Chinese rather than a true test. Why NOT trade as we see fit? your opinion is clearly biased heavily to US Made stuff……I respect the heck out of that but……show us what it really is and or isn’t. Build it well and correct with the Chinese parts, check bearing clearances etc., adjust valves dead on just like you would with your favorite parts. SHOW US HOW MANY MINUTES, HOURS, DAYS IT WILL RUN UNDER LOAD BETWEEN 5000 AND MAX RPM UNTIL IT FAILS. Just my opinion my friend, you have the dyno and can back off, record, data log etc.

[@KaedenDerr]

Can I have the hemi head

[@damienrhodes8201]

Yeah that what they doing now putting hemis in non hemi boxes now 😂

[@David-u5f3v]

When you ground on the crankshaft you unbalanced it

[@verx993]

would you be able to build me a 212-predator stage 5 kit and take the governor off please I will pay you 2 grand