Predator 212 Go Kart Torque Converter Install 

I just ordered that same kit red beard.... what I like about your videos you show everyone step by step how to install everything you do.... when people are watching you put what ever it may be together, you don't need instructions....... thanks my brother!!!

Awesome video Redbeard. Love the Simplicity in which you explain things. It really helps. Thanks for being so informative. As an avid go kart enthusiast I look to your videos a lot to help me recondition and rebuild older karts and motors. Thanks for all.

Just bought one of these setups for predator 212 becuase the kids kept blowing up the old stock comet. Beware those sprockets, they have broken the keyway one in half more than once, so i upgraded it to an ebay replacement with keyway built in, eliminates that weak point. Thanks for the video

I had to cut off the oil cap top wings was keeping me stuck out a tiny bit but deff noticed it lol thanks rgb for teaching me almost everything I know about 212 predator!! Went from Not knowing anything about it to being pretty comfortable with doing anything on it thanks again have a blessed day

Bought mine at Go PowerSports , man what a huge difference it made compared to a centrifugal clutch ! Thanks for sharing

Random I know: Thank you for putting your hand behind the parts. God dang that’s helpful. Wish more people did that.

Very helpful! Working on a kart project myself and you made this part very simple to understand👍🏻😀

Great editing and clear, concise descriptions. I have a correction, which may have been made somewhere down in the comments. That shaft is tapped for a 5/16-24 bolt. The metric bolt that comes with the clutch is not only the wrong thread, but also too short. Feel free to double check me on this; there are lots of videos and discussions about this TAV on the Predator. I made this mistake and fixed it by making a tap out of a 5/16-24 grade 8 bolt to restore the threads. I used a grade 5 2 1/2" bolt which gives good purchase in the shaft with still enough length for a lockwasher and flat washer under the head.

Several have made inaccurate comments about problems with the front bolt (thread and length). I bought this same exact clutch ( Comet 30) from gopowersports last year, used the same bolt here in this video, and the front bolt works perfectly with my Predator Hemi 212 from Harbor Freight. I would know if the threads didn’t match… I’ve been turning a wrench for 45 years. You guys are misinformed. Amateur hour & armchair know-it-all’s.

Gotta say your vids really help when a problem comes up. Best youtube small engine help I have seen. My only problem is I have the hemi predator and the bolt holes are all fine thread while all the bolts in the kit are coarse thread. lol. I guess thats why they have hardware stores.

Excellent instructional video. Just used it to install the same torque converter on my predator 212. Red Beard thanks for your help.

U the man red beard..exsplains everything..no hesitation speaking.very proffesinal.. I perfer u if i need info...i just watched for the hek of it..i did learn one thng.dnt hamer on year puly.because ofvser clip on otherside .good good info..see.professinal. U the man.

That was a lot of help. I ordered the same kit n after watching this video see that I put my kit on all half ass backwards. Thanks again. Great video.

Awesome Videos. Just did this to my predator 420 and the Bike Fly’s. It’s a Nitro 44 frame. Now I have to add Nitrous next !!! Had no clue how to install until your video. Thank God for You Tube !!!!!! Thanks Bud !!!!!!!

Thanks! I took mine apart and needed a reminder how it went back together, your video was perfect!

Thanks the guy who sent it to me on eBay didn’t send instructions. This helps a lot thank you!!!!

Love your videos! As a novice I've learned so much from your vids. I will post vids of the drift trike with torque converter I am building.

Outstanding step-by-step instructions!

Just want yo say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your information on these builds. It has helped me fly by things tremendously ❤ love you big ol red beard dewd

Couldn't have asked for a better video

Warning! The 4 bolts that are needed to mount it to the motor are 5/16 - 24. I didn't see it mentioned anywhere and spent a couple hours and trips to 3 different stores all while lugging the motor with me the entire time to find out.

was a bit worried about installing torque converter on my 212 predator (there aren't instructions) but feel confident now -- thanks bruddah!

So the bolts that are supplied or actually the ones that work on it I same one video before that they said you had to switch him out with some other kind because the threads weren't the same

Love the video a have a question. Can you put the sprocket on the back side of the torque converter? If you can, I’m assuming I’ll have to cut the key provided?

Thanks red beard . Got a rare 3 wheeled chopper go cart project. You helped a lot.

thanks man i installed the torque converter ty for the video its so much better no chain grinding and higher speeds without engine rpms being high better for the engine

If you install the washer on the rear shaft before installing the drive sprocket it moves the sprocket too close to the rivets in the main plate and when a #40 chain is installed the rivets in the chain....especially for the master link.. rub against the rivets in the main plate. The drive sprocket for the chain needs to be installed first and then the washer after that. It then allows enough space for the chain to clear the rivets. I discovered this after the installation and had to disassemble the rear shaft and reverse the order....sprocket first and then washer afterwards. This was on a Predator engine, but I had the same problem with a similar engine with electric start. I also noticed that the inward bevel in the front keyed square drive sleeve doesn't allow very much engagement with the crankshaft keyway when using both the washer and the spacer. I was tempted to mill it down a bit to get more key engagement, but you didn't and seem to have no trouble with it, but there's not a lot of keyway there driving the outer front belt pulley. I'd estimate that there is only about 3/8" key engagement the way it is designed. Is this something to be concerned with? Thanks for any help with this!

Thank you so much for this video. I'm very new to all of this and I just got me a dingo by manco. Couldn't get enough torque with the amazon clutch so I decided to get me a torque converter.

Perfect video. I got my gokart running thanks to Red Beard!

Yet again red beard! You make all of your tutorials nice and simple! It will make my installation of my torque converter cake.

RedBeard...you the freaking man. Because of this video I was able to figure out what I had misplaced!

Thanks red! Nibody gives the full step by step like u do!

I'm converting a 1990 EZ-GO to gas, just got my torque converter today, thanks for the video.

Read Beard... I just bought a used Baja Warrior and it has a Preditor 212 and CVT but the problem I have is the two pulleys are about 1/4" out of alignment, the drive pulley is too far in... I removed the washers on the rear shaft until the chain hits the backing plate. I suppose I need to make a front spacer to fit on... another problem I created is that I stripped the threads in the center of the engine drive shaft, so I'm going to have to drill it deeper , tap it and get a longer bolt to hold the drive clutch on... so beware!

Thanks for the video, just used it to help me install my torque converter on my 224 predator. Great tips, keep it up 🤙🏼🔧🪛🔩⚙️

Perfect. I plan on doing this for my 5hp briggs flattie this weekend. This is super helpful.

When you mount the clutch to the crankshaft that is not a 10mm bolt. It is a M1.25 metric bolt which should not be used because the predator crankshaft comes tapped for 5/16" 24 (fine thread) bolt

You're the man Red Beard keep the videos coming

Thank you go power sports and red beard 🚁⚓️🚁🚤🚉💺🚁🚢

Thanks RB...you did that demo very seamlessly.

Thanks a bunch... the instructions that came with the torque converter are a bit outdated so i had to Google. I heard I was going to have to relearn how to ride my doodle bug after this due to the engine braking but the engagement of the belt was the biggest surprise. Had to give it throttle and wait a second for it to engage. I have a hole in my knee at the moment due to Whiskey Throttle... be ware. Otherwise this is awesome

Agreed, big man, since most of these sets do not come with detailed instructions. Keep building boys.

Truly an excellent and informative video! Clear and concise instructions, many thanks! I also subscribed. Happy New Year RB!

Somebody may have asked this, and if so I apologize: I have a kit 196 with a shaft welded on the back. I assume I just remove the rear pulley from the plate and put on frame shaft correct? Love your videos thank you for what you do!

Couldn't ask for a more detailed video, great job and thank you!!!

I’m installing on a HF predator 212, the bolts included were not correct. I needed 5/16-24 SAE.

Appreciate the video, made putting my daughter's kart back together real easy👍👍👍

The bolts on predator engine are 5/16-24 for the crank bolt and mounting plate bolts also

Good idea to put lock tite or similar on all fasteners.

Thank you for the guide. Will follow this to a T when I receive my torque converter. Random question - which length of 5/16-24 bolts do I need to mount my predator to my Go-Kart? Thank you.

Pretty sure the key washer you put on the first pully goes on the outside of the sprocket and the sprocket to the bearing

Do you have a video of an electric start install on a hemi 212 predator engine and information on where to get a starter kit???

Hi RedBeard great video. Used it to install a new $65 TC off eBay for the 212. However, after I installed it, the go-kart vibrated REALLY bad and didn't accelerate worth dookie. I've done engine swap before and such, so I made sure everything was aligned properly, bolted on tight, chain had just a little slack, belt clutch on drive shaft tight (had to use shaft spacer to align clutch with jackshaft), even made sure the tires were equally inflated, what could be the problem!? It didn't vibrate before the TC install

Well done sir, I sent a friend of mine the link to your video because he's to far for me to travel to do it for him. One thing they do have an oil plug so you don't have to cut. Anyway I'm writing to ask you to tell people the difference between a clutch and converter. He won't listen to me and I think he's making a mistake. He is riding in a long flat not a lot of stop and go. All a converter does is increase take off and hill climbing. A proper 80 dollar clutch or better would be much better for him. I think he will kill a lot of belts and lose some speed. Just my opinion. A converter is not always the answer.

Nice vid. I'm installing one on a rail runner this week. thanks for in info.

Hey Red Beard, your knowledgeable about these things I got a question? Can a torque converter go bad enough to stop an engine? I noticed it's been happening lately and when I try to restart it the wheel moves with the pull string. If I roll the bike a little bit it breaks loose and I can start the motor back up. Could it be one of these pulleys going bad or getting stuck?

I was told you don’t want to over tighten the bolts on either pulley. You didn’t mention that, was it just someone thinking they know best or is there actually something to that?

I did mine yesterday and the bolt that came with it for the crsnk pully was way to short so when i put the impacy on it it tore the crsnk up ni guess that just gives me a reason to buy a new one. So check your bolt and make sure it gonna grab more than 3 threads

I heard that metal bushing wears quick and can cause problems is it better to just keep it off

I have a similar torque converter but it doesn't disengage when idling...I made sure that the belt is aligned and that it is facing the right way but still no luck...any ideas on why this is happening?

sweet I got the same engine on my go kart and I'm getting a new centrifugal clutch fir my b-day

Just getting ready to tackle this thanks for the vid!

This is kinda off the subject to the video but I'm trying to install headlights on a go kart using the same 212 predator and I was wondering if you could explain it to me or maybe post a video of it to kindly make it easier to understand thanks! Love the projects you do and am a happy subscriber!

What is the length of the clutch bolt?

Don't know if you'll be able to answer this but I have a dilemma. I'm converting my 40 Series TC into a jackshaft but I need the drive sprocket mounted on the OPPOSITE (back/inside) side of the main plate on the rear shaft. Im simply using a centrifugal clutch on the crank, chained to the jackshaft, and from there to the rear axle. The final sprocket is fixed in place on said axle. I can not find a video or explanation of what shaft/bearings I need to make this work and whether or not I NEED a pillow block bearing for extra jackshaft support. Love your videos and happy Veteran's Day. {Mounting a Honda gx340 on a chinese quad for a ride to work because its getting cold out}

Hey bro, I got a quick question since I am building my first gokart. Where would the clutch go after you put in the converter or where is the sprocket for the chain?

Where did you get that exhaust???

Will you do video of changing driven red spring setting to achieve higher tourqe setting.for hill climbing

Perfect, exactly what I needed, only question on mine tho, mine interferes with the exhaust bolt when using the middle bolt hole, so I had to use the edge hole. Is that normal?

Thanks red beard this vid helped me a lot!!!

Helpful red beard

You really helped me Fix my go cart

Great job man I bought a kit and it was missing half the shit. Put it together Shit blew apart Ridiculous

Thank you for this pROFESSIONAL INSTALL VIDEO!... great WORK!

That motor was obviously upgraded. If the torque converter is for a 6.5 horsepower motor how did it do for you 12, maybe 10 horsepower motor?

So I burned up my belt is that due to the brass ring? Or is that my son road it for two hours straight? You have been very helpful thank you

Got a problem. In my country I can't get a predator engine but similar. The problem is the jackshaft dismeter is either 18mm or 20 mm. Do you think the cvt kit will fit in one of them

Needs a Tillotson 212 with that Torque Converter 💪😏

Yeah my buddy and I had trouble with the first pulley and that stupid 10mm bolt. It would turn the whole rotating assembly

the go power sport page has many to choose from. what one works on the preditor 212.

Great vide but i have a question where can i get the steel spacer and brass bushing from

This was spot on.... thanks for adding this video.

been watching your vids...nice job. can the sprocket you used be changed to something else? i think u used a 10t.

I saw the thumbnail and thought of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. R.I.P. Ma'am!

I got the same torque converter and everything fits very well, but if i speed up its sounds very Bad and the spring vibrate hardly on the engin side . I think its because of the spring on the driven side. Its looks like its made for the other direction. My Engine is turning against the clock. Have tourque converters a direction ? Or they work booth ways ? Edit: sorry for my german english

Just replaced TC as in this video (enjoyed it BTW) and I have a question...Why is the belt so hard to place over the brass slip ring? The belt is a 669, but after locking everything into position, it is so tight my wheels keep turning. No idle. Thanks.

Thank you very much. The video help me a lot. Thanks.

what’s better for big guys a torque converter or a clutch ??

Holy crap, just found your channel and you have awesome videos! Off topic question, when would an upgraded flywheel be needed? Plan on doing air filter, jet, header for now. Thanks!

Can I run the torque converter clutch without that brass ring

Tell me why to choose this TC over just a clutch? I don't mind spending the money for this TC but is that money justified for it over a simple $30 clutch? What do you think red beard?

Thanks red beard this was very helpful.👍🏻

Well done and explained perfectly

Im Wondering if a stock CVT transmission off a Honda ruckus or any scooter will do the same thing. I'm trying to find a scooter shell that I can throw my already built 212cc in. As of right now I have a centrifugal clutch and 420 chain set up on my mini bike. It seems as though most scooters use the CVT not only as a transmission but also as a swing arm. My goal is to have a "sleeper" scooter that I register as a 50cc.

So it doesn't matter if the front flat pulley lines up with the rear flat pulley does it because on mine, to line them up makes the engine shaft too short. Thanks for anybody's comments

Do you happen to know the size and thread pitch on the crankshaft bolt?😊

At 4:07 I noticed you only had a 1/2 in" of shaft to put on the last part of the clutch. Is that going to be ok? I bought a new motor for my go cart. My old motor has about an inch more of shaft than the new one. I am going to have mount it the same way you did on that last half inch of shaft.

I am planning to build a 4X4 Go Kart but I don't know where to get the parts I need for 4wheel drive go kart.

Thank you for actually doing what the title says i now see what I did wrong lol thank you again

Any idea why my belt doesn't spin? Installed correctly but belt will not rotate with torque converter that is properly spinning, belt has no grip. I don't get it. Thanks for any advice!