Robins to Honda swap

[Marsh Bandit]

Long story short, I’ve had trouble with my robins engine ever since I bought my old cart. To top it off, every time I try to work on it, the bolts break off in the block. So I have a 9hp Honda gx270 motor that I’m thinking about trying to swap out. Not looking to pop wheelies, just want something to get me around lol. Any one done this? Anything I should know going into it?

[Cartmaster]

You will get more chance of answers, if you supply some more details. If it still has the serial plate, the Manufacturing code will give us the year. we will also need the model of the cart, engine type etc. Different model carts have different ways of mounting an engine. Later models use the engine as part of the mounting cradle, so completely different to earlier models.

Pictures always help. We like pictures!!

[slonomo]

The Honda's are good engines. One thing to make sure about is the crankshaft size. If that engine has a 1" straight shaft crank then you are good to go. As far as power goes, it will be similar to a stock golf cart engine. It will be a little more noisy, but shouldn't be too much louder. Rev limit on those is around 3600 rpm, don't exceed that or you'll bend a pushrod.

[Marsh Bandit]

Sorry should have added the specs. It is a 99 ezgo TXT with a robins 295. Will the electric belt drive starter on the robins start the Honda or will I need to go a different route?

[raydhd]

The S/G will easily start the Honda

[Marsh Bandit]

Shaft size on the Honda is a 1”. Got the old robins pulled tonight. Going to work on getting the clutch off tomorrow and start piecing everything back together.

[Marsh Bandit]

I’ve got the Honda rough fitted in the cart now. What is my best option for removing the gravity feed fuel tank and running off of the original tank? Im not sure where to place the vacuum line from the old pump on the new motor. Also is there a better option for my exhaust?

[raydhd]

Vegascarts sells a pulse unit that goes between the head and carb to drive the stock fuel pump. You may have to run a return line. Vegascarts also has a nice line of headers for single cylinder clones in many carts. On the muffler issue you might want to read my clone exhaust thread that has input from many other clone swappers on that subject.

[3doghouse]

Originally Posted by Marsh Bandit

I’ve got the Honda rough fitted in the cart now. What is my best option for removing the gravity feed fuel tank and running off of the original tank? Im not sure where to place the vacuum line from the old pump on the new motor. Also is there a better option for my exhaust?

I like the Briggs/Mikuni 808492.