Can I Power This Go Kart with a Used Car Alternator?

Loved the whiteboard technical explanation of the alternator-to-motor conversion -- not only you provided just enough theory but it was also very clear and easy to follow. Also the magnets on stick on the lathe were a very clear visualisation of the problem.

Aging Wheels: Complains about noisy inefficient engine strapped to back of go-kart Also Aging Wheels: Drives a Trabant, a Yugo, and a Reliant Robin

I love projects that start with “I got this idea and $5 part so let me spend few grand and months to prove my idea didn’t suck” because I can relate. Good luck and looking forward for more.

“And that brake rotor is more warped than my perception of reality” I love how you just slipped that in so nonchalantly.

0:12 "Behind me is a 136cc, 4hp engine" The Yugo?

It's refreshing to hear someone say "I don't know" for a change. I can accept that.

I started building a dune buggy for my daughters 16th birthday. She's 19 now and the dune buggy is still in my shop waiting for me to finish it.

One reason the hall effect sensors didn't work could be that the controller takes an active HIGH signal instead of an active LOW signal. 2 out of the 3 led's lit up on your second test, but it may be expecting them to be inverted. It may be looking for a single high signal coming from the hall sensor that is interacting with the magnetic field, and when it sees that there are 2, just switching to sensorless mode. Try inverting the signals with an inverter like the 74hc04.

As a chinese-speaking viewer, I'd be glad to help interpret the info on that motor controller Did you initiate the self learning function of the controller by plugging in the white thin cables? And also, which type of hall sensor did you use? 43E or 49F type ? Some controllers utilize dual on-off type hall sensors with one linear type hall sensor in the middle, while others use on-off type only

A benefit of of two 1 kW batteries is that instead of one battery being used at max current draw, you will now have two batteries running at 75% draw. This will decrease thermal constraints, relatively and likely lead to a longer battery lifespan.

I'm only half way through this video (have to feed the chickens before I go to work) but I am loving it! Thank you for explaining how an alternator works too. Electricity is still over my head at this point, but I geek out on projects like this. Thank you for sharing this build. I hope your son enjoys his go cart!

In the R.C. world,we use capacitor packs to get the initial "burst charge" to get that start-up power on initial trigger... especially on a non-sensored setup....also, the C-Rating of batteries,plays a major roll on your burst...C-Rating of your batteries may be too low on those, considering how small of a motor they are designed for....cool concept though..I'm sure you'll get it going once you work out the bugs...liked and subd👍....also,2 12s Lipos in parallel should do the trick as 12s= 44.4v @ 5000MaH x 2 = 44.4v @ 10000MaH(10 amps)

I always love seeing the progression in how he talks about his family At first it was "My girlfriend has a kid" To "My wife's kid" To "My wife and I have a 6 year old" and it just melts my heart

As someone who was an electric motor mechanic and also wound motors, both 3 phase and single phase, I appreciate this video. Your terms and explanations were on point.

I applaud your tenacity, your humor and your smarts. Keep slugging, I look forward to part 2.

Cool to see you working through problems and not hand-waiving stuff. Really helps us learn about different troubleshooting perspectives and approaches to problems. Great video!

I have this ominous feeling that this could become your son's high school graduation present 🤣

Quality, not sure if i am more impressed with your patience or your brains! I would have put the petrol engine back in or brought a brand-new Go Kart!)

Love how you admit you don't know and don't cut the fails out of your videos. Keeping it real. Earned a subscriber

I've loved the idea of converting an alternator into a motor ever since my dad told me that it was possible when I was a kid. I've always wanted to see it actually happen. Thank you!