Tecumseh TC300 2HP 2-stroke: How should I use it?

[Tanshanomi]

I've picked up a little NOS Tecumseh two-stroke off Ebay for $80, shipped. The TC Series, being 2-cycle, could be run in any orientation, but the version I bought is fortunately already set up as a horizontal shaft. It's only 2 horsepower, but for the price I thought it would be fun to play with.

So, what sort of little ride-y around-y thing should I build with it? Some possibilities I've been thinking about—

• Frijole-style minibike
  
  
• Motorize a pedal bicycle
  
  
• Super-minimalist minibike
  
  
• A custom-framed stand-up scooter
  
  (Something like this but gas powered, not electric)
  
  
• Get really ambitious and make a 7/8 scale replica of a "straight frame" Cotton
  

Have any of you built a minibike with such a meager engine? The only thing I've found is this video, which looks fun but quite pointless.

 

[DaddyJohn]

Motorized bicycle might be the way to go. If you look for Mustie1 on YouTube, he’s got some interesting builds using engines of that type.

 

[Tanshanomi]

I happened to see this 2HP Frijole online. Two horses is needlessly weak for this, but I kind of like the idea of hitting the easy button for my little TC. So yeah, this is tempting. Somewhat pointless, but tempting.

 

[Minimichael]

I happened to see this 2HP Frijole online. Two horses is needlessly weak for this, but I kind of like the idea of hitting the easy button for my little TC. So yeah, this is tempting. Somewhat pointless, but tempting.

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I like its simplicity.

 

[Sprocket86]

I vote for the custom frame stand up scooter. What size clutch and housing does it have?

Can you post some pics of the engine?

 

[massacre]

I like the frijole

 

[Minimichael]

I understand a 2-stroke is stronger than 4 cycle and think the frijole would be worth a try... (Especially since I have the same parts here and I was kinda hoping you would build yours first ...

 

[DaddyJohn]

I understand a 2-stroke is stronger than 4 cycle and think the frijole would be worth a try... (Especially since I have the same parts here and I was kinda hoping you would build yours first ...

I’m not sure that a 2-stroke Tecumseh is stronger than a 4-stroke Tecumseh in any measurable way.

 

[Mr. Pink]

This is MY understanding, please feel free to correct me with supporting documentation.

It’s not possible to to make a valid comparison of a two stroke to a four stroke of comparable displacement, due to each type of engine having unique characteristics.
It’s like comparing apples to oranges.

In general:
A four stroke produces the most torque at lower RPM’s.
While a two stroke produces the most torque at higher RPM’s.

 

[Minimichael]

So a stand up scooter could use a little kick to get going and then the fun begins when the higher torque kicks in, huh? I vote scooter then if the 2hp would lack too much initial giddyup.

 

[massacre]

Looks like it would crash immediately

 

[Tanshanomi]

Can you post some pics of the engine?

It's a tiny little thing. The fuel tank is almost bigger than the motor.

 

[Tanshanomi]

I think I've found some inspiration. I want to use the TC300 to make a VanTech "-ish" scrambler that will be legal under street moped rules — 50cc/2-HP max, no manual gear shifting.

 

[Tanshanomi]

Over the last few months, I did a lot of looking around for a suitable frame, and even considering fabricating one from scratch. Today I settled on this, from a Benelli Dynamo 65. It’s small, cheap, includes the swingarm, and the open hang cradle should make adapting the TC300 fairly easy. The single top tube should accommodate a wide range of fuel tank choices. At least, that’s what I’m thinking. We’ll see once it arrives.

 

[mchadsey1]

I happened to see this 2HP Frijole online. Two horses is needlessly weak for this, but I kind of like the idea of hitting the easy button for my little TC. So yeah, this is tempting. Somewhat pointless, but tempting.

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Where are the foot pegs ?

 

[Minimichael]

Over the last few months, I did a lot of looking around for a suitable frame, and even considering fabricating one from scratch. Today I settled on this, from a Benelli Dynamo 65. It’s small, cheap, includes the swingarm, and the open hang cradle should make adapting the TC300 fairly easy. The single top tube should accommodate a wide range of fuel tank choices. At least, that’s what I’m thinking. We’ll see once it arrives.

View attachment 316168

I like the straight lines. Looks solid.

 

[sparkwizard]

Where are the foot pegs ?

Might need to get it going before he decides whether he needs foot pegs.
This will be fun to watch.

 

[mchadsey1]

Might need to get it going before he decides whether he needs foot pegs.
This will be fun to watch.

Was refering to a prior build @Tanshanomi posted as insperation.

 

[Tanshanomi]

Where are the foot pegs ?

It's for very, very short rides.

 

[sparkwizard]

Oh, I see! Or, rather, I don't see foot pegs.