Doc's Diesel Weasel Mini Ratrod Mow-Kart! [2016 Build-Off Winner]

Doug Fackler wrote:

You never mentioned it, but what for fuel is used for the flamethrower? You gotta do a vid on it!

Gasoline. The NOS tank is the fuel tank for the flamethrower. I tried really hard to find a tank that I could hide under the hood- no luck. So, I figured the next best bet was to disguise it as something else. So, I fabbed the tank out of a disposable propane cylinder, painted it blue, and ordered a NOS sticker online.

Gasoline eh? It'd be funny to see the look on someone's face when you say you need to pick up some gasoline for your Diesel Weasel tractor, hahaha!

I must say it turned out alot better then i had imagined honestly!

AllisKidD21 wrote:

Gasoline eh? It'd be funny to see the look on someone's face when you say you need to pick up some gasoline for your Diesel Weasel tractor, hahaha!

Dual fuel...

Yep, hahaha!

Adds HP without a turbo. 

A little propane wouldn't hurt, haha!

Soooo Cooool, LOL. OK Doc, you gotta dibby up the blueprints for the flamethrower, when I get my cannon built for the back of my Scorpion, I'll let you know and we can have an exchange of mayhem, LOL.

I see future flames everywhere!

Doc you may have started a flame craze hahaha!

good luck doc! mower looks amazing. best of luck to you!

redzz02 wrote:

good luck doc! mower looks amazing. best of luck to you!

Thanks much! I'm more than thrilled with the outcome. Now that I have 5 minutes to breathe, I'm starting to look at the other entries. There's some quality stuff going on, here! Your Drift Missile is looking good! Ain't got a flamethrower, but looking good. Just tugging your chain. Cheers!

A flamethrower on the Drift Missle would make a great facewarmer.

Doc and Doug, the depressing part is I was planning on putting a flame thrower on mine too until I watched your video and you beat me too it lol, and Doug now that you say that, it's probably a good thing doc beat me too it the ole Amish beard would light up like a Christmas tree haha

redzz02 wrote:

I was planning on putting a flame thrower on mine too until I watched your video

Suuuuuure, you were... lol

Alright, here it is! D-day! The end! Holy crap! That took long enough. The anticipation has been lethal! Oh, who am I kidding- the next two weeks are going to be brutal. I might have to unplug all my devices and hibernate. LOL

So... Before Dougie comes along and snaps on the locks, I'm going to toss up a couple pics, some specs, and a couple video clips. The purpose, of course, is for the reader to be able to digest and entire build thread quickly.

Specs, first:

*Basic donor- Mid 1960's Eaton's Viking Professional 5hp mini riding mower.
*10hp Yanmar L100 diesel clone engine.
*Comet 40 CVT
*4:1 final drive ratio
*Hydraulic disc brake with 6" rotor
*Rear tires- 18x8.50-8 Carlisle Links golf cart tires on 8x6 Douglas aluminum Jr. Dragster rims
*Front Tires- 16x4.80-8 Carlisle Sport Trail trailer tires on 8x4 Sears garden tractor rims with high speed bearings
*Wheelbase- 48.5"
*Rear track- 44"
*Front track- 42"
*Curb weight- 325lbs
*Current measured top speed, 48.75 MPH (78Km'h)

A couple pics, because BOING!




And now- some video goodness. First, the fancypants reveal video. I'm proud of this!


Finally- a bit of an overview, slideshow, some highlights, and a blatant call for votes.


Guys- This project has been both a totally frustrating nightmare, and a complete riot. The Weasel is a hell of a lot of fun to drive, too. I sincerely hope you've enjoyed it, and I thank you all for checking it out!
Cheers- Doc

I love it! This is probably the best year we've had for the Build Off Competition

flame thrower is weak, and it barely even rolls coal..... LAME! but on a serious note love the build! best of luck to you GOOD LUCK!

redzz02 wrote:

flame thrower is weak, and it barely even rolls coal..... LAME! but on a serious note love the build! best of luck to you GOOD LUCK!

Just let me pull in front of you- and I will- and you can tell me whether the flamethrower is weak. Tip: Invest in asbestos underwear. You'll need it.

Thanks, man- you too!

HAHA, the mud..er flame slinging has begun! The Diesel Weasel is way cooler than I imagined when you started the project. Pretty awesome!

mightyraze wrote:

 The Diesel Weasel is way cooler than I imagined when you started the project.  Pretty awesome!

Dontcha mean hotter?


Looks great Doc, can't imagine what you will do to top this

Now that the chaos of the competition is done, I am considering the next step for the Weasel:
Turbocharging.

I basically have 2 options- I have a Borg Warner K03 that needs rebuild. The kit will cost me about 50 bucks. While the turbo is smaller than my Garrett T3, I wonder if it will still be too large for this engine. If it takes too long to spool a larger turbine, the boost may be insufficient or come too late to be useful. Of course, space is at a premium on this thing,  too.

Second option is one of those ebay RHB131 clones. They're quite small, and will be easier to work with. Should spool quickly enough, but will it develop enough pressure to make a difference? I'll be happy with 5-7psi, I think- but if it only makes 2 or 3, what's the point?

I think I'll fool around with the gearing a bit, too. I want to break my 50 MPH target speed (I'm at 48.75 now), but by the same token, I think I'd like to shorten the lifespan of my tires...

Why not use wunna dem der electric turebos? The listing sez it adds 30hp.

I would suggest the smallest turbo possible. Even if it's too small it would be tuneable. Besides, who would complain about too much bottom end power, lol. Maybe consider a root or a screw supercharger. You could probably make a root type with your skills.

This is exciting! Got a write-up on the Hot Rod Magazine website!
Diesel Weasel article in Hot Rod

I seen that in your Garage FB group. Very cool indeed!