Restoring and Testing a 1970s Amphibious ATV: The 'Play Cat' Challenge

Initial Assessment and Engine Issues

• 💡 The team acquired a rare 1970s all-terrain amphibious vehicle, nicknamed the 'Play Cat,' found on Facebook Marketplace, but it was in poor condition.
• ⚠️ The initial test revealed the vehicle did not run well, with issues like a homemade clutch belt and a broken steering mechanism, indicating previous repairs.
• ⚙️ Several engine options were considered, including a 14-horsepower Harbor Freight engine, a 50-horsepower engine from a 'phaser' (snowmobile), and a 40-horsepower two-stroke twin from another snowmobile.

Engine Swapping and Fabrication

• 🚀 A Yamaha snowmobile engine was chosen for its power and reliability, despite initial concerns about complexity.
• 🛠️ Significant fabrication was required, including modifying the engine mounts to fit the Play Cat chassis and repositioning the exhaust header.
• ⛽ A larger fuel tank from another snowmobile was integrated, fitting neatly behind the seat.
• 💨 A 450 carburetor was selected for its performance, and the intake manifold was ported to improve airflow.

Troubleshooting and Testing

• ⚠️ A major setback occurred when the installed engine refused to spark, leading to a decision to swap in a Yamaha 'phaser' engine instead.
• 🔧 The team worked on redoing the wiring harness for the new engine, as the old one was described as 'crusty' and had previously been set on fire.
• 💨 The new Yamaha engine was successfully mounted using factory mounts and custom pedestals, and the exhaust system was modified to fit.
• 🚗 The vehicle was tested, showing a visible increase in speed, though clutch slippage was noted as a potential issue.

The Amphibious Test and Outcome

• 🌊 Despite claims of being amphibious, the team was skeptical about the Play Cat's ability to float, especially after discovering numerous holes.
• 🧊 Edwin attempted to drive the ATV into a frozen lake, but the ice cracked, causing the vehicle to sink.
• 📉 The test drive was deemed unsuccessful for floating, but successful in demonstrating the vehicle's capabilities before sinking.
• 💧 The ATV held a significant amount of water, confirming its lack of buoyancy, and the crankcase was flushed due to water ingress.
• 💡 The team acknowledged the need for R&D before achieving a functional amphibious vehicle, comparing the sinking event to the Titanic.