My gas Club Car golf cart tarted making this ticking noise that’s driving me up the wall. I think it’s something to do with the valves, but I’m not too sure how to go about adjusting them. I’m not exactly a pro when it comes to engine work, so any detailed advice or step-by-step guide would be a lifesaver. Can anyone help me out?
Response
My Club Car DS was doing the same thing. It turned out to be a valve lash problem. What I did was adjust the valve lash to the specs in the manual. It’s a bit of a fiddly job, but totally worth it. Basically, I made sure the engine was cold, removed the valve cover, and then used a feeler gauge to get the lash right. It’s important to get it just perfect – too loose, and you get that ticking; too tight, and you’re looking at bigger engine problems. After I adjusted it and put everything back together, the engine ran way smoother, and that ticking was gone.
Solutions that Worked for Users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjust Valve Lash | 2 | $0 – $10 | 30 – 60 |
| Replace Valve Cover Rubber Seal | 1 | $5 – $15 | 20 – 40 |
| Clean and Lap Valves | 1 | $0 – $20 (if DIY) | 45 – 90 |
Symptoms
- Engine making a persistent ticking noise.
- Reduced engine performance and irregular idling.
Possible Causes
- Incorrect valve lash settings leading to excessive clearance.
- Degraded valve cover rubber seal causing leaks.
- Dirty or improperly seated valves affecting engine compression.
Detailed Solutions that Worked
- Adjust Valve Lash
- What I Did: Precisely adjusted the valve lash according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Outcome: The ticking noise disappeared, and the engine’s performance noticeably improved.
- Personal Experience: The engine felt smoother and more responsive after the adjustment.
- Detailed Steps:
- Start with a completely cold engine to get accurate lash measurements.
- Remove the valve cover by unscrewing it, taking care not to damage the surface.
- Find the top dead center (TDC) of the piston. This can be done by rotating the engine manually and observing the piston position.
- Use a feeler gauge to measure and adjust the valve lash. The correct clearance is crucial for optimal engine performance.
- Carefully tighten the adjuster while ensuring the feeler gauge still slides with slight resistance.
- Once adjusted, double-check the clearance to ensure accuracy.
- Reassemble the valve cover and start the engine to test.
- Expert Tip: Always cross-check the valve lash specifications with your Club Car model’s manual. A slight deviation can lead to major engine issues.
- Replace Valve Cover Rubber Seal
- What I Did: Identified and replaced a worn-out valve cover rubber seal.
- Outcome: Successfully stopped oil leaks and improved engine compartment cleanliness.
- Personal Experience: Noticed a cleaner engine area and better overall engine health.
- Detailed Steps:
- Carefully remove the valve cover to access the seal.
- Inspect the old rubber seal for any signs of wear or damage.
- Clean the valve cover and the head surface where the seal sits.
- Fit the new seal correctly, ensuring it sits evenly without any twists.
- Reattach the valve cover, ensuring even pressure when tightening to avoid warping.
- Expert Tip: Regularly inspect the valve cover seal during routine maintenance. A compromised seal can lead to oil contamination and engine damage.
- Clean and Lap Valves
- What I Did: Thoroughly cleaned and lapped the valves for optimal seating and performance.
- Outcome: Enhanced engine compression and smoother operation.
- Personal Experience: The engine’s efficiency improved significantly after this procedure.
- Detailed Steps:
- Remove the valves, taking note of their original position for reassembly.
- Clean the valve stems, faces, and seats using appropriate solvents.
- Apply a small amount of valve grinding compound on the valve seat.
- Use a valve lapping tool to rotate the valve back and forth, creating a smooth, even seal.
- Clean off the compound and inspect the valve and seat for a polished, even contact surface.
- Reinstall the valves, ensuring they are placed in their original positions.
- Adjust the valve lash as per the first solution.
- Expert Tip: Valve lapping is a delicate process. Ensure even pressure and consistent rotation for the best results. This can significantly improve engine compression and efficiency.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- Various Club Car models, particularly those with FE290 and FE350 engines.