How do I check and clean my cylinder fins? (golf cart is overheating)

I’m sick of my golf cart overheating every time I take it out for more than a quick spin around the neighborhood. It’s been a nightmare, especially on warmer days. I’ve heard that dirty cylinder fins could be the culprit, but I’m not entirely sure how to tackle this issue. It’s really putting a damper on my weekend plans and making the cart unreliable for anything more than a short jaunt. Has anyone dealt with this before? How do you properly check and clean those fins?

Response

I understand how annoying the overheating issue can be. It sounds like you’re on the right track with suspecting the cylinder fins. These fins are crucial for dissipating heat from the engine, and when they’re clogged, it can lead to overheating problems. A thorough cleaning might just do the trick. It’s not too complicated but does require some elbow grease. Best of luck!

Solutions That Worked for Users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Cleaning Cooling Fins	15	$0 – $20 (if DIY)	60
Replacing Ignition Box	5	$100 – $200	60
Adjusting Carburetor	10	$0 – $50 (if DIY)	30
Ensuring Proper Fuel Mixture	4	$0 (adjustment) – $20	15
Checking Wiring and Solenoid	3	$30 – $150	45

Symptoms

• Golf cart loses power and stops after prolonged use, especially in hot weather or under strain.
• Engine overheats, noticeable by excessive heat from the engine compartment, smoke, or unusual smells.
• Difficulty in starting the engine after it has been running, or it runs well when cold but not when hot.
• Crackling noise from the exhaust and faint smoke observed near the engine or exhaust system after parking.

Possible Causes

• Clogged Cooling Fins and Shrouding: Dirt, debris, and oil accumulation on the cooling fins and under the shrouding impair the engine’s ability to dissipate heat effectively.
• Faulty Ignition Box: A malfunctioning ignition box can mismanage engine timing and spark, leading to overheating.
• Improper Carburetor Adjustment: Incorrect carburetor settings can result in an overly rich or lean fuel mixture, affecting combustion and engine temperature.
• Inadequate Fuel Mixture: A lean fuel mixture burns hotter than optimal, increasing engine temperature. Conversely, a rich mixture can foul spark plugs and decrease efficiency.
• Electrical Issues: Loose or damaged wiring, especially around the starter-solenoid, can affect the engine’s electrical system, contributing to overheating by mismanaging spark or fuel delivery.
• Mechanical Wear: Over time, mechanical components such as valves, pistons, and cylinders can wear down, leading to inefficiencies in engine operation and increased heat production.

Solutions and steps

1. Cleaning Cooling Fins and Shrouding

Steps:

1. Safety First: Ensure the cart is off, the key is removed, and it’s cool to the touch to avoid burns.
2. Access the Engine: Depending on your golf cart model, you may need to remove the seat or an access panel to get to the engine.
3. Remove Shrouding: Carefully unscrew and remove any plastic shrouding around the engine to expose the cooling fins. Keep track of all screws and parts.
4. Inspect and Clean: Use a soft brush or compressed air to gently remove debris from the fins. For stubborn grime, a small paintbrush dipped in soapy water can be used, followed by a rinse with clean water (be cautious not to get water into the engine parts).
5. Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the fins and surrounding areas are dry before reassembling the shrouding.
6. Reassemble: Put the shrouding back, ensuring it’s securely fastened.

Handy Tips:

• Regular Checks: Make cleaning the fins part of your regular maintenance to prevent buildup.
• Avoid Pressure Washers: High pressure can force water into sensitive engine components, causing more harm than good.

2. Checking and Adjusting Carburetor (If Applicable)

Steps:

1. Locate the Carburetor: It’s usually found on the side of the engine, under the air filter.
2. Clean the Exterior: Wipe down the outside of the carburetor to prevent any external dirt from getting inside.
3. Adjust the Mixture: If your cart has an adjustable carburetor, you might need to enrich the fuel mixture slightly. This is typically done with a screw on the side of the carburetor. Turn it counterclockwise to enrich the mixture but consult your cart’s manual for specifics.
4. Test the Cart: After adjustments, take the cart for a short test drive to see if there’s an improvement in performance and cooling.

Handy Tips:

• Use the Right Tools: A carburetor adjustment tool set can make this job easier and more precise.
• Monitor Performance: If the cart starts running poorly or the spark plugs foul quickly after adjustment, you might have gone too rich on the mixture.

3. Replacing the Ignition Box (If Diagnosed as Faulty)

Steps:

1. Diagnosis: Confirm the ignition box is the issue. Symptoms can include erratic running before the cart heats up or failure to start.
2. Locate and Replace: The ignition box location varies by model but is typically near the engine. Disconnect the old box, noting wire placements, and connect the new one.
3. Secure and Test: Ensure the new ignition box is securely mounted and all connections are tight. Test the cart to check for improved performance.

Handy Tips:

• Photograph Wiring: A quick photo before disconnecting can serve as a handy reference when installing the new box.

4. Ensuring Proper Fuel Mixture

Steps:

1. Check Manufacturer Recommendations: Verify the recommended fuel-to-oil ratio for two-stroke engines or the type of fuel for four-strokes.
2. Adjust as Needed: For two-strokes, ensure you’re mixing the oil and fuel correctly. For four-strokes, using a higher octane fuel than what’s recommended can sometimes help with overheating issues.

Handy Tips:

• Fuel Additives: Consider using a fuel additive designed to clean the engine and improve performance. These can sometimes help with minor overheating issues.

5. Replacing Starter-Solenoid or Wiring

Steps:

1. Diagnose Electrical Issues: Look for signs of worn or damaged wiring, paying close attention to the starter solenoid’s connections.
2. Replace Faulty Components: If the starter solenoid is faulty or wiring is damaged, replace these components using the correct parts for your model.
3. Test: Ensure all connections are secure and test the cart for any improvement in starting and operation.

Handy Tips:

• Battery Health: Also check the battery’s health, as a failing battery can contribute to starting issues and, indirectly, overheating by affecting the charging system.