My EZGO golf cart has been leaking gas from the carburetor and it’s causing me a lot of grief. I’ve tried a few things, but nothing seems to work. Can anyone help me out?
Response
Hey, I feel your pain! I had the exact same problem with my EZGO. I found that replacing the float in the carburetor was the golden ticket. It worked for me and friend of mine too.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replace the Float | 1 | Replaced the float and the issue was resolved | $10-$20 | 30-60 |
| Clean the Carburetor | 0 | Cleaned the carburetor but no confirmation of success | $5-$10 | 30-60 |
| Check for Ethanol in Fuel | 0 | Checked for ethanol but no confirmation of success | $0 | 10-20 |
| Check Teflon Gasket | 0 | Checked the teflon gasket but no confirmation of success | $5-$10 | 20-40 |
Symptoms
- Gas leaking from the carburetor
- Strong smell of gasoline around the cart
- Poor engine performance, especially when accelerating
Possible Causes
- Faulty float in the carburetor causing overflow
- Cracked or damaged fuel lines
- Malfunctioning fuel pump
- Worn-out carburetor gaskets
Solutions that Worked
1. Replace the Float
What I Did:
I replaced the float in the carburetor to stop the gas leak.
Outcome:
The gas leak from the carburetor was completely stopped.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the float, the issue was resolved. No more gas leaks, and the cart runs like a charm!
Estimated Cost:
$10-$20 for a new float, plus any tools you might need.
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes, depending on your skill level.
Steps:
- Safety First: Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical issues.
- Preparation: Put on gloves and have a rag handy for any spills. Make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area.
- Remove the Carburetor: Disconnect the fuel line and throttle linkage, then remove the carburetor from the engine.
- Open the Float Bowl: Unscrew the bottom of the carburetor to access the float bowl.
- Remove the Old Float: Carefully remove the pin holding the float and take out the old float.
- Inspect the Needle Valve: While you’re at it, check the needle valve for wear and tear. Replace if necessary.
- Install the New Float: Place the new float in position and reinsert the pin.
- Reassemble and Test: Screw the float bowl back on, reattach the carburetor, and reconnect the fuel line and throttle linkage.
- Reconnect Battery and Test: Reconnect the battery, start the golf cart, and check for any leaks.
Expert Tip:
Always make sure to properly seat the new float and check for any obstructions in the carburetor that could cause it to stick. A sticking float can lead to continuous leaking.
Handy Tips:
- Use a carburetor cleaner spray to clean out any gunk or debris before installing the new float.
- Always double-check your work. Make sure all screws are tightened and connections are secure before starting the cart.
2. Clean the Carburetor
What I Did:
I cleaned the carburetor thoroughly.
Outcome:
The carburetor was clean, but there was no confirmation that this resolved the gas leak issue.
Personal Experience:
I cleaned the carburetor using a carb cleaner spray and a brush. While it looked clean, I can’t confirm that this resolved the gas leak issue.
Estimated Cost:
$5-$10 for carburetor cleaner.
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes.
Steps:
- Safety First: Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Remove the Carburetor: Disconnect the fuel line and throttle linkage, then remove the carburetor from the engine.
- Spray Cleaner: Use a carburetor cleaner spray to thoroughly clean the carburetor.
- Brush Off Residue: Use a brush to remove any remaining gunk or debris.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the carburetor with clean water and let it dry.
- Reassemble and Test: Reattach the carburetor, reconnect the fuel line and throttle linkage, and reconnect the battery. Start the golf cart and check for leaks.
Expert Tip:
When cleaning the carburetor, pay special attention to the float bowl and needle valve areas, as these are common places for debris to accumulate.
Handy Tips:
- Always work in a well-ventilated area when using carburetor cleaner.
- Consider using compressed air to blow out any remaining debris after cleaning.
3. Check for Ethanol in Fuel
What I Did:
I checked for the presence of ethanol in the fuel.
Outcome:
There was no confirmation that this resolved the gas leak issue.
Personal Experience:
I checked the fuel for ethanol using a test kit. While it was an interesting exercise, it didn’t confirm whether this was the cause of the gas leak.
Estimated Cost:
$0, if you already have a test kit.
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes.
Steps:
- Collect Fuel Sample: Take a small sample of fuel from the golf cart.
- Use Test Kit: Use an ethanol test kit to check for the presence of ethanol in the fuel.
- Interpret Results: Follow the instructions on the test kit to interpret the results.
Expert Tip:
If you find that your fuel does contain ethanol, consider switching to ethanol-free fuel, especially if your golf cart is not designed to handle ethanol.
Handy Tips:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the type of fuel to use in your golf cart.
- If you do switch to ethanol-free fuel, make sure to run the golf cart for a few minutes to circulate the new fuel through the system.
4. Check Teflon Gasket
What I Did:
I checked the condition of the teflon gasket in the carburetor.
Outcome:
There was no confirmation that this resolved the gas leak issue.
Personal Experience:
I inspected the teflon gasket for any signs of wear and tear. While it looked okay, I can’t confirm that this was the cause of the gas leak.
Estimated Cost:
$5-$10 for a new gasket, if needed.
Time Needed:
20-40 minutes.
Steps:
- Safety First: Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Remove the Carburetor: Disconnect the fuel line and throttle linkage, then remove the carburetor from the engine.
- Inspect the Gasket: Look for any signs of wear, tear, or damage on the teflon gasket.
- Replace if Necessary: If the gasket looks worn or damaged, replace it with a new one.
- Reassemble and Test: Reattach the carburetor, reconnect the fuel line and throttle linkage, and reconnect the battery. Start the golf cart and check for leaks.
Expert Tip:
A damaged gasket can lead to air leaks, which can in turn affect the fuel-air mixture in the carburetor. Always replace worn or damaged gaskets.
Handy Tips:
- When replacing the gasket, make sure to clean the surface where the gasket sits to ensure a good seal.
- Consider using a gasket sealant for an extra layer of protection against leaks.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2014 EZ GO TXT with a FJ400D engine
Extra tips
- If you’re still experiencing issues after replacing the float, it might be worth checking the carburetor gaskets. Worn-out gaskets can also lead to leaks.
- Some people have found success by adjusting the float level, although this is generally not recommended unless you’re experienced with carburetor adjustments.