Every chilly morning, it’s the same old story with my EZGO cart – it just won’t budge! I’ve tried all the usual tricks, but nothing seems to work. It’s really throwing a wrench in my golf plans. Can anyone shed some light on this?
Response
I have been there with my own golf cart. In my case, adjusting the valve lash did the trick. It’s a simple fix but often overlooked. It’ might be worth a shot for you too. It’s definitely worth trying.
Detailed Solutions and Steps
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusting Valve Lash | 2 | 0-30 | 30-60 |
| Use of SeaFoam in Fuel System | 1 | 10-15 | 15-30 |
| Checking for Stripped Hub | 1 | 20-50 | 60-120 |
| Motor Brushes Sticking in Holders | 1 | 0-20 | 15-30 |
| Battery Voltage Reduction in Cold Weather | 1 | 0 (if self-diagnosed) | 10-20 |
In-Depth Solutions and Steps
1. Adjusting Valve Lash
- What I Did: Precisely adjusted the valve lash following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Outcome: The cart started effortlessly and ran smoothly in cold conditions.
- Personal Experience: This adjustment significantly improved cold start performance.
- Estimated Cost: $0-30 (DIY)
- Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Locate the engine valves, typically under a cover on the engine.
- Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap between the valve stem and the rocker arm.
- Adjust the nut on the rocker arm to achieve the correct gap as specified in your cart’s manual.
- Repeat for each valve, ensuring all are set to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Expert Tip: Perform this adjustment when the engine is cold for accurate settings.
- Handy Tip: Mark each valve with a dab of paint once adjusted to keep track.
2. Use of SeaFoam in Fuel System
- What I Did: Incorporated SeaFoam into the fuel system to cleanse and improve efficiency.
- Outcome: Enhanced fuel flow and overall cart performance.
- Personal Experience: This method effectively cleared blockages in the fuel lines.
- Estimated Cost: $10-15
- Time Needed: 15-30 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Pour the recommended amount of SeaFoam directly into the fuel tank.
- Run the engine for 10-15 minutes to circulate the SeaFoam through the carburetor and fuel lines.
- For severe blockages, disconnect the fuel line and run SeaFoam directly into the carburetor.
- Expert Tip: Use SeaFoam every few months as a preventive measure against fuel system blockages.
- Handy Tip: For storage periods, add SeaFoam to the tank to keep the fuel system clean.
3. Checking for Stripped Hub
- What I Did: Inspected and replaced the hub due to wear and stripping.
- Outcome: Restored the mechanical integrity and movement of the cart.
- Personal Experience: A new hub brought back smooth operation.
- Estimated Cost: $20-50
- Time Needed: 60-120 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Jack up the cart and remove the wheel to access the hub.
- Inspect the hub for any signs of stripping, cracks, or excessive wear.
- If damaged, remove the hub by unscrewing the retaining bolts.
- Install a new hub and reassemble the wheel.
- Expert Tip: Always use a torque wrench to ensure bolts are tightened to the correct specification.
- Handy Tip: Apply a thin layer of grease to the new hub for smoother operation.
4. Motor Brushes Sticking in Holders
- What I Did: Cleaned and ensured free movement of the motor brushes.
- Outcome: Improved electrical contact and cart mobility.
- Personal Experience: Regular cleaning prevented recurrence.
- Estimated Cost: $0-20
- Time Needed: 15-30 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Access the motor and locate the brush holders.
- Remove the brushes and clean any dirt or debris.
- Inspect for wear and replace if necessary.
- Reinsert the brushes and ensure they move freely in their holders.
- Expert Tip: Check brush spring tension for consistent pressure.
- Handy Tip: Use a small brush or compressed air to clean the brush area thoroughly.
5. Battery Voltage Reduction in Cold Weather
- What I Did: Monitored and maintained battery voltage, especially in cold weather.
- Outcome: Consistent power supply and improved cart performance.
- Personal Experience: Regular voltage checks identified issues early.
- Estimated Cost: $0 (DIY)
- Time Needed: 10-20 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Regularly check each battery’s voltage using a multimeter.
- Ensure all batteries are fully charged and equalized.
- Inspect and clean battery terminals to ensure good contact.
- In cold weather, store the cart in a warmer area if possible.
- Expert Tip: Consider upgrading to AGM batteries for better cold weather performance.
- Handy Tip: Keep a log of battery voltages to track their health over time.