My EZGO golf cart has been running rich and fouling out spark plugs faster than I can replace them. I’ve tried a bunch of fixes, but nothing seems to stick. It’s really putting a damper on my rounds and maintenance budget. Has anyone else run into this issue and found a way to fix it?
Response
Absolutely, I’ve been through a similar headache with my own cart. It sounds like your carburetor might need a bit of fine-tuning. Even if it’s new or has been replaced, factory settings aren’t always perfect for every situation. I’d suggest starting with a slight adjustment to the air/fuel mixture screw. It’s a small tweak but often does the trick in resolving rich running conditions that lead to spark plug fouling. Plus, it’s a cost-effective first step before diving into more complex solutions.
Solutions That Worked for Users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carburetor Adjustment | 3 | $0 (if DIY) | 15 – 30 |
| Wiring Harness Check | 2 | $0 – $20 | 30 – 60 |
| Valve Adjustment | 1 | $0 – $50 (if DIY) | 30 – 60 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart running richer than usual, leading to spark plug fouling.
- Decreased performance and reliability.
- Increased maintenance and replacement costs.
Possible Causes
- Incorrect carburetor settings leading to an overly rich fuel mixture.
- Electrical issues, such as a loose ground in the wiring harness, affecting spark quality.
- Mechanical issues like improperly adjusted valves contributing to inefficient combustion.
Solutions That Worked
1. Carburetor Adjustment
What I Did:
Adjusted the air/fuel mixture screw on the carburetor to lean out the fuel mixture.
Outcome:
The cart stopped running rich and the spark plugs remained clean over time.
Personal Experience:
After trying multiple carburetors, a slight adjustment to the air/fuel mixture screw made all the difference.
Steps:
- Locate the air/fuel mixture screw on your carburetor.
- Start with the screw turned all the way in (gently), then back it out 1.5 to 2.5 turns for a baseline setting.
- Start the engine and let it warm up. Adjust the screw in small increments, waiting a few seconds after each adjustment to see the effect.
- Aim for the highest, smoothest idle, then turn the screw back in slightly to ensure the engine isn’t running too lean.
Expert Tip:
Always perform adjustments on a warm engine for more accurate settings. If your cart has multiple carburetors, adjust them equally to maintain balance.
2. Wiring Harness Check
What I Did:
Inspected and secured a loose ground in the wiring harness.
Outcome:
Resolved weak spark issues, preventing the spark plugs from fouling.
Personal Experience:
A simple wiggle test on the wiring harness revealed the culprit behind the weak spark.
Steps:
- Inspect the wiring harness for any loose, frayed, or damaged wires.
- Pay special attention to ground connections, ensuring they are clean and tightly secured.
- Use electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to repair any minor wire damage.
- For more significant issues, consider replacing sections of the wiring harness or consulting a professional.
Expert Tip:
Regularly check your wiring harness as part of your maintenance routine, especially after rough rides or exposure to harsh conditions.
3. Valve Adjustment
What I Did:
Adjusted the engine valves to the correct clearance specifications.
Outcome:
Improved engine efficiency and combustion, preventing spark plug fouling.
Personal Experience:
Proper valve adjustment was key to solving the persistent fouling issue.
Steps:
- Locate the valve cover and remove it to access the valves.
- Rotate the engine manually to bring the piston to top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke.
- Use feeler gauges to measure the clearance between the valve stem and rocker arm or lifter.
- Adjust the clearance by loosening the lock nut and turning the adjuster screw as needed.
- Recheck the clearance, tighten the lock nut, and repeat for all valves.
Expert Tip:
Always refer to your engine’s service manual for the correct valve clearance specifications and adjustment procedures.