My golf cart keeps flooding with gas, and I can’t seem to figure out why. It’s causing a real headache and making the cart unusable. Has anyone else run into this issue and managed to fix it?
Response
I do understand your problem. For me, the cause was a clogged hose in the carburetor. Clearing it out did the trick. Have you checked your carburetor’s hoses and float system?
Solutions that Worked for Users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Carburetor and Checking Needle/Float | 1 | 0-30 | 45-90 |
| Draining Oil Contaminated with Gas | 1 | 0-20 | 30-45 |
| Checking Float Needle and O-Ring | 1 | 0-20 | 30-50 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart floods and gets too much gas.
- Difficulty in starting or running the cart smoothly.
Possible Causes
- Issues with the carburetor, such as a dirty needle or float sticking.
- Contamination of oil with gas.
- Problems with the float needle and o-ring.
Solutions that Worked
- Cleaning Carburetor and Checking Needle/Float
- What I Did: Cleaned the carburetor thoroughly and made sure the needle and float were not sticking.
- Outcome: The cart stopped flooding and ran smoothly.
- Personal Experience: After a thorough cleaning, I found some debris causing the needle to stick. Once removed, the issue was resolved.
- Estimated Cost: $0-30 (if done personally)
- Time Needed: 45-90 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and ensure it’s on a level surface.
- Remove the carburetor from the golf cart. This may involve disconnecting the fuel line and removing a few bolts.
- Disassemble the carburetor. Take photos or notes to remember how to reassemble it.
- Clean each part with carburetor cleaner. Pay special attention to the needle and float.
- Check the float for any holes or damage. Shake it to hear if there’s any fuel inside, which indicates a leak.
- Reassemble the carburetor using your notes or photos as a guide.
- Reinstall the carburetor and reconnect any lines.
- Test the cart for proper operation.
- Handy Tips: Use a carburetor cleaning brush for hard-to-reach areas. Be gentle with small parts to avoid damage.
- Expert Tip: Regular cleaning of the carburetor can prevent many fuel-related issues. Always use carburetor cleaner and compressed air for best results.
- Draining Oil Contaminated with Gas
- What I Did: Drained the oil to remove any gas contamination.
- Outcome: Improved engine performance and resolved flooding.
- Personal Experience: I noticed the oil level was unusually high and smelled of gas. Draining and replacing it fixed the issue.
- Estimated Cost: $0-20
- Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Locate the oil drain plug under the engine.
- Place a container underneath to catch the old oil.
- Remove the plug and allow the oil to drain completely.
- Replace the oil with fresh, appropriate grade oil.
- Check the oil level to ensure it’s at the correct level.
- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then check the oil level again.
- Handy Tips: Wear gloves and use a funnel to avoid spills. Dispose of the old oil responsibly.
- Expert Tip: Regularly check your oil level and quality. Gas in the oil can indicate a serious problem with the fuel system.
- Checking Float Needle and O-Ring
- What I Did: Inspected the float needle and o-ring for leaks or damage.
- Outcome: Resolved the issue of the cart flooding.
- Personal Experience: I found the o-ring was worn out, causing a leak. Replacing it fixed the flooding problem.
- Estimated Cost: $0-20
- Time Needed: 30-50 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Remove the carburetor from the engine.
- Carefully disassemble the carburetor to access the float chamber.
- Inspect the float needle for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
- Check the o-ring for any signs of wear or damage. Replace if it’s not sealing properly.
- Reassemble the carburetor, ensuring all parts are correctly fitted.
- Reinstall the carburetor and test the engine.
- Handy Tips: Handle the float needle gently to avoid bending it. Ensure the o-ring is properly seated.
- Expert Tip: Always use high-quality replacement parts to ensure longevity and proper functioning of the carburetor.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- Various models and years, including Club Car DS and Yamaha G29.
Extra tips
- In 2-cycle engines, ensuring the correct fuel-to-oil ratio is critical for preventing fuel flooding and engine damage.
- High altitude can significantly affect the air-fuel mixture, so adjustments may be necessary for optimal performance.
- A weak spark can be a sign of issues with the ignition system, such as a faulty spark plug or ignition coil. Regular maintenance of these components is essential.