I have somewhat of an emergecy. My golf cart’s exhaust gasket is leaking, and it’s affecting the performance. How do I fix it?
Response
I feel your pain! I had the same issue with my golf cart’s exhaust gasket leaking. After some research, I found that tightening the lower muffler bolt on the frame was what fixed it for me.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tighten the lower muffler bolt on the frame | 1 | Tightened the bolt and the leak stopped | $0 | 5-10 |
| Check if it’s a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine | 1 | Checked the engine type; adjusted accordingly | $0 | 5-10 |
| Check for obvious leaks around gas tank | 1 | Checked and found a leak near the carburetor | $0 | 5-10 |
| Inspect the fuel pump | 1 | Inspected and replaced a ripped diaphragm | $20 | 20-30 |
Symptoms
- Reduced performance of the golf cart
- Unusual noises coming from the exhaust area
- Strong smell of gas or exhaust fumes
Possible Causes
- Loose bolts or fixtures causing the gasket to leak
- Worn-out or damaged gasket
- Cracked exhaust manifold
- Fuel pump issues leading to back pressure
Solutions that Worked
1. Tighten the Lower Muffler Bolt on the Frame
What I Did:
Located and tightened the lower muffler bolt on the frame behind the right rear (RR) wheel.
Outcome:
The exhaust gasket leak stopped, and the cart’s performance improved.
Personal Experience:
After tightening the bolt, not only did the leak stop, but the cart also ran smoother.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Park the golf cart on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Locate the lower muffler bolt on the frame behind the RR wheel.
- Use a socket wrench to tighten the bolt securely.
- Start the golf cart to check if the leak has stopped.
Expert Tip:
Always make sure to tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern for even pressure. This prevents warping and ensures a better seal.
2. Check if It’s a 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke Engine
What I Did:
Opened the engine compartment and identified whether it was a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine.
Outcome:
Made necessary adjustments to the back pressure.
Personal Experience:
After identifying the engine type, I adjusted the back pressure, which helped resolve the issue.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Open the engine compartment.
- Look for markings or labels that indicate the engine type.
- If it’s a 2-stroke engine, ensure that you’re using the correct oil mix.
- If it’s a 4-stroke engine, make sure you’re using the correct grade of oil.
Expert Tip:
Knowing your engine type can help you make more informed decisions when troubleshooting and can also affect the type of oil and fuel you should be using.
3. Check for Obvious Leaks Around the Gas Tank
What I Did:
Inspected the gas tank, fuel lines, and carburetor for any visible leaks.
Outcome:
Found and fixed a leak near the carburetor.
Personal Experience:
I found a leak near the carburetor and tightened the hose clamp, which fixed the issue.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and remove the key.
- Open the compartment where the gas tank is located.
- Visually inspect the gas tank, fuel lines, and carburetor for any wet spots or leaks.
- If you find a leak, tighten any loose hose clamps or replace damaged hoses.
Expert Tip:
Use a flashlight for better visibility when inspecting for leaks. Sometimes, a small leak can be hard to spot.
4. Inspect the Fuel Pump
What I Did:
Removed and disassembled the fuel pump to inspect it.
Outcome:
Found a ripped diaphragm and replaced it.
Personal Experience:
I found a ripped diaphragm in the fuel pump, which was causing back pressure and contributing to the leak.
Estimated Cost:
$20
Time Needed:
20-30 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the fuel pump, usually near the engine or gas tank.
- Remove the fuel pump by disconnecting the hoses and unbolting it from its mount.
- Disassemble the fuel pump and inspect for any damage, such as a ripped diaphragm.
- Replace any damaged parts and reassemble the fuel pump.
Expert Tip:
Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with fuel systems to avoid any accidental spills or splashes.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 295 4-stroke engine (No specific year mentioned)
- 89 Ez Go cart 3pg 2 stroke
- 2008 TSi GTi
- 2007 Yamaha Drive