My Yamaha G22 golf cart engine keeps backfiring

Hi folks, I’m desperately needing some advice here. My Yamaha golf cart has developed this annoying habit of backfiring, especially when I’m slowing down. It’s not just loud and startling, but I’m worried it might be damaging the engine. Has anyone else had this problem and figured out how to fix it?

Response

What I did to fix this problem was adust the throtle cable and I also used a lower octane fuel.

Solutions that worked for users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Carburetor and Cable Adjustment	2	$0 – $20	30 – 60
Butterfly Adjuster Setting	1	$0	15 – 30
Drive Belt and Clutch Inspection	1	$0 – $50	30 – 60
Fuel Type Change to Premium Gas	1	Varies	5

Symptoms

• Backfiring during deceleration
• Loud popping noises from the engine
• Inconsistent engine performance

Possible Causes

• Carburetor misalignment
• Throttle cable not properly adjusted
• Worn or improperly tensioned drive belt
• Clutch issues
• Using lower octane fuel

Detailed Solutions

1. Carburetor and Cable Adjustment

• What I Did: Adjusted the carburetor and throttle cable for proper synchronization.
• Outcome: Eliminated backfiring and improved engine response.
• Personal Experience: The cart ran much smoother after this adjustment.
• Estimated Cost: $0 – $20
• Time Needed: 30 – 60 minutes
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Locate the carburetor and identify the throttle cable.
  2. Adjust the cable so that the carburetor’s butterfly valve closes just before the pedal switch clicks.
  3. Test the pedal to ensure smooth operation without sticking.
  4. Fine-tune the adjustment for optimal performance.
• Expert Tip: Regularly lubricate the throttle cable and check for wear and tear.
• Handy Tip: Use a flashlight to better see the carburetor mechanism.

2. Butterfly Adjuster Setting

• What I Did: Fine-tuned the butterfly adjuster for optimal positioning.
• Outcome: Reduced backfiring and improved throttle response.
• Personal Experience: This simple tweak made a noticeable difference.
• Estimated Cost: $0
• Time Needed: 15 – 30 minutes
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Access the carburetor’s butterfly adjuster.
  2. Loosen the adjuster, then retighten it to just make contact with the throttle arm.
  3. Ensure the butterfly valve moves freely without binding.
  4. Test the engine response after adjustment.
• Expert Tip: Check for any signs of wear on the butterfly valve.
• Handy Tip: Use a small mirror to inspect hard-to-see areas.

3. Drive Belt and Clutch Inspection

• What I Did: Inspected and adjusted the drive belt and clutch.
• Outcome: Resolved the backfiring issue and improved power transmission.
• Personal Experience: The cart felt more responsive after this fix.
• Estimated Cost: $0 – $50
• Time Needed: 30 – 60 minutes
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Inspect the drive belt for proper tension and wear.
  2. Adjust or replace the belt if necessary.
  3. Check the clutch for smooth engagement and disengagement.
  4. Lubricate and adjust the clutch as needed.
• Expert Tip: Regularly clean and inspect the belt and clutch area to prevent debris buildup.
• Handy Tip: Use a belt tension gauge for accurate adjustments.

4. Fuel Type Change to Premium Gas

• What I Did: Switched to a higher octane premium gas.
• Outcome: Significantly reduced backfiring and improved engine smoothness.
• Personal Experience: The engine ran quieter and more efficiently with premium gas.
• Estimated Cost: Varies
• Time Needed: 5 minutes
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Drain the existing regular gas from the fuel tank.
  2. Refill with premium gas.
  3. Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the new fuel.
• Expert Tip: Higher octane fuel can improve combustion and reduce engine knocking.
• Handy Tip: Monitor the engine’s performance after the fuel switch for any changes.