Please help me with my Yamaha G22 golf cart. It just won’t start, and there’s no spark at all. I’ve tried a few things, but nothing’s working. It’s really messing with my weekend plans on the course.
Response
I totally get how frustrating that is! I had a similar nightmare with my G22. In my case, changing the spark plug was what fixed it.
Solutions that Worked for Users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace Spark Plug | 1 | $5 – $15 | 15 – 30 |
| Check Valve Movement and Lash Adjustment | 1 | $0 – $50 (if DIY) | 30 – 60 |
| Verify Fuel Quality | 1 | $0 (if DIY) | 10 – 20 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart cranks but will not start.
- No spark observed.
- Engine sputters but does not rev up.
Possible Causes
- Faulty or incorrect spark plug.
- Valve movement issues or improper valve lash adjustment.
- Poor fuel quality or wrong fuel type.
Detailed Solutions that Worked
1. Replace Spark Plug
- What I Did: Checked and replaced the spark plug.
- Outcome: The golf cart started successfully.
- Personal Experience: I initially overlooked the spark plug, thinking it was fine since it was new. Turned out, the electrode was missing. Replacing it fixed the issue.
- Estimated Cost: $5 – $15
- Time Needed: 15 – 30 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Locate the Spark Plug: Find the spark plug on your golf cart’s engine. It’s usually on the top or side of the engine.
- Remove the Old Spark Plug: Use a spark plug socket to carefully unscrew and remove the existing spark plug.
- Inspect the Spark Plug: Check for signs of wear, damage, or fouling. Look for a broken electrode, which is a common issue.
- Set the Gap on the New Spark Plug: Using a spark plug gap tool, set the gap on the new spark plug according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Install the New Spark Plug: Carefully screw in the new spark plug by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten with the socket.
- Test the Golf Cart: Start the golf cart to ensure it’s running smoothly.
- Expert Tip: Always use a torque wrench to tighten the spark plug to the manufacturer’s recommended torque setting to avoid over-tightening.
2. Check Valve Movement and Lash Adjustment
- What I Did: Inspected the valve movement and adjusted the valve lash.
- Outcome: Improved engine performance and starting.
- Personal Experience: After adjusting the valve lash as per the manufacturer’s specifications, the engine started and ran smoothly.
- Estimated Cost: $0 – $50 (if DIY)
- Time Needed: 30 – 60 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Access the Valves: Open the engine compartment and remove the rocker cover to expose the valves.
- Inspect Valve Movement: Manually turn the engine and observe the valves. Ensure they are moving freely and fully.
- Measure Valve Lash: Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap between the rocker arm and valve stem.
- Adjust as Needed: Adjust the lash to the manufacturer’s specifications by loosening the lock nut and turning the adjustment screw.
- Recheck and Reassemble: Double-check the lash settings, then reassemble the rocker cover.
- Expert Tip: Perform this adjustment when the engine is cold for the most accurate settings.
3. Verify Fuel Quality
- What I Did: Checked the fuel in the tank for quality and type.
- Outcome: Ensured the engine received the correct fuel for optimal performance.
- Personal Experience: Realized the importance of using the right fuel type for my golf cart’s engine.
- Estimated Cost: $0 (if DIY)
- Time Needed: 10 – 20 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Inspect the Fuel: Open the fuel tank and visually inspect the fuel. Look for any signs of water or contamination.
- Smell the Fuel: Sometimes, bad fuel can be identified by its smell. Stale or sour-smelling fuel is a bad sign.
- Drain and Replace if Necessary: If the fuel is suspect, drain the tank and refill it with fresh, high-quality fuel.
- Expert Tip: Always store your golf cart with a full tank of fuel to minimize condensation and fuel degradation.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- Yamaha G22A Gas Golf Cart (Year not specified)
- Yamaha G22E Electric Golf Cart (Year not specified)
Unique and Uncommon Info
- Spark Plug Electrode Issue: A missing electrode on a spark plug is a less common but critical issue to check.
- Valve Lash Adjustment Frequency: Regular valve lash adjustments are often overlooked but can prevent many engine issues.
- Fuel Storage Tips: How you store your golf cart can impact fuel quality. Always use a fuel stabilizer if the cart will be stored for extended periods.