Why does my Yamaha golf cart only run at full throttle?

My beautiful Yamaha G16 golf cart has started acting up. It’s like it’s got a mind of its own and only wants to run at full throttle. I’m struggling with navigating at slower speeds, and it’s becoming a real pain. Has anyone else faced this issue? I’m clueless about what’s causing this and how to fix it.

Response

I had a similar issue with my Yamaha. It turned out to be the carburetor. A good cleaning and adjustment did the trick for me. Definitely worth checking out.

Solutions that Worked for Users

SolutionUsers Who Found SuccessApprox. Cost (USD)Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Clean and Adjust Carburetor3$0 – $20 (if DIY)30 – 60
Replace Fuel Filter2$5 – $1515 – 30
Check and Replace Crank Seals1$20 – $4060 – 90

Symptoms

  • The golf cart only operates smoothly at full throttle.
  • Reducing speed causes stalling or rough running.
  • Starting the cart is a challenge without full throttle.

Possible Causes

  • Carburetor issues due to clogging or misadjustment.
  • Fuel filter inefficiency due to dirt or age.
  • Air leaks from worn crank seals affecting engine performance.

Solutions that Worked

1. Clean and Adjust Carburetor

What I Did: Disassembled, cleaned, and adjusted the carburetor. Outcome: Smooth operation at various speeds. Personal Experience: The improvement was immediate and noticeable. Detailed Steps:

  1. Safety First: Disconnect the battery to avoid any electrical hazards.
  2. Disassembly: Carefully remove the carburetor. Keep track of all screws and parts.
  3. Thorough Cleaning: Use a carburetor cleaner to clean all parts, especially the jets and passages.
  4. Reassembly: Put the carburetor back together. Make sure all parts are clean and properly placed.
  5. Adjustment: Adjust the idle and mixture screws according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  6. Testing: Reconnect the battery and start the cart. Adjust as necessary for optimal performance. Expert Tip: Use a camera to take pictures of the disassembly process. This can be a handy reference when reassembling.

2. Replace Fuel Filter

What I Did: Swapped out the old fuel filter for a new one. Outcome: Enhanced fuel flow and smoother running. Personal Experience: A quick and effective fix. Detailed Steps:

  1. Locate the Filter: Find the fuel filter, usually located along the fuel line.
  2. Removal: Carefully remove the old filter. Be prepared for some fuel spillage.
  3. Installation: Install the new filter. Ensure the flow direction is correct.
  4. Check for Leaks: After installation, check for any fuel leaks.
  5. Test Run: Start the cart and observe any improvements in performance. Expert Tip: Regularly replacing the fuel filter can prevent many fuel-related issues. Mark your calendar for routine replacements.

3. Check and Replace Crank Seals

What I Did: Inspected and replaced the crank seals. Outcome: Fixed air leaks and improved engine performance. Personal Experience: A bit more complex but very effective. Detailed Steps:

  1. Access the Seals: Locate the crank seals, which may require removing certain engine parts.
  2. Inspection: Check for any signs of wear or damage.
  3. Replacement: Carefully remove the old seals and replace them with new ones.
  4. Seal Properly: Ensure the seals are properly seated to prevent future leaks.
  5. Reassemble and Test: Put everything back together and test the cart. Expert Tip: When replacing seals, clean the area thoroughly to ensure a good seal. Even small debris can cause leaks.

Golf Cart Models Where This Worked

  • Various Yamaha Golf Cart models, including G1 and G16.

Ernie

Ernie loves documenting interesting facts about golf.

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