Recently, I’ve noticed that my golf cart has gas mixed in with the oil. This is causing a lot of trouble, including poor performance and even potential damage to the engine. I really need some help fixing this problem.
Response
I had the same issue with my golf cart. But there’s hope! One solution that really worked for me and several others was fixing the carburetor issues. It’s a common problem and often the culprit behind gas getting into the oil.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixing Carburetor Issues | Multiple | $20 – $50 | 30 – 60 |
| Replacing Fuel Pump | Multiple | $50 – $100 | 60 – 120 |
| Installing a Shut-off Valve | Few | $10 – $20 | 20 – 40 |
Symptoms and Causes
- Poor performance or non-starting golf cart.
- Higher than normal oil level with a gasoline smell.
- Potential causes include carburetor malfunctions, a faulty fuel pump, or leaks in the fuel system.
Detailed Solutions
- Fixing Carburetor Issues
- What to Do: Thoroughly clean and, if necessary, repair or replace parts of the carburetor.
- Outcome: Resolves fuel leakage into the oil.
- Personal Experience: After a detailed cleaning and adjusting the float, my cart was back to normal.
- Estimated Cost: $20 – $50
- Time Needed: 30 – 60 minutes
- Steps:
- Carefully remove the carburetor from the engine.
- Disassemble it, keeping track of all parts.
- Use carburetor cleaner to clean each part, paying special attention to jets and passages.
- Check the float for holes and the needle for wear.
- Reassemble using new gaskets if necessary.
- Reinstall and adjust the carburetor settings.
- Expert Tip: Always use fresh fuel and regularly check the carburetor’s condition to prevent future issues.
- Replacing Fuel Pump
- What to Do: Swap out the old fuel pump for a new, high-quality one.
- Outcome: Stops fuel from seeping into the crankcase.
- Personal Experience: A new pump eliminated the overflow problem.
- Estimated Cost: $50 – $100
- Time Needed: 60 – 120 minutes
- Steps:
- Locate your golf cart’s fuel pump.
- Disconnect the fuel lines and remove the mounting screws.
- Compare the old pump with the new one to ensure compatibility.
- Install the new pump and reconnect the fuel lines.
- Test for leaks and proper operation.
- Expert Tip: Regularly inspect the fuel lines and connections for signs of wear or damage.
- Installing a Shut-off Valve
- What to Do: Add a shut-off valve to the fuel line to control fuel flow.
- Outcome: Prevents fuel from entering the engine when not in use.
- Personal Experience: This simple addition made a big difference.
- Estimated Cost: $10 – $20
- Time Needed: 20 – 40 minutes
- Steps:
- Identify a suitable spot on the fuel line for the valve.
- Cut the fuel line carefully.
- Install the valve according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Secure the valve and check for leaks.
- Expert Tip: A shut-off valve is particularly useful for carts that are stored for long periods.
Extra tips
- Fuel Quality: Always use fresh, high-quality fuel to prevent carburetor clogging and other issues.
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular check-ups for your golf cart to catch issues early.
- Storage Tips: If storing your golf cart for an extended period, consider draining the fuel to prevent leaks and contamination.