Why is my EZGO golf cart only running when the choke is on?

Hi. I have a wonderful 1989 EZGO that’s acting up lately. It only wants to run when the choke is fully engaged. I’ve tried the basics like changing the fuel filter and spark plugs, but no luck. Anyone got any ideas?

Initial Response

I had the same issue with my 1995 EZGO Medalist Gas. I spent hours troubleshooting until I finally adjusted the valves, and voila, it worked very well.

Solutions Table

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Personal Experience	Estimated Cost (USD)	Time Needed (Minutes)
Clean the Carburetor Thoroughly	Multiple	Cleaned the carb and it ran smoothly	$0	30-45
Use SeaFoam Cleaning Method	One	Used SeaFoam and it worked fairly well	$10	15-20
Check Valve Clearance	One	Adjusted the valves and it worked	$0	20-30
Check the Fuel Shut-Off Switch	One	Checked the switch and it was fine	$0	5-10
Unclog the Jet in the Carburetor	One	Unclogged the jet and it ran like new	$0	20-30

Symptoms

• Golf cart only runs when the choke is on
• Engine stalls without choke
• Poor acceleration and power

Possible Causes

• Dirty or clogged carburetor
• Incorrect valve settings
• Fuel supply issues
• Air-fuel mixture imbalance

Solutions that Worked

1. Clean the Carburetor Thoroughly

Steps:

1. Disconnect the battery to ensure safety.
2. Remove the air filter housing to access the carburetor.
3. Use a wrench to disconnect the fuel line and throttle linkage.
4. Take out the carburetor from the engine.
5. Disassemble the carburetor carefully, keeping track of all parts.
6. Use carb cleaner to clean all parts, including the jets and ports.
7. Use compressed air to blow out any remaining debris.
8. Reassemble the carburetor, making sure all parts are secure.
9. Reinstall the carburetor and reconnect the fuel line and throttle linkage.
10. Reconnect the battery and start the engine to test.

Expert Tip:

Make sure to note the number of turns for each adjustment screw so you can return them to their original positions after cleaning. Also, consider replacing the carburetor gasket if it looks worn out.

2. Use SeaFoam Cleaning Method

Steps:

1. Open the fuel tank cap.
2. Pour the recommended amount of SeaFoam into the fuel tank.
3. Start the engine to circulate the SeaFoam through the carburetor.
4. Let the engine idle for about 10 minutes to allow the SeaFoam to work.
5. Turn off the engine and let it sit for another 10 minutes.
6. Restart the engine and check for performance improvement.

Expert Tip:

SeaFoam is a good quick fix, but for long-term results, a thorough carb cleaning is recommended. Also, don’t forget to check the fuel filter after using SeaFoam; it might need a replacement.

3. Check Valve Clearance

Steps:

1. Disconnect the battery for safety.
2. Remove the valve cover from the engine.
3. Use a feeler gauge to measure the valve clearance.
4. Adjust the valve clearance to the recommended setting (usually around 0.006 inches).
5. Reinstall the valve cover.
6. Reconnect the battery and test the engine.

Expert Tip:

Incorrect valve clearance can affect the engine’s performance. Make sure to adjust it to the manufacturer’s recommended settings.

4. Check the Fuel Shut-Off Switch

Steps:

1. Locate the fuel shut-off switch, usually near the fuel tank.
2. Make sure the switch is in the ‘ON’ position.
3. Start the engine and check for improvement.

Expert Tip:

Sometimes, the fuel shut-off switch might be turned just enough to stall out the motor but still slowly fill the filters. Make sure it’s in the correct position.

5. Unclog the Jet in the Carburetor

Steps:

1. Remove the carburetor from the engine.
2. Locate the jet, usually a small hole in the carburetor.
3. Use a jet cleaner or a fine wire to unclog the jet.
4. Reinstall the carburetor and test the engine.

Expert Tip:

A clogged jet can cause the engine to only run with the choke on. Cleaning it can resolve the issue.

Safety Tips

• Always disconnect the battery before performing any maintenance to avoid accidental shocks.
• If you’re not comfortable disassembling the carburetor, consider taking pictures at each step for reference.
• After any carburetor work, it’s a good idea to check and adjust the idle speed.

Golf Cart Models Where This Worked

• 1989 EZGO
• 1995 EZGO Medalist Gas
• 1994 Club Car

Uncommon Info

• If your golf cart has been sitting idle for a long time, stale fuel could be a contributing factor. Consider draining the old fuel and adding fresh fuel.
• Sometimes, the issue might be with the choke cable itself. Make sure it’s not frayed or sticking.
• If you’ve tried all the above solutions and still face the issue, it might be worth checking the ignition system, including the spark plug and ignition coil.