My golf cart has been running rough lately, and when I checked, the spark plug was dry and covered in soot. I’ve tried a few things, but nothing seems to work. Has anyone else faced this issue and found a solution?
Response
I had a similar issue with my Yamaha Drive. It turned out to be a problem with the fuel delivery. I adjusted the fuel lines and connections, and it made a huge difference. You might want to give that a try.
Solutions that Worked for Users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check Fuel Lines and Connections | 5 | $0 – $20 | 30 – 60 |
| Verify Fuel Switch/Valve Position | 4 | $0 | 10 – 20 |
| Inspect Fuel in the Carburetor Bowl | 3 | $0 | 15 – 30 |
| Use Starting Fluid to Check Fuel Delivery | 2 | $5 – $10 | 5 – 15 |
| Check for Wet Spark Plug | 2 | $0 | 10 – 20 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart running rough or not starting.
- Spark plug is dry and covered in soot.
- Stronger smell of exhaust fumes.
Possible Causes
- Fuel delivery issues.
- Incorrect fuel switch/valve position.
- Carburetor problems.
-
Check fuel lines
- What I Did: Thoroughly inspected and adjusted the fuel lines.
- Outcome: Resolved the fuel delivery issue, improving engine performance.
- Personal Experience: Found a small kink that was restricting fuel flow.
- Steps:
- Trace the fuel lines from the tank to the engine.
- Look for any signs of damage, kinks, or disconnections.
- Gently straighten out any kinks and replace damaged lines.
- Ensure all connections are tight and secure.
- Handy Tip: Use zip ties or clamps to secure fuel lines away from moving parts.
- Expert Insight: Regular checks can prevent fuel line issues from escalating.
-
Verify Fuel Switch/Valve Position
- What I Did: Ensured the fuel valve was in the correct position.
- Outcome: Corrected the fuel flow issue.
- Personal Experience: Realized the valve was mistakenly turned off.
- Steps:
- Locate the fuel valve on your golf cart.
- Check if it’s in the ‘on’ or ‘open’ position.
- Adjust if necessary and ensure it’s secure.
- Test start the cart to check for improvement.
- Handy Tip: Mark the ‘on’ and ‘off’ positions on the valve for easy identification.
- Expert Insight: A simple valve check can save time and avoid unnecessary repairs.
-
Inspect Fuel in the Carburetor Bowl
- What I Did: Checked the carburetor bowl for fuel presence.
- Outcome: Identified a blockage in the fuel delivery system.
- Personal Experience: The bowl was unexpectedly dry.
- Steps:
- Locate and remove the carburetor bowl.
- Observe if there’s fuel present.
- Clean the bowl and check for blockages in the jets.
- Reassemble and test the engine.
- Handy Tip: Use carburetor cleaner for effective cleaning of the bowl and jets.
- Expert Insight: Regular carburetor maintenance ensures optimal fuel delivery.
-
Use Starting Fluid to Check Fuel Delivery
- What I Did: Applied starting fluid to diagnose the fuel issue.
- Outcome: Confirmed a blockage in the fuel system.
- Personal Experience: The cart ran briefly, indicating a fuel delivery problem.
- Steps:
- Spray a small amount of starting fluid into the air intake.
- Attempt to start the engine.
- Observe if the engine runs and then stops.
- Handy Tip: Avoid overuse of starting fluid as it can be harsh on the engine.
- Expert Insight: Starting fluid is a great tool for quick diagnostics but should be used sparingly.
-
Check for Wet Spark Plug
- What I Did: Inspected the spark plug for wetness.
- Outcome: Determined the engine was not flooded.
- Personal Experience: The plug was dry, ruling out flooding.
- Steps:
- Remove the spark plug after trying to start the engine.
- Check if the plug is wet or dry.
- Investigate other causes if the plug is dry.
- Handy Tip: A wet spark plug can sometimes be cleaned and reused.
- Expert Insight: A dry spark plug in a non-starting engine often points to fuel delivery issues.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- Yamaha Drive
- 2016 Yamaha Drive 2 EFI
- Harley Davidson AMF (1971-1981)