Hey fellow cart enthusiasts, I’m pulling my hair out over here. My Yamaha gas golf cart starts up like a champ but then just quits on me after a short ride. I’ve tried some basic troubleshooting, but I’m stuck. Anyone else faced this issue? Any advice would be a lifesaver!
Response
Yeah I had the same annoying issue with my Yamaha. What finally did the trick for me was a thorough carburetor cleaning. Let’s dive into some solutions that have worked for others as well.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean the Carburetor | Multiple | Cleaned the carb and it worked | $0 | 30-45 |
| Check and Replace Spark Plug | Multiple | Replaced the spark plug | $5-10 | 15-20 |
| Check Fuel Lines and Filters | Multiple | Checked fuel lines, replaced filter | $10-20 | 20-30 |
| Check and Clean Air Filter | 1 | Cleaned the air filter | $0-10 | 10-15 |
| Check and Replace Ignition Coil | 1 | Replaced the ignition coil | $20-40 | 30-45 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart starts but stops after a short distance
- Golf cart sputters before stopping
- Golf cart restarts after a few minutes but repeats the issue
Possible Causes
- Dirty or clogged carburetor
- Faulty spark plug
- Clogged fuel lines or filters
- Faulty ignition coil
- Electrical issues
Solutions that Worked
1. Clean the Carburetor
What I Did:
Removed and cleaned the carburetor thoroughly using carb cleaner.
Outcome:
The golf cart ran smoothly without stalling.
Personal Experience:
After cleaning the carburetor, the cart ran like it was brand new.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
30-45 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the engine and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the carburetor and disconnect it from the engine.
- Disassemble the carburetor into its main components.
- Use carb cleaner to clean each part meticulously.
- Reassemble the carburetor.
- Reconnect it to the engine and reconnect the battery.
- Start the engine to test if the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
Regular cleaning of the carburetor can prevent a lot of engine-related issues. Also, make sure to use gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
2. Check and Replace Spark Plug
What I Did:
Inspected the spark plug and replaced it with a new one.
Outcome:
The golf cart ran consistently without any issues.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the spark plug, the cart ran like a dream.
Estimated Cost:
$5-10
Time Needed:
15-20 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the engine and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the spark plug on the engine.
- Use a spark plug socket to remove the old spark plug.
- Inspect the old spark plug for wear and tear.
- Insert the new spark plug into the socket.
- Use a torque wrench to tighten it to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Reconnect the battery and start the engine to test.
Expert Tip:
Always opt for high-quality spark plugs. A bad spark plug can lead to inefficient combustion.
3. Check Fuel Lines and Filters
What I Did:
Inspected the fuel lines and replaced the fuel filter.
Outcome:
The golf cart stopped stalling and ran smoothly.
Personal Experience:
After checking the fuel lines and replacing the filter, the cart ran without any hiccups.
Estimated Cost:
$10-20
Time Needed:
20-30 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the engine and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the fuel lines and fuel filter.
- Inspect the lines for any cracks or damage.
- Remove the old fuel filter.
- Install the new fuel filter.
- Reconnect the fuel lines.
- Reconnect the battery and start the engine to test.
Expert Tip:
Regularly inspect your fuel lines and filters, especially if you’re storing the cart for an extended period.
4. Check and Clean Air Filter
What I Did:
Removed and cleaned the air filter.
Outcome:
The golf cart ran smoothly.
Personal Experience:
After cleaning the air filter, the cart’s performance improved significantly.
Estimated Cost:
$0-10
Time Needed:
10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the air filter compartment.
- Open the compartment and remove the air filter.
- Clean the air filter using a mild detergent and water.
- Dry the air filter completely before reinstalling it.
- Reinstall the air filter and close the compartment.
Expert Tip:
A clean air filter ensures better air intake, improving engine efficiency.
5. Check and Replace Ignition Coil
What I Did:
Checked the ignition coil and replaced it.
Outcome:
The golf cart ran without any issues.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the ignition coil, the cart ran perfectly.
Estimated Cost:
$20-40
Time Needed:
30-45 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the engine and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the ignition coil on the engine.
- Disconnect the wires attached to the ignition coil.
- Remove the old ignition coil.
- Install the new ignition coil.
- Reconnect the wires and the battery.
- Start the engine to test if the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
If you’re replacing the ignition coil, it’s a good idea to also check the spark plug and wires for any signs of wear and tear.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- Yamaha G16
- Yamaha G9
- 1998 Yamaha
Feel free to share your experiences and solutions that worked for you!