Top End Repair Kit 1979 Marathon

johnm

The worst thing that has happened to me lately is that as part of a negotiations for a lake home, I got the seller to throw in his golf cart. It didn't take long to figure out why he jumped on my offer so fast! The cart turned out to be a 1979 ezgo marathon that, while it runs, hasn't had any maintenance in 10-15 years. It needed work badly!

I sent it to the nearest golf cart shop and was told they could make it run better with a basic tune up, but as a rule, they won't do any serious work on an engine that old.

I got it back from them and while it runs slightly better, it still needs help. The compression is at 70lbs and from all I've read, that means at least a top end rebuild kit.

After researching this online, I'm comfortable enough with small engines to do this myself but nearly all rebuild kits available for the Marathon begin with the year 1980 since the engine manufacturer changed that year and, as everyone but me knew already, there are a number of differences in a 1979 motor and any made after. I found the crankshaft and other internal and external parts are different but I haven't really tied down that the top end parts of a 1979 differs from an 80 or newer engine. In fact, a few sales sites and forums say the standard 4554 top end refurb kit usually recommended for 80 or newer engines will fit ezgo 2 cycles from 76 to newer 2pg engines. I've also been told by others the 80 kit will not fit.

Can I get some advice from the forum experts as to whether or not a top end rebuild kit (4554) listed for 80 or newer 244cc 2pg engines will fit my 1979? If not, why won't it fit and where may I find one that will?

Thanks for your help and suggestions. John

BGW

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1fast67

The 4554 will work on a 79. The crankshaft and rod is the difference but the top end is the same. I believe the case is even the same. Most parts are the same from 76-88.

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johnm

Thanks, That's a great comfort considering I'm sitting here staring at the kit on my kitchen table. I'll attempt to put it in next weekend and post the results.

J

1fast67

I have a 79 myself and in the next month or so gonna be doing the same thing.

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rib33024

here's some info, and a video


http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/test-...tml#post464148

1fast67

Thanks rib! I could use some of that info too.

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1fast67

That video is great. Very helpful i thought. That will help me a ton.

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johnm

Very helpful information, Rib. Thanks!

1fast67

Hey john you should check out the video in that link. Very helpful. Two thing i would do different. 1. He didnt know the torque specs and 2. He added more oil to the gas tank. Best thing to do is drain the tank and pre mix your first tank 40:1 then after that its 128:1. You can find the toque specs at the top of the page under ezgo gas tech.

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