1984 won't run consistently, no torque

JamesT

I picked up a 1984 Columbia and it runs rarely. I am not a 2-stroke guy and definately not a golf cart guy, where do I start? It won't run in reverse, it runs in foward with not enough torque to get it on my trailer.
The mixture screw seems to do nothing, help or hurt. There is new gas mix in it, the plug looks new (for whatever that is worth).
Is there any mechanic in the Phoenix area that can work on it, and not charge too much? I have been thinking of converting it to an ATV engine but, not if someone can get some power out of this thing. Some of the mods I have seen on this board for stock motors (& clutches) look like they would be better than changing the drive train out for me, for now.

Any help would be appreciated.

TIA

BGW

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chuckbaynham

If you are willing to do work on it yourself the forum members will likely help.
Compression, Fuel, Spark at the correct time.
Can you check compression?
If Compression is good (around 90 PSI) then:
Check if you have a good spark and or check and or install new points and condenser and adjust points as per forum posts then:
Check/set your timing as per forum posts.
Re: Reverse
It will not run in reverse or will not crank in reverse?

Good luck,
Chuck

Train Wreck

Agree completely with Chuck, compression is the first thing, have to do that and make sure the rings and crank seals are good. Check that and post your results so we can go farther. Make sure you check the compression in forward and reverse with the throttle wide open.

JamesT

I can check compression, it has been a while but, easy enough.

Hell I haven't changed a set of points in forever. I might still have a dwell guage some place. I might even have some feeler guages laying around in the bottom of the box.

I can probably take the carb a part & blow the it out with some compressed air.

It won't run in reverse, it turns over and will try to run with a choke.

Thanks. Baby steps....

cowboysclassics

The first place I would start would be to check to make sure the fuel tank vent is not plugged. Try running it for a few seconds, and if you can here a sucking sound while removing the filler cap, the vent is more then likelly plugged and it will not draw fuel from the tank correctly.

I have an 1983 Columbia I have been fighting a similiar problem for awhile. I pulled the tank & cleaned it out real good, replaced all fuel lines, filter & fuel pump, tank vent. Put on a brand new carburator, new points, condensor & set the timing correctly according to the manual and it will still only run good in reverse. It will run fine in forward also IF it is on jack stands but only trys to run once the tires are sitting on the ground.

It has great compresion, but I noticed the seal behind the clutch is leaking now which I think might be causing the problem. I am only guessing its not producing enough vacume in FWD to get enough fuel to the carb, so replacing that seal will be my next step. Best of luck to you & please keep us updated on what you find out.

DOOmsman

it turns over and will try to run with a choke.

Time to take the carb off and clean every part of it.
I am not sure about your carb but most have very small
jets up in the middle that will look clear and still have varnish in them.
You need a set of torch tip cleaners. Some are so small I have to
pluck a bristle out of a wire brush and hold with needle nose pliers.

JamesT

I do have a torch tip cleaning kit. Thanks.

tew45

The other folks have covered most of the potential problems but timing. The engine has to be timed in forward and reverse. Since it doesn't run in reverse one major problem you have is timing. Do a search on the forum and you will find a few posts on how to time in both directions. A service manual is available to download along with a user's manual. So check your compression first should be 85 to 100 psi to run then time the cart and evaluate performance. In good condition it should run between 15 and 20 MPH. Good Luck and let us know your progress!

cowboysclassics

I dont know Tew, according to my manual for my 1983 Columbia if you get the timing correct for forward, the timing will be correct for reverse. It made no sense to me because all of the earlier years are like you stated, but from what I understand the 1983 through 1985 are a bit different as far as the timing.

The timing marks are also on the fan cover, and the front of the fan looking right above the points cover which is also different from the earlier years. I have not been able to find a manual online that can be downloaded which is why I just bought one and it is a bit confusing to me still.

If you or anyone else can varify which is the correct way, I am sure several of us would appreciate it.

tew45

That is possible that they are different. I usually do not work on carts that new. There does not seem to be much newer than an 81 or 82 here. At least I haven't seen any. I am not familiar with any system other than the standard point / condenser setup. It is also possible that someone has reverted to the older system on your cart. It is very difficult to troubleshoot from afar without tons of data. I will look at the 85 system I have in print and see what could be wrong.