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Old 12-20-2012, 09:27 PM   #1
bobsy
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Default Pre-Purchase G-1 Yamaha

Hi Folks,
Brand new to the cart world. I am going to look at a G1 of unknown year. The owner says it was used to drive around Catalina Island for most of it's life then was bought to pull a little trailer (hitch included) for 100 hours or so. I don't know anything about 2 strokes, so that's why I'm here. I am asking about what I should expect before engine work or anything else that might need service, clutch, etc.......How do I check it out ? Compression test ? I will use it to haul a small trailer, probably 300# or less. Is this a good rig for that type of duty. In the end I guess, what I am asking is what should I look for prior to buying ? I have pretty good mechanical skills, have rebuilt four valve twin cam V eights....but know absolutely nothing about two strokes or carts.....sorry to be such noob.....what should I look for ? Thanks and I appreciate any input..bob
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Old 12-20-2012, 10:43 PM   #2
slonomo
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Default Re: Pre-Purchase G-1 Yamaha

If you've rebuilt four cam engines....this G1 is going to be a cakewalk for you!

Not much to know about 2 strokes except they don't use oil in a crankcase, just oil in the gas. Its as simple as it gets. The 2 strokes smoke a little, so if you drive this in a tight community it might be frowned upon. If that doesn't matter, they are good little carts. Pulling that little trailer like you mentioned is easy, I've pulled full size cars up my driveway before.

A few things to be aware of:

Since the G1 is an older cart, neglect can have it's way with the engine. I had to do a full crank up rebuild on mine, about $500 later she purrs like a kitten. Also the clutches have often worn out on these and replacements are hard to come by, but can be found for good $$$. The body is made of fiberglass and have often seen abuse and damage as a result. Replacement bodies are scarce and expensive if found in good shape. The stock engine is not really meant to be "modified" for performance, although some guys have retrofitted snowmobile engines/parts as upgrades.

The only way to check compression accurately on a 2 stroke is when the engine is warm. So if the engine doesn't run....good luck. Better to just plan on a rebuild and hope the bearings, crank, and rod are good. These engines have rubber crankshaft seals, much like main seals on car engines. These are prone to leaks, not oil leaks like a car, but compression leaks. This will kill a 2 stroke or result in loss in power.

I got mine cheap so that's why I have one. If you get yours at a good price then go for it, but plan on doing some work to it, unless it is all fixed up already.....Price here in Ohio for a complete but non running G1 is about $400. Running $700. Good shape $1200. Excellent $1700. Just my estimates, not official numbers of course.

The G1 guys on this side tend to help each other out alot, since it's the "classic" model Yamaha cart to have! If you have questions just post a thread with "G1" in the title and we'll be watching for ya!

Good luck.
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Old 12-20-2012, 10:43 PM   #3
abieex
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Default Re: Pre-Purchase G-1 Yamaha

Welcome to the site! I just bought mine last July and wasn't smart enough to ask that question. I'm completely rebuilding mine at the moment and these are fairly simple machines. I suggest you aproach it as if you were buying a car. The G1 is an old machine but most G1 guys call them tanks and they have a huge following. Look at general condition, if the owner will let you compression test it do it. I think anything over 100-105 is good. Look for oil leaks on either side of the engine, possible bad seals. Does it move forward and backward smoothly? Its hard to get real picky with a 25 yr old machine that typically doesn't get a lot of maint. LOOK OVER THIS FORUM!!! It will answer a lot for you. Again, welcome, these things are addicting! Let us know if you buy it and add a couple of pics.

I'm sure some of the other guys with more experience than I will chime in.
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Old 12-22-2012, 04:38 PM   #4
bobsy
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Default Re: Pre-Purchase G-1 Yamaha

Hey thanks gentlemen......
I feel a little better prepared, based on the observations you provided, and a little more research here on the board.
I'm supposed to go look on Sunday. I'll report back if things go well.

Thanks again, bob
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Old 12-22-2012, 04:51 PM   #5
abieex
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Default Re: Pre-Purchase G-1 Yamaha

Good luck Bob. May the force be with you!
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Old 12-22-2012, 06:49 PM   #6
bobsy
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Default Re: Pre-Purchase G-1 Yamaha

Hi Folks.....
I've been doing a little reading here and before I go look at an old G1 I am curious about how you determine if the crank seals are bad in a two stroke.....also any big $ items to test or examine?

Thanks again....great board with lots of info.
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Old 12-22-2012, 06:56 PM   #7
essness
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Default Re: Pre-Purchase G-1 Yamaha

Quote:
Originally Posted by bobsy View Post
Hi Folks.....
I've been doing a little reading here and before I go look at an old G1 I am curious about how you determine if the crank seals are bad in a two stroke.....also any big $ items to test or examine?

Thanks again....great board with lots of info.
For the carank seals, you'll notice a bunch of oil sprayed around on the inside of the body and you'll possibly need to hold the choke to keep it running properly after it has warmed up.

Big dollar items, depends on your interpetation of big dollar. These are pretty sturdy carts with a lot of 50 to 200 dollar parts. Most of them falling in the under 100 dollar range.

I used to pull my jet ski trailer with 2 on it 1/4 mile to our boat launch and back up a somewhat significant grade with no issues.
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Old 12-23-2012, 11:12 AM   #8
DOOmsman
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Default Re: Pre-Purchase G-1 Yamaha

You may want to take a rug with you to lay on and a scratch all to
probe the frame for rust. The ocean salt air may have eaten into it.
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