G16 gas quits after 6 holes

golfiniowa

Hi all,
Recently, my G16 gas cart will run fine for 6 golf holes, then a couple sputters, then will not run. The motor is turning over, but it will not start. After pushing it back to the cart shed, returning the next day, same thing.

So cooling it off seems to help.

I replaced the spark plug, but that did not help.

Assuming it could be a fuel pump, fuel filter, carb to be cleaned?

I am going to trailer it home to troubleshoot, this evening. So I will be checking spark, etc.... Any ideas are appreciated. It will be hard to test this since it only happens after 6 holes of golf, so the motor must be warm.

Thanks!

BGW

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sho305

I would look at two things first, one would be fuel supply such as cracks in the fuel lines or other leaks, check the pulse line, clean the carb bowl, check the tank vents. Next it might be an ignition component going bad with heat. Best to get a spark tester they are cheap at autozone/etc and run it till it stops then check spark. You could also squirt some fuel in the carb or plug hole and try to start it in case its fuel issue (when it stops running).

golfiniowa

Hi sho305! Thanks for the the post!
After a few evenings on this, here's the summary.

Day 1:
Removed and cleaned the carb. Nothing looked too bad, but gave it a good once-over anyway. Replaced everything and took it for a spin around the yard. After a short drive, I noticed it dying and limped it back to the garage. Too dark to continue, so closed up shop. No where near as much warm up as previously mentioned.

Day 2:
Replaced fuel filter. Same issues. I am not 100% sure how much fuel should be sitting in the filter at any one time, so just tried to keep an eye on it and make sure it looked like fuel was being pumped in. I am pretty sure it is. It did take some work to get the old fuel filter off, but I don't think there are any cracks in the fuel lines.

Day 2a:
Got a spark tester. First test yielded plenty of consistent spark on the tester. Replaced the plug wire and tried to start it. Lots of issues. Backfiring, etc...

When I went to take the plug wire off the plug again, the plug cap pulled right off of the wire in my hand. Not much effort, either.... I tried to twist the plug cap back into the wire and spark was inconsistent.

So...I decided to trace the plug wire to the "coil/points" or whatever that unit is under the plastic shroud. I could not get the last nut off of the plastic shroud. It looks like that could be a major task. i.e. - having to lift the motor up?....
Anyway, it was very dusty/rusty inside the plastic shroud where the "magneto" spins to create the spark. I tried to blow some air in there and clean it out to see if it was possible to replace the spark plug wire. It would appear that I'll need some advice on a part number, or an easier way to replace the spark plug wire/cap without having full access to the assembly that the spark plug wire terminates to. I am hoping it can be done without having to pull the plastic engine cover off, since that looks like a major ordeal.

So to summarize. LOL. I think perhaps the issue is inconsistent spark, due to a loose plug wire/cap connection? Not sure.

I am willing to replace the fuel pump, etc...but I'd like to get a good/solid connection on the plug wire/cap so I get consisten spark.

I wasn't sure what to check for on the tank vent. It appears that the fuel tank cap has something inside it that moves when you shake the fuel tank cap and I didn't notice any difference when I loosened the tank cap during testing.

I appreciate your advice. Sorry so long-winded here.

Thanks!

cgtech

Those TCIs are known to fail in this manner, "runs good, warms up, stops, works good tomorrow morning". That is the 'coil thing' under the black plastic cover. That bottom back 10mm bolt can be removed with a short socket, an extension, and a universal joint without lifting the motor. The coil wire is glued into the TCI, not replaceable seperately.

sho305

You should be able to put a new plug connector and boot on the end one way or another. If you can't replace that one I've seen replacements for cars/etc.

Could be the TCI, I'd just exhaust other suspect things due to the cost.

cgtech

If you are only looking for the elbow and rubber grommet that clips onto the spark plug, thats easy yamaha sells those. They just screw onto the spark wire.

golfiniowa

Thanks guys! I am looking up the parts now. I will also be going to purchase a universal socket joint. Thought I had one before....

I was going to cut that housing off before I lifted the motor out, so this helps....

Gotta get a few more rounds in before the snow flies! I'll let you know how it goes!

golfiniowa

Got the TCI and installed it yesterday. No intermittent spark issues so far. I took it to the golf course shed and will be able to report back later this week after I get it fully warmed up.

Putting that bottom bolt back under the motor is tough!

Thanks for all of the advice!