Help with 88 Marathon
 

I just bought a 1988 ez-go and could use some input and schooling on this thing.

1. I have been searching this site and it appears ez-go and marathon are the same. Is this correct?

2. This cart has a two-stroke gas engine. I asked the previous owner what gas/oil ratio to use. He said he thought it was 9 oz to 5 gals of gas but since it is freshly rebuilt he was mixing 11 oz to 5 gals. Is this right? I don't want to burn it up.

3. What is the cc or hp of this engine?

4. It has a 3" lift with 23" tires. I am thinking I need to go with a minimum 5" lift to allow full turning and keep the front wheels from binding. Any recommendations for a certain lift kit? I searched a couple of sites but they don't seem to go back past 1994.

Thanks in advance for any help

Re: Help with 88 Marathon
 

Welcome.The Ez-Go is the manufacturer,Marathon is the model.They made them from the mid-70's thru 94.5.If you are pre-mixing the oil.1oz/gal. (128:1)for normal use,1-1/2oz per gallon.You can step up to 20:1 for the first tank on a fresh motor.The 2pg(pre87.5) was a 244cc 8hp.)The 3pg if i remember is the same cc,and about 8-9hp.With 23's you would be better off with a 4"-5" kit.Also do you have offset wheels or stock.Stock wheels will cause tires to rub without spacers.The block-lifts are great for a low-price,easy install,that works good(about $100 or so and only a few hours to install.)Hope this helps:thumbup::thumbup:

Re: Help with 88 Marathon
 

1. I have been searching this site and it appears ez-go and marathon are the same. Is this correct?

Not quite, EZGO is the manufacturer, Marathon is the model
2. This cart has a two-stroke gas engine. I asked the previous owner what gas/oil ratio to use. He said he thought it was 9 oz to 5 gals of gas but since it is freshly rebuilt he was mixing 11 oz to 5 gals. Is this right? I don't want to burn it up.

The correct ratio is 128:1 or 1 ounce per gallon. This would be 5 ounces per 5 gallons. The exception is the first tank after a rebuild when the ratio is 40:1 which is 3 ounces per gallon or 15 ounces per 5 gallons
3. What is the cc or hp of this engine?

The engine is 244 cc and 9hp and as many will concur a good running Robin 2 stroke is hard to beat.

4. It has a 3" lift with 23" tires. I am thinking I need to go with a minimum 5" lift to allow full turning and keep the front wheels from binding. Any recommendations for a certain lift kit? I searched a couple of sites but they don't seem to go back past 1994.

You are correct 3 inches is too low for 23" tires. A 5 inch lift would be good and you can find a good block lift kit on Ebay for ~$70

Enjoy your cart
Dave

Re: Help with 88 Marathon
 

and pipped to the post by pachanga

Re: Help with 88 Marathon
 

Good Minds think alike Dave!!:lhmo::lhmo::thumbup:I just beat ya to it this time!LOL:lhmo::lhmo:

Re: Help with 88 Marathon
 

I will start looking through e-bay for a lift kit.

According to EZGO its a GX444 2-cycle Gas Marathon

Also the wheels are not stock. Still looking for a brand on them. Tires are 23 x 10.5 x 12

I am assuming since the tires are so big the wheels are already offset?

Thank you all for the info.

Re: Help with 88 Marathon
 

MFD,

WELCOME TO BGW!!! This place is a wealth of info, and a bunch of GREAT guys! If you have any questions, just ask, we will be happy to share any of our Brain Juice with you, just bring your own funnel!:lhmo:

About the offset of the wheels, the pic below will explain all the info on sizes of rims!

HAVE FUN BRO!!:thumbup:

Jon

Re: Help with 88 Marathon
 

180460342331

That's the Ebay auction number (current) for the 5" lift I installed on my '88 - the quality is far better than the kits I've seen from cart websites (heavier construction, better welds, etc) and they're made here in the USA to boot!

My cart has seen plenty of use and abuse with this kit and it's held up wonderfully !

Re: Help with 88 Marathon
 

Thanks Brew. I ordered it. Once I get this kit installed, is there anything else I am going to have to modify to make it all work? For example, am I going to have to lengthen the gas line?

Re: Help with 88 Marathon
 

Allow me to jump in here. It might pay you to remove the flexible coupling between the air filter and the carburetor. When you lift your cart you will effectively lower the carburetor and possibly rip the coupling. Once you have finished with the lift you can re-align the coupling.
Dave