85 ezgo gas golf cart wont run

[gravesj1s]

Hello ,

Ive got an 85 ezgo that seems to be getting spark and I pulled the line from the fuel pump to the carb and it appears to be getting fuel into to the carb. I then checked the plug and noticed it is wet but still wont run.

Tried a shot of starting fluid into the plug hole and it still didn't start.

Any ideas here on what might be the problem? I just cant seem to figure this out.

Thanks in advance for any advice -Steve

[cart around]

A wet plug doesn't always mean the gas is coming from the right place.

Common problems are worn crankshaft seals, and ripped diaphragm in the fuel pump.

Tell us a little history on the cart. When did it last run? Was there any major maintenance done? What is the compression?

[gravesj1s]

cart around

Tell us a little history on the cart. When did it last run? Was there any major maintenance done? What is the compression?

Well, the cart is an 85 and ran all last summer without issue other than a backfire occuring when slowing down followed by acceleration. However this summer it seemed to lose all power and wouldnt hardly move at all.Eventually,rather quickly got worse to the point it now wont move at all.while trying to start it now it backfires after about a minute.
I havent done a compression test.

Help me help you
What is your mechanical skill level?

Accountant 0----5----10 Builds top fuel dragsters

Maybe a 3 or 4 I guess. Iusally do some research and find youtube videos that show me what to do. Other sources of info like this forum is another source I use . Its helped a lot in the past but this Im really stumped.

Thanks again for any info you can or think might help. ~ steve

[cart around]

The backfiring issue is caused by the throttle plate not closing all the way. The pictures below show a spring slid over the throttle cable that prevents the backfiring.
You may be wondering why that matters. Backfiring blows out the crankshaft seals causing it to not run.



The manual has a wealth of information too.

Read these two links. http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/gas-e...aft-seals.html

http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/gas-e...fuel-pump.html

[gravesj1s]

Great help ,thanks cart around.

Do you happen to know of a guide I can use on replacing the crank seals ?
I checked the stickys and did some searching but I havent found any.

[cart around]

Remove the engine.

Remove the clutch, and flywheel. Those tasks are both ordeals in themselves.

Pry out the seals with picks, or screwdrivers. Some people screw a drywall screw into the metal, and yank them out with pliers.

Install new seals with green loctite.

You will need a steering wheel puller, and some long 6mm bolts for the flywheel. An air impact would be great.

Removing the clutch means removing the long center bolt, dropping a rod into the hole to sit over the threads, and then screwing a 3/4" fine thread bolt on top of that to press off the clutch. An air impact is almost essential.

Before doing any of that, open up the fuel pump to see if it is clean, and if the diaphragms are ripped.

[redcloud]

Do a compression test before pulling engine. If low pressure, it will not start and fuel will not fire. Pressure below 90#s would be going bad. You then have choice to pull engine and do jug hone and piston but I would recommend a full long block that comes with new seals, crank, piston and jug jug .

[gravesj1s]

Thanks guys.

I carefully pulled the fuel pump apart ,it looked clean with diaphrams intact .No tears.

So,if im getting this right my next step should be to do a compression test?

If the seals are blown out wouldnt that skew the compression test?

Thanks again for your help.

[cart around]

Seals will not affect compression.

Compression is on top of the piston. Seals are below the piston.

[gravesj1s]

I know it's been a year since I updated this project , but I decided to hold off until I could erase arch more about this cart . So I've been back it .

I did a compression test and it was only 30psi . I pulled the engine and separated the cylinder to inspect the piston, rings , gasgets and cylinder wall . All of those need replacing which I plan on ordering a full top end .

I also checked for play in the crank shaft and there is a very slight movement , just enough to hear a clicking sound. I'm just not sure if this is also something that needs to be replaced . i plan on replacing both seals while I got the engine out but the crank shaft looks like ( according to the manual ) it would require a special press to do the bearings and removal on the old crank shaft .

What are your thoughts on this crank shaft and is it worth or even need replacing ? Thanks in advance