1998 ezgo misfires when starting

[Ronqusie]

My 1998 ezgo misfires when starting. Had for 2 years. Always had a “sweet spot “ when cranking, depress throttle till you could here firing then wait a couple of seconds then accelerate. If you went past that spot , it would just turn over but not start. Now when cranking, about 75% of the time, it will backfire a few times and sound like it’s just running on one cylinder. It will eventually sound like both cylinders are firing, rev up and run fine, till you stop and then spit and sputter before finally cranking again. Checked valve adjustment, new fuel filter, clean air filter, carb has a stop on the adjustment screw, can only turn about 3/4 turn.
Out of ideas. My first thread here. Any help appreciated!
Workhorse model and used daily to attend chickens
Thanks

[Cartmaster]

Pop the valve cover off and take some pictures of the valve adjuster screws and locknuts. Sounds like the intake valves are sunk in the seats and pretty much worn out. The amount of thread above the lockouts will tell us. If more thread showing on the inner two valves, it's time to replace.

[Ronqusie]

Thanks for the reply. I’ll get the cover off and get those pictures. Forgot to mention, checked the compression- 149 and 150psi. Smokes pretty bad and fouls out the spark plugs every couple of months. Thanks again

[Cartmaster]

Originally Posted by Ronqusie

Forgot to mention, checked the compression- 149 and 150psi. Smokes pretty bad and fouls out the spark plugs every couple of months. Thanks again

My bet is on the table.

Worn inlet valves,

Carb butterfly possibly open before pedal switch activates

Worn rings.

[Ronqusie]

Best pictures I could get. Hope they show what you need. Thanks again!

[Cartmaster]

Does not look like eccessive wear is the issue.

While you have the top off set the valve lash to .004 with feeler gauges. There should be a "how to" in the tech section. If not sure, come back here and one of us will talk you through it. This may be the reason for low compression but I suspect possible worn rings. After we have checked valve lash we can do wet and dry compression tests, then move on to checking throttle opening timing.

[Ronqusie]

Adjusted valves to .004. No change.
If videos upload, one shows cranking and running as should
The next shows misfiring after running a short distance, off for 5 minutes then trying to restart. You can observe throttle linkage. If I play with it up and down it will finally rev up and run smooth. Never backfires when driving. Could this be a heat issue, seems worse the more I use it during the day? Once it starts to misfire, it will do it every time.
Thanks

[CP241]

In gonna go with the throttle cable being out of adjustment and opening too early, based on the description in your first post.

You should be able to have the starter gen turn the engine over BEFORE the carb butterfly starts to open.

[Cartmaster]

Two ways to check this. With ignition off, listen for the faint click of the pedal switch while watching the carb butterfly link. If the link moves before you hear the switch, you need to adjust throttle cable so you hear click before throttle movement. Or ignition on, if throttle moves before starter spins, you also need to adjust.