G8-Is it running correctly?

[Mike Mac]

Jim, the back firing problem is because the throttle cable is not adjusted correctly. On mine, I have the pedal switch to close at just the touch of the throttle.
You need ignition before the throttle begins to open, and you need ignition till after the throttle is closed.
Usually, this can be done with more slack at the carb. to start with, but also adjust the pedal switch.
You can get full throttle by taking the throttle foot pedal off the spline and backing it up one tooth on the spline (tipping the foot pedal up, or back toward the seat one tooth).

I have my throttle opening about 80% cause I'm not gonna blow a motor apart, for a couple MPH.

[stuff4mason]

Oh wow. OK Mike. This sounds a little complicated, but I guess I need to look at the pedal and how it gets adjusted to understand. I didn't realize the pedal could be adjusted.

I'll look at this in the morning.

Mike - gonna send you a PM regarding the rear seat. Have a couple of questions!

[Mike Mac]

Jim, here is a picture. The throttle is next to that diamond plate shield.
Also I cut that little piece of aluminum jutting out from the back of the throttle foot pedal off.
Also Flint and Chompy are also big guys. Listen to them, they know more than I do.

[Mike Mac]

Jim, heres another picture

[stuff4mason]

So, guys, what speed should I expect from this cart on flat ground?

I adjusted the throttle cable, so it gave more throw to the butterfly. It ran fine, just not much speed... I lifted the back of the cart off the wheels today so I could hear and see it run.

Two things: 1) the pedal seems so touchy. Another words, if you keep the same pressure on the pedal, the engine is up and down on RPM's. I might bring the gov back and set it up the way it was meant to be to see if that helps.

2) The backfiring is bad...it doesn't do it when giving gas, but it definitly does it when backing off the pedal. Not just letting off the gas completely, but just slightly backing off too. I checked all the vacume lines like you guys suggested, but they all seem very good. Someone mentioned maybe the butterfly wasn't closed, but it definitly is closed when no pressure on the pedal. I am not sure, but I swear, I could here a small pop near the front of the engine, then a second or two later, it would pop out the exhaust.

I can't take this cart to the campground like this! People will come out of the campers with guns a blazing, thinking someone is shooting at their camper!! I hate dodging bullets while trying to relax at the camper!!

I did order a new drive and starter belt, as I don't think these were ever changed. I also greased the zirk on the lower clutch, but can't get my grease gun on the fitting for the upper clutch...eerrr! The good news is, both clutches appear to be working correctly.

EDIT: Just realized there are two broken mounts on the muffler. Under those mounts are holes directly into the muffler. There is also no gasket between the header and the engine. Can this cause back firing?

Any more idea's?

[Mike Mac]

Jim, have you checked the plastic intake manifold spacer for cracks? and you need to get that gasket on the exhaust fixed and weld up the holes in the muffler. All are symptoms of air leaks or throttle adjustment.
Also check air filter box for air leaks. It has to be assembled correctly or it will suck air, and cause it to run lean =run hot-back fire-or run poorly.

[stuff4mason]

Yep. That's what it was! I took the muffler off last night and welded the brackets on and filled the holes. Put it back on this morning and from what it appears, the backfiring went away. I won't be able to really test until the snow stops, but it didn't do it for the 5 minutes I ran it on the jack!

New problem discovered which may explain the slowness and erratic rpm's....

While on the jack, I noticed the drivers side (rear) wheel turns as it should, but the passenger wheel is barley moving. Tried to spin by hand and it turned, but was difficult. I think (I hope) the brake is sticking on at this wheel.... I pray that it isn't a problem in the differntial. The wheels spin oposite of each other when you turn by hand, so I don't think its the diff. This may explain the slow speed too...

[Mike Mac]

All that is normal, turn passanger side by hand. Does it turn hard? You should be able to hear the brakes drag the drum as you turn. And it shouldn't be dragging 360*. It should come and go as you turn it. Both sides should turn with about the same friction.
Good deal on the muffler, but it needs a gasket at the head. (important).

[stuff4mason]

Yea, now its turning. I switched the drum from side to side and found a bunch of mud packed in there.

There is a gasket on the header, but its rough and needs to be replaced. RPM's are starting to level out now!

The new drive belt is being delivered by UPS this afternoon. I am hoping this makes all the difference.

[stuff4mason]

So, snow stopped. Took the G8 for a ride today.

I put on a new drive belt. Backfiring issue has decreased, but still doing it on downhill runs.

Cart did 15mph tops on GPS. It seems to have power - like steep hills it'll climb without complaining. But speed I feel is still slow.

Am I right, or is that it for a 20 year old cart?

Also, is it true that the taller tire you put on the cart, the faster it'll go?