At a loss, no power. Please help

[Rob_p]

So I picked up a not running 02 for 400. The spark was erratic at best so after removing the ground on the limiter it started and ran. I was getting a cherry red exhaust so I assumed I was running lean. Plug electrode was white as well. New lines, filter, and pump but electrode still white. I added a new carb and now no more cherry red but still about the same very little power. When I’m in maintenance mode I can get full travel out of the belt from both pullys but when weight is applied to the cart it doesn’t have enough oomph to get into the belts all the way which results in low low end power and no top end speed. I have checked for air leaks and have none and compression is 150 exactly. Any other ideas?

[CP241]

Is this a FE290 or FE350?

HAve you adjusted the valves? (FE290 only)
IS the gas fresh or old gas?
Does playing with the choke make a difference?

[Rob_p]

Not sure on motors I’ll check when I get home. Have not adjusted the valves and old gas was blown out and fresh new added.

[CP241]

What kind of club car? DS? Carryall? Precedent?

[Fairtax4me]

Red glowing exhaust is usually a spark timing issue. The timing may be behind TDC.

This can only happen if the flywheel has come loose and slipped on the crankshaft.

[Rob_p]

So it’s a 290, waiting for it to cool then I’ll check the valve clearance. Old gas is blown out and new gas in.

[Rob_p]

It’s a DS, with new carb there’s no more glowing exhaust. I’m pretty sure it was just too lean.

[Rob_p]

Adjusted valves and no change, if someone gets off and pushes up to speed it will stay but it doesn’t have the power to get there itself.

[CP241]

Sounds like multiple issues compounded into one. Can you drive without the seat and watch the clutches when you drive? Sounds like a belt or clutch issue may be contributing.

If it was $400 it was probably sitting for quite a while, and chances are the clutches aren't in the best of shape. I'd probably remove the clutches and inspect them.

NOTE that the primary clutch is reverse thread... clockwise to loosen, and counterclockwise to tighten. Shouldn't be on there too tight, I think around 30 ft lbf is the spec. You'll need a puller to remove it though. The rear clutch is regular thread and a cordless impact should pop the bolt right off. It's on a keyway so it should slide right off. If not some tappy tap with a rubber mallet should make it come off easily (put the bolt back in a few threads during the tappy tapping to make sure it doesn't go flying or drop off, hit the floor and damage it).

[Rob_p]

Would the clutches be engaging too early be an issue? I’m no expert with carts but ive raced my share of small engines and ideally I’d want this clutch to engage a bit later to build rpm before starting to push the cart. Are we talking a special one off puller? Where do I get that at?