Club car Fe350 engine won't start

[Allthingsmechanical]

I've searched all the Fe350 won't start threads and found no help for my problem. I've disassembled my engine at least 5 times and concluded I don't know nothing about nothing. Each time I reassemble it, it will run for awhile then it fails to start again. I have replaced just about every moving part. This time it may run on low throttle for a few seconds, but usually it won't even run for a few seconds. Just replaced the carb, new plug, compression 120 psi, hot fire, strong fuel pump, lots back firing out carb. Disassembled again to make sure timing marks aligned on the two gears. Strange part, when I pull the spark plug, it is dry like no fuel is entering the combustion chamber. Spraying gas into carb has no effect. Just removed head again, valves and valve seats were fine. I'm 81 years old and never worked on an engine I couldn't fix until now. Are these engines made in China!
One other question, will a faulty igniter affect backfiring? Thx for any recommendations.

[CP241]

First, hopefully one of the mods will move this to the CC section. You'll get more response there :)

Second, what year and model cart do you have? Is it key start or pedal start? If pedal start, 120psi is quite low. Should be in the 165-170 range.

Does it have manually adjustable valves or HLA's? I've seen both in the 350

When it does quit running are you sure you have spark? What color is the spark when you hold the plug against a valve cover bolt? Blue? White? Yellow? What spark plug are you using?

[Allthingsmechanical]

Thanks for your response. It is a pedal start 96 model. Spark is orange in color and looks normal. Valves are not adjustable. One other bit of info, I reused the head gasket each time I reassembled it because they are so expensive. Could see no evidence of gasket leaks at each disassembly, but still could be losing some compression I guess. Have the head off now and just relapped the valves....they are new and look to be in perfect condition. Lots of carbon in combustion chamber.......

[lockman1]

Out of curiosity... did you look to see which way the S/G is turning the engine over when your trying to start it this last time?
I'm just asking because sometimes the S/G wires get confused, and the engine turns over the opposite way it's supposed to.

[CP241]

Ok I used a couple issues. First, that's way down in compression. Not so much it shouldnt run around all, but it definitely wont run "well".

Second, spark should be bright and blue. If its orange your coil is weak, I'd get an OEM coil because the aftermarket ones are garbage.

What spark plug are you using?

I think spark and/or coil is your main problem. But low compression will present problems down the road

[Allthingsmechanical]

Thanks, I think you are probably right. I will try to find an OEM coil. Do you recommend a coil with built-in igniter? Think that's what I installed last time. What spark plug should I use? I just installed a Champion that fits. Thx

[CP241]

I only trust NGK plugs in anything I own. FE350 should take a BP5ES. I would try the right plug before changing the coil or anything else.

The ignitor is built into the coil. Go to revolution golf cars and order a coil from David hicks if you need to order a coil. But I would try thr correct plug first. I wouldnt use a champion spark plug in my weed whipper....

[Allthingsmechanical]

Thanks, will do. I really appreciate your help!

[Allthingsmechanical]

You the man CP241: bought an ignition coil from David Hicks, Revolution Golf Cars, Kasawaki OEM, paid $150 for it. Installed new head gasket, NGK BPR5ES spark plug and now it starts and runs good. You were right! I will never buy another aftermarket ignition coil. Thanks for the lesson! JR

[Mellow Buggie]

out of curiosity what is the life expectancy of an ignition coil?