Yamaha G2 cutting out like it has an ignition problem

[shortthrow50]

Ok thanks to you guys, we finally diagnosed the issue. I thought for sure that it couldnt be my grounds becuase most of the connections are new and dont appear corroded. I took jumper cables as recommended and put one on the negative terminal and the other end on one of the bolts on my muffler flange. Doing this while the engine was running and missing, it cleared its throat and running 100 percent. I tried several times while disconnecting. It is indeed a ground issue so Im gonna start with putting a new main ground cable from the battery. I suspect that it is just very corroded inside from the years. I also took the cover off my clutch and the weights seem to be ok. I replaced all the weights and bushings about a month ago. I dont know where the rattle might be coming from. Clutch seems nice and tight on the crank. Not really worried about that too much right now just glad you guys were able to find track down my problem with the engine without wasting money. Thanks again!

[Mike Mac]

Wow! Something I said worked? Glad you found it! Also, happy you realized I ment the negative post on the battery, cause I forgot to mention that. There is that 18 gauge wire right at the negative ground lug in front of the starter, that is where I think your problem lies. Smallblock talks about that alot!... He always thinks he's so smart!!...

And that jumper cable deal, is an "Old Crash trick"!!

Rattle, check wobble on the secondary sheave. May need bushings in that sheave. Also look at ramp shoes on the helix,(right behind the secondary sheave ramps).

[shortthrow50]

Originally Posted by Mike Mac

Wow! Something I said worked? Glad you found it! Also, happy you realized I ment the negative post on the battery, cause I forgot to mention that. There is that 18 gauge wire right at the negative ground lug in front of the starter, that is where I think your problem lies. Smallblock talks about that alot!... He always thinks he's so smart!!...

And that jumper cable deal, is an "Old Crash trick"!!

Rattle, check wobble on the secondary sheave. May need bushings in that sheave. Also look at ramp shoes on the helix,(right behind the secondary sheave ramps).

yeah that was pretty clever recomendation with the jumper cable thing. ill look into the clutch more now that the other problem is kicked. i was gonna ask what gauge cable to order so I guess its 18 gauge. this is great thanks

[Mike Mac]

If your battery cables look bad, replace them, don't try to fix them, don't put new ends on them. New is always better! That 18 guage wire is very small and goes into the main wire harness, if you do replace that small wire on the ground lug (starter) go with 14 guage (bigger wire).

[shortthrow50]

I spent about 2 hours today going over ground wires and resplicing a few. Replaced main negative cable from battery to starter with bigger cable as well. **** cart still exibits the issue but not as bad. Then just to confirm I again grounded battery to the engine and runs fine. All my connections look food but obviously theres a bad ground somewhere still. Can i just say the hell with it and keep it grounded to the engine and battery? Why arent these things grounded to the frame anyway?

Also, noticed my rear brakes are binding. Brake cable has plenty slack. brake pads are good and no binding on components in rear. Time for new drums?
sorry for bouncing around

also, the ideal thing would be to pull the engine and do an engine bay overhaul. i dont feel like pulling engine right now to clean and paint becuase Im planning on doing one of those direct swap bi block kits in this cart hopefully in the next 2 years. I figure when i do that, i will clean up rust and wiring. Had this thing since 99 when i came out of the navy and its been pretty good to me.

[Mike Mac]

Did someone install lights on the car, or any other accessory and grounded those to the frame?

[shortthrow50]

Originally Posted by Mike Mac

Did someone install lights on the car, or any other accessory and grounded those to the frame?

hey thanks for the quick response mac. i installed lights about 9 years ago and then recently installed tail lights about 3 months ago because i like to drive on the road at night with a cocktail. i tapped the tailights into the headlights i installed (9 months ago) but i grounded them to battery ground

[Mike Mac]

I would disconnect the ground on those temperarly, they may not be the best quality, and have corroded connectors by now.

[shortthrow50]

Originally Posted by Mike Mac

I would disconnect the ground on those temperarly, they may not be the best quality, and have corroded connectors by now.

I read this this morning and disconnected the lights ground like you suggested and I used the cart for several hours and had no issues at all. Looks like the lights have corroding problems like you said. The other wires I fixed were in bad shape too so nothing was done that didn't need to be done. I thank you again for your help. You really hit the nail on the head with this diagnosis and saved me a lot of money. Usually I just start throwing parts on it. Thanks!!!!

[Mike Mac]

Good deal man! I've wired a few sandrails and a couple race cars, as well as a real car or 2. And I've observed a thing or 2!!

Good luck, Mike