First Golf Car - Need Help

[von.raab]

On 24 October 2014, I purchased my first golf car a Yamaha. After it was delivered that day, my three grandkids where driving it up and down the street - no problems. My son came by later that day and decided to "wash the engine". It hasn't started since then.

I contact the previous owner, all he could tell me about the car was that he thinks that a 1985 G1 and had no other information or the serial number.

For the past couple of weeks I have scoured the web for information (that's how I came across this site). I know where the serial number is supposed to be at, but I can not find it anywhere. One of the post said to look on the engine, that where I found a number (S215-014830), but I don't know how to deceiver it to find out what exactly what year my car and serial numbers are so that I can order a service manual for it.

After reading dozens of post, I just can't get it running. I sprayed it with WD-40 and looked for loose wires. I really need some help. I need to to get a manual for step by step instructions and diagrams. I found a service manual (LIT-11616-G1-83) for $50, but I'm reluctant to buy it because I don't know what I have.

Thanks for any help & information. Ted

[ericmiyako]

There's some great guys with TONS of knowledge on here... bump!

[smallblock450sl]

You aying the starter/generater turns the engine over but won't fire up? Or is completely dead?

[von.raab]

The engine turns over but it won't fire up.
I filled the gas tank to make sure it's full, so I'm not out of gas.
I charged the battery and it's OK.
I sprayed the engine and the wires with WD-40.
I found one fuse and it looked OK.

I never worked on an engine before. I really need to find out what year and model this car is so I can get a service manual for it and go step by step to check things out. I think something electrical must have shorted out when the engine was washed three weeks ago but I don't know where else to look. It's been sitting in my garage for over three weeks so it's all dry.

[smallblock450sl]

Only 2 places G1's had the serial #'s. 1979 to 1980 on the main frame tube inbetween the rear shock mounts. 1981 and up, on the rectangular tube main frame member where the rear bumper brackets mount. See "sticky" in the first part of Yamaha gas section for locations. There are 2 fuses (on the passanger side rear fender) 1 positive, 1 negative.

[ewbldavis]

A good start would be a full tune up. Mine ran well when first acquired, but the tune up made a huge difference.

[slonomo]

Gotta start with the basics.

1. Fuel, check to see that it's pumping out of the hose that goes to the carb
2. Spark, you can get a spark tester at the local parts store
3. Compression, you can use a loaner from your local Autoz*ne parts store
4. Air, check to make sure the air filter is not wet/plugged and is clear

If you have all 4, it should start. If one is missing, we can help you find the cause. This engine is very basic and the electronics are very reliable. Obviously if everything is in decent condition the engine should run. I had one that was caked in mud, even had mud in the engine. I flushed it out, oiled it up, put a spark plug and fresh gas....boom fired right up. Didn't run good, but it ran. Check the basics and report back.