1983 ergo forward bad reverse fine

[Erch]

Hello, great forum. I recently aquired a 1983 ezgo 2 stroke cart. Needed a little work but I have mechanics friends that are former students of mine. Anyway, it seems to run for about a minute in forward and then bogs down and wont move and stalls out. Put it in reverse and it goes like a bat out of you know where. I ordered a new carb as the former owner said it needed one. Still waiting or it to come in. Changed the spark plug but noticed the plug wire was arching, so that needs replaced. Also ordered a new drive belt as the cart seems to not want to go up inclines very well, but does so in reverse, so I think the belt is probably ok after all. Just wondered why it will go like a beast in reverse, but bog down and die in forward. Many thanks.

[Pig Punisher]

Sounds like crank seals. The engine spends most of its life running forward and the seals get worn, it in reverse they can still seal better due to not spending much time in that direction. Lucky you have some mechanic friends cause it's a bit of a task. Or so I hear. I haven't done it yet. Do some reading up on the subject.