1987 HD Columbia

[burnshot]

Okay let me first say I know nothing about mecahanics, and no one in my area fixs golf carts. So I guess its up to me haha.

Alright I have a 1987 Columbia four wheel, bought it in June of 08', took it for two nine hole rounds of golf. And heard a knocking sound from the inside of the cart (Probably engine).

When we first took it for a test drive we had to choke it when first moving. The cart slowly got worse to where we had to choke it to move it, then to where the engine would only rev when the accelerator was down, and then totally died to where it wouldn't rev, unless it had been sitting awhile.
I also remember him saying he hadn't had to change the oil because it wasn't burning oil

We therefore had a mechanic test the spark, and we did have spark.
We poured gasoline/oil (?) down the spark plug and it made no difference,
we replaced the fuel lines, and fuel pump. (Fuel pump did not suck).
We cleaned the air filter
removed the exhaust pipe
recharged the battery
changed oil

We were going to test the timing but there was no need because there wasn't anyway for the timing to be off.
A mechanic diagnosed the problem as possibly a piston problem.

Not sure what to do next, please give me some beginer directions!

Addition -
We have also been hearing a whine like sound (possibly the starter) when we touch the gas pedal.


Thanks.