G14 vs. G16 engine quality, values

[Zim]

Hi all,

After having great fun and luck with a G1 over the past several years, I want to add a G14-up style to the herd. I found a solid, presentable '96 G14 that runs well, has a canopy, rear seat, and new tires for $1,200. That seems to be a good price compared to others I've seen.

My question is, should I hold out for a G16 since it would have the newer style engine? I don't plan to hotrod this machine, but would like to speed it up to 15-17 mph.

Thanks,
Zim

[KENNETHC]

Cant speak for the g16 but my g14 runs well. Still pulls deer, hunters around farm well. I am happy with it. Still want to do clonda motor, and will when money comes around. But i would want to do motor swap even if i had the newer model. I use it for everything. Around the house, fishin trips, hunting and running around neighbors houses. If i came across another g14 for that and had the money it would be sold.

[smallblock450sl]

G14's were basicly a one year cart. I personally didn't like the gas tank on the driverside (made primary clutch work a pain) and the air box is harder to get to. BUT, 1200.00 for a solid cart with a rear facing seat is a steal. Good luck on your decission.

[Zim]

Thanks for your replies. I ended up buying the cart, but after finding the serial number, I learned it's a '93 G8 with G14 body panels. I was a little disappointed, but the cart runs and drives great and we're already having fun with it.

[smallblock450sl]

Originally Posted by Zim

Thanks for your replies. I ended up buying the cart, but after finding the serial number, I learned it's a '93 G8 with G14 body panels. I was a little disappointed, but the cart runs and drives great and we're already having fun with it.

Don't be disappointed. G8's are good carts. Enjoy your new toy and if you have questions......just ask! Lets see a picture. Heck, "WILSON" started out as a G8

[Zim]

Thanks, smallblock450sl. I agree! Wilson is a wicked machine by the way. Here are a couple pics of the G8/14 and my G1.

I made a few small repairs today. The brakes weren't releasing correctly, but the problem was entirely in the pedal pivot. A stray bolt found its way into the mechanism, as well as dirt, etc.. I cleaned it all up, hit it with PB Blaster, cleaned and oiled the pivot bolt and it all works great.

The cart now runs about 14 mph after setting the governor up a bit, but I'm not thrilled with the acceleration. Maybe my snappy 2 cycle has me spoiled. I do plan to investigate the throttle to see if it's fully opening. I hadn't thought of that until I read the sticky on this board.

Like many older Yamaha carts, the king pins and bushings are shot. I ordered a kit today and a valve ("head") cover gasket to replace the leaky one on my cart.

The only other issue I have is engine temperature. Spit sizzles on the valve cover after running for a while. I'm wondering if it's running lean. The leaky valve cover has oil filmed/dusted the engine quite a bit, which probably isn't great for dissapating heat either. I plan to clean it up once the new gasket is installed, plus check the rubber carb joint for cracks.

Thanks again for all of your input,

Zim

[Dave in VA]

Nice looking carts

[smallblock450sl]

Very nice "posse" you have there Zim I always recomend to customers to put "sawtooth" tires on the front. You will find steering and ride is better and the tires will last longer then "traction" tires. For some reason, G8 mufflers seemed to get "clogged" mufflers and that could account for the heat and "zippyness", also make shure the fan shrouds are not clogged with debrie. Lets see a picture of the engine compartment.

[Zim]

Thanks, guys. I agree with you on the tires. The seller just installed these turf tires, so I'll probably keep them for a while. We run our carts about half on gravel, half on grass. My G1 runs a type of turf tire too, though not as agressive as the G8.

The exhaust does seem to be quieter on the G8 than other carts I've heard. How would I unclog the muffler? I've used a rubber mallet, a water hose, and air pressure on some of my other projects. I'd hate to attempt the BBQ on this muffler since it looks fragile compared to my G1's. After adjusting the throttle to open fully, acceleration is a great deal better, but I think it has more potential.

There was quite a bit of grass, etc. in the fan intake area. The fins look clear, but I may break down and take the shrouds off for a thorough cleaning. It seems to be running cooler already. The picture below is after some cleaning with warm detergent water and careful rinsing. There's still a lot of grease/dust, but it looks a lot better already.

Thanks again for your help,
Zim