89 will only run with choke

[CCT]

I have never posted here before but have read all the posts concerning having to use the choke to run.

I have replaced fuel lines - pump works as it should- replaced carb - checked reed valve it is ok air filter is clean - and now I am running out of ideas except bbq'ing the muffler.

The cart runs great choked almost need seat belts but won't run worth a *** when you push the choke in.

Any ideas would be mostly appreciated, I have wanted a gasser for a long time and this is my chance I don't want to have to go back to driving the electric cart

[Brother Texan]

Drop bowl on carb and remove main jet. Check to make sure it is clear, you should be able to see daylight throught the tiny hole. May need to strip a piece of electrical wire back and shove 1 or 2 strands through hole to clean it out. Your jet controls the amount of fuel the carb pulls in. So if you are having to choke it, that means too much air not enough fuel.

[CCCT]

Carb is new. I just don't know what to try next.

[Brother Texan]

Sorry, did not see that. Could be leaking air past carb base. With engine running, spray brake cleaner around base of carb and intake manifold. With bake cleaner the engine will die if there is a leak, carb cleaner will make it idle up. Is the carb jetted or does it have needle adjustments?

[Phillip]

I had an 89 do the same thing.
After doing all that you have done, I came to find that the crankshaft seal was torn. I replaced it and fixed the problem.
There was a test that I was told about on here, that I did, but for the life of me, I can't remember it.
Maybe someone else on here can explain how to test the crankshaft seal.
Good luck!

[Auggie2612]

Fairly new to the golf cart end of things but, I've always sprayed carb cleaner at the crank seal on my snowmobiles while its running.. Any change in rpm would tell you the seal is bad or leaking..