88 ez go marathon problem: randomly sputters at mid to high throttle

[rossco1418]

I am having troubles with my 88 ez go gas cart. It seems to work fine at slower speeds but it will sputter randomly at mid to high speed/throttle. I also have the backfiring issue. I have added a spring from a clicky pen but it still seems to be an issue. Any ideas?

[Heliarc]

I think I'd try a heavier spring for the throttle. As for the sputtering, might need your carb cleaned out. Tear it down and hit it with the compressor and some cleaner if you feel confident.

Another one that might explain both could be your plug fouling out. At mid to high throttle there is more fuel being introduced and the plug might be just at the point of going out. Take it out and have a look at it. Hit it with a wire wheel or brush and see if that does anything.

[rossco1418]

I will try a heavier spring for the backfiring. As for the sputtering, I got a tune up kit for it last year and put in a new spark plug, fuel filter, air filter, and oil filter. I also have cleaned out the carb twice with no results. I feel confident the carb is clean. I used carb clean, air compressor, and welding tip cleaner and cleaned out all the jets. I didn't check the gap on the plug, could that be causing the issue? Any other ideas?

[rossco1418]

Could it possibly be the muffler causing the issue?

[BillieS]

Originally Posted by rossco1418

I am having troubles with my 88 ez go gas cart. It seems to work fine at slower speeds but it will sputter randomly at mid to high speed/throttle. I also have the backfiring issue. I have added a spring from a clicky pen but it still seems to be an issue. Any ideas?

Mine problem was similar to yours, thugh mine was a 2003 workhorse. I found several things wrong. Some you have already done, but I do not see adjusting the valves and cleaning out the pulse tube. I do not know much about these things as iam a new owner myself. But I did find these things helpful. Also check to make sure your carb is tight, no air leaks.

[rossco1418]

Where is the pulse tube located at?

[BillieS]

Originally Posted by rossco1418

Where is the pulse tube located at?

Mine was located between the inlet/outlet of the fuel pump that leads to the engine block. I took mine off and blew compressed air through it.

[rossco1418]

I have also noticed that the fuel filter doesn't hold fuel in it. I know they aren't supposed to be full but should it have something in it? Could it be a bad fuel pump?

[rfquiggle]

crank seals may be slightly worn.