87 ezgo/ hei done now it overheats

[jackedgolf]

We changed the plug per your suggestion and ensured that it was set to 0.045" gap. The fuel pump was also replaced and definitely stopped the fuel leak. The cart is no longer shutting itself off but it's still getting pretty hot.

Does anyone know what a "normal" temp on the exhaust would be as we still don't think it's running at peak performance?

[1989Marathon]

With a brand new plug in it, run it at high rpm for a couple of miles, then shut it off. Pull the plug and check the color of the white insulator. That will tell you if it is running lean and making the motor get hot.

[jackedgolf]

Did as you suggested and it's almost like the plug is burnt. Attached a photo to show what we're seeing but it's like a cross between black and red.

[1989Marathon]

It looks quite lean. If running pre-mix, mix it 100:1. Check for air leaks around the reed cage and carb fitting. Also make sure the throttle shaft is not really loose and allowing air to enter. If all that checks out good, you may have to open the main jet slightly.(assuming the carb is clean)

[stretch583]

Originally Posted by jackedgolf

We changed the plug per your suggestion and ensured that it was set to 0.045" gap. The fuel pump was also replaced and definitely stopped the fuel leak. The cart is no longer shutting itself off but it's still getting pretty hot.

Does anyone know what a "normal" temp on the exhaust would be as we still don't think it's running at peak performance?

I don't know if this is normal or not, but my 87 ego with the HEI installed reads 730 degrees near the engine and 680 degrees at the muffler entrance. It was hot enough to melt the plastic cover on the accelerator cable. I put a DEI titanium wrap on the exhaust pipe, but it still seems to get about the same heat (DEI says a infrared thermometer may give the actual exhaust pipe temp and not the wrap temp. The muffler got hot enough to melt the driven clutch plastic cover. Temps were about 50 degrees lower with muffler removed. I have installed a heat shield between the exhaust pipe and the wiring on the front wall of the engine compartment near the fwd/rev selector.