84 EZGO Surging at Low Speed

[ddchallenger]

I recently purchased a 1984 EZGO Marathon with the 244cc Robin motor. The problem I am experiencing is at low speed, the engine surges and then cuts out then surges then cuts out...etc while the gas pedal is maintained at the same position and on occasion the cart will backfire. From half throttle to full throttle the cart runs great, no issues and no backfiring. I can't figure out what is causing this. Are there adjustments to microswitches, carb, etc that would cause this? What are the factory settings for the carb?

I am new to EZGO's, I have always owned club cars and I am quite familiar with them. Can anyone suggest what might be the problem?

Thanks!

[Chopper Tom]

Not sure about Robins motors but I have the same prob with my 20hp Onan on my Wheelhorse Tractor. It may be a weak governor spring.

[ruredy]

Originally Posted by ddchallenger

I recently purchased a 1984 EZGO Marathon with the 244cc Robin motor. The problem I am experiencing is at low speed, the engine surges and then cuts out then surges then cuts out...etc while the gas pedal is maintained at the same position and on occasion the cart will backfire. From half throttle to full throttle the cart runs great, no issues and no backfiring. I can't figure out what is causing this. Are there adjustments to microswitches, carb, etc that would cause this? What are the factory settings for the carb?
Thanks!

Lots of time it's a cable(s) that'll cause symptoms like you describe, there are adjustments to them. This can effect the micros as well. Is your governor still hooked up? The carb adjustment i'm not sure about seems like the ones that are adjustable you just run it in and back out 1 3/4 turns

[ddchallenger]

Thanks for the feedback! I adjusted the cables this weekend and cleared up the backfiring and surging issues!

Now the cart runs really good, actually it runs too fast. I know that may sound strange but it is too fast at the lowest possible speed. When I barely press the gas pedal the cart runs faster than my campground will allow. I believe I need to adjust the Governor to slow the cart down.

Is there any information out there on how to adjust the Governor on a 1984 Marathon?

[divot61]

sounds like its the linkage from the Governor to the butterfly, make sure that the throttle plate is fully closed, push the accel pedal and watch the linkage move back and fourth, also you will hear the faint click of the micro switch when you depress accel pedal, the throttle plate should not move until the micro switch activates

[ddchallenger]

Thanks for the feedback! I will check out the linkage and make sure the the butterfly fully closes and listen for the micro switch to engage before the butterfly opens. This sounds like it is exactly what is going on. I will report back with what i find.

Thanks again!

[divot61]

no problem, keep us posted dd

[ddchallenger]

divot61,

You were right on the money with your suggestion. The throttle plate was not fully closing. I made the adjustment and now the cart runs great. I've got a speed that is a great balance between the slow speed the campground requires and fast enough to make me happy whne nobody is looking....

Thanks for all your help!

[turkey lurkey]

Good thread here! I've got the same issue with an '89. Now I know where to start. Thanks all!

[sccowboy]

Check in the tech sticky.. There is a full listing of how to properly adjust those cables. They can be trifling!!