1988 ezgo just quit !!!! Help !!

[4x4BumbleBee]

Hey Guys & Gals,

I am new here and have been reading a lot and this is an awesone site OK here is my problem> I have a 2 cycle 1988 EZGO and all was great and cart was running like a top and as we were driving along it just quit like it ran out of fuel. Checked fuel and it was low (didnt think it was low enough to stop) so, I mixed a new batch and filled it up and nothing... Dead on the side of the road
Got it home and
Replaced the fuel filter ---Nothing
Checked Fuel lines--- All clear
Checked Fuel pump-- All Good and Clean
Cleaned Carb. --- All Good
Changed Spark plug -- All good
Checked Spark-- All Good
Newer muffler--Good
Getting fuel to plug-- was wet
Have got it to run ... Smokes like crazy , sputters and no power and then just quit.
Now I am charging the battery as I have ran it down trying to get it going.
I am really stumped here. Any and all help is appreciated

Thanks
Allen

[Quinn]

Spark, Fuel, Compression, and an clear exhaust it should run. How did ya check the fuel pump? I know I almost burnt my cart to the ground when the fuel pump diagram ruptured getting gas right into the crank case. Not saying thats your problem, just saying. These are pretty simple little motors...

[4x4BumbleBee]

I took it apart and checked the diaphram-- all was good
I took the fuel line off the carb side and hit the pedal and it pumped gas out.
Could it be something electrical ??

Allen

[e-z-go1988]

There has to be a set of points in there somewhere. Also, did you check the compression?

[Pocono Country Boy]

Originally Posted by e-z-go1988

There has to be a set of points in there somewhere. Also, did you check the compression?

Don't think there are points on that cart but compression is a definite suspect.

[Dave Box]

Many of these 2 cycle problems can be attributed to air leaks in the crankcase assembly. If you are sure that you have a good spark we can eliminate the electrical side. Your fuel pump seems to be working so we have to look at the delivery to the cylinder. Did you clean out all of your jets in the carb. The nut that holds the bowl on is actually your main jet, did you check it for blockage. if you look up into the carb (with the bowl removed) you will see the main nozzle. Did you unscrew it and check it? If you did all these things and bearing in mind that it suddenly quit I would reluctantly look at the crankshaft seals. Sadly getting the harmonic balancer off will reduce a grown man to tears, especially if it has not been removed in decades. In order of simplicity I would
1. Test the compression, a new engine will run at 150 psi a shot engine will be < 70 psi. If the compression is way down you may want to rebuild the top end
2. Make a physical check of the joints between the carb and the crankcase looking for leaks.
3. Make sure that the choke on the carburetter is not jammed on.
4. Squirt some gas / oil mix into the air intake and try to start.
5. Loosen the bolts between the exhaust and the muffler. It's a bit of a long shot but a blocked muffler will kill the engine.
6. Grit your teeth and start thinking about the crankshaft seals.

[4x4BumbleBee]

Ok. I will check the compression this weekend and really get into it. Messed around with it a little tonight and got pissed at it and walked away. I will redo the carb and see what happens.
Thanks for all your help.

[Phillip]

I had a 1989 that did the same thing. I did all the work that you have done, but with no response. I finally decided to check the crankshaft seal, and that was the problem. There was a small tear in the top of the seal. I replaced it and it ran fine.
They are right about getting to it. I almost pushed mine in the river, I got so disgusted. Also, if you replace the crankshaft seal, make sure you clean the oil off seal mount completely, and maybe even add a little loc tight to the seal, when you install it. I replaced mine without doing the above, and guess what, It popped out after a few miles, and I had to do it all over again.

[4x4BumbleBee]

OK , Cleaned the carb and found a couple ports clogged, all cleaned out. --
Getting spark.
Compression is at 120.
Ok I will now check the crankshaft seal and see if I can find anything there. If not I might just drive down to the river with it...LOL
Thanks

[rob scott]

Originally Posted by 4x4BumbleBee

OK , Cleaned the carb and found a couple ports clogged, all cleaned out. --
Getting spark.
Compression is at 120.
Ok I will now check the crankshaft seal and see if I can find anything there. If not I might just drive down to the river with it...LOL
Thanks

Don't throw it in the river, alot of us could use parts off of it.