'81 2 cycle cart wont stay running....

[wahoo126]

i have a 1981 ezgo 2 cycle cart that wont stay running. it ran for a day, but then quit. the motor turns on, but the drive clutch wont squeeze together. i replaced the drive clutch belt which i ordered on line...when i put it on, it ran up my street but quit again. the motor continued running as before, but, again, the drive clutch wouldnt squeeze together. i had someone look at it. they took the drive clutch apart...the springs were fine. i need some help troubleshooting from here, cuz im at a loss. could the belt be too tight? could it have anything to do with the compressor? should i ditch the cart?!

[ScooterMcTavish]

Hey Wahoo,

Welcome here.

The questions I have are:
- Does the cart come up to full RPMs?
- Is the new belt so tight or so skinny that it could be preventing the clutch from closing?

Generally speaking, if the cart comes up to sufficient RPMs, the clutch should close and pinch the belt. The only things that would prevent this are:
- Motor is not turning fast enough
- Something is physically preventing the clutch from closing
- Clutch failure
- A loose clutch unit

Let us know!