1989 Marathon clutch problems?

[dedward4]

Hey everyone, Im new to the site as was hoping for some rookie advice. I have just purchased a 1989 Marathon 2 cycle cart and love it but cannot figure out a little issue i am having. If i am by myself, it will run all day without a problem. When i start adding 2 - 3 people, you will be riding down the road and it will just die. If you keep your foot on the gas, it will almost stop and then go right back up to speed. Is this an issue with a worn out clutch, or something else? Any help would be appreciated, Thanks!

[1moretoy]

Explain what you mean by "die". The engine shuts down or the cart just stops moving?

[dedward4]

well its really hard to describe. You will be riding along at speed and then hear the motor start to die. The whole cart and motor come to a creep and then the motor picks back up and runs fine. I was ridng it about an hour ago and it did something new that im guessing is related. When the motor started to slow, you hear the belt squeak and the motor dies and the cart just rolls to a stop. Im scratching my head but im thinking the clutch is disengaging and causig the motor to die?? Any help apreciated, Thanks!

[1moretoy]

your problem sounds to be fuel related. once the engine dies out the clutch will disengage just like it does when you let off the gas and coast to a stop. take the fuel line off at the fuel pump and press the gas pedal just long enough to see if it is pumping. if it is pumping and the fuel filter is not clogged, you will need to clean the carb.