96 Medalist Weak Forward\Strong Reverse

Cranbrook · 11-03-2018, 07:02 AM

Out riding a few days ago, everything going fine, when the cart started spitting and backfiring slightly. I had to pump the accelerator to keep the engine running. Shut it down and opened up the engine compartment, no obvious problems. Started back up and had to limp about a mile back home at a snails pace. (under it's own power) I could not make it up my very steep long driveway and ended up towing it to my garage.

Did some routine checks on plugs and gas flow (all fine), I discovered the cart has full power and speed in reverse. In forward, it takes a lot of pedal pumping to get it to move and then it will only creep. The engine seems to be struggling in forward but in reverse working normal.

Any help on where to start looking for a solution to this is surely appreciated!

StoveBolt · 11-04-2018, 07:48 AM

Does it roll freely in neutral forward?

Motor? .. 2 cylinder Robins?

Cranbrook · 11-04-2018, 01:25 PM

It does move in neutral forward when pushed (or towed). Yes, it is a 295 cc engine. It has the old style cast metal muffler.

Dabble Inn · 11-04-2018, 05:39 PM

I knew a Cranbrook from another forum, Wondering if this is you JohnL?

Mooncarter · 11-04-2018, 06:04 PM

If it is sputtering/backfiring in forward only, something is interfering with the spark or the fuel. Look closely at the wiring/fuel lines/throttle linkage when it is shifted to forward.

cart around · 11-04-2018, 06:45 PM

Since it's a 4 stroke, forward, and reverse is controlled by the transmission. The engine direction, spark, and fuel are all the same no matter what.

You need to look for a dragging brake, or a clutch that is only working in one direction.

If it definitely runs great in one direction, and not the other, it's not an engine problem.

Mooncarter · 11-04-2018, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cart around

Since it's a 4 stroke, forward, and reverse is controlled by the transmission. The engine direction, spark, and fuel are all the same no matter what.

You need to look for a dragging brake, or a clutch that is only working in one direction.

If it definitely runs great in one direction, and not the other, it's not an engine problem.

Exactly. It neither knows or cares which direction you want to go. Something is interfering with that.

cart around · 11-04-2018, 08:20 PM

After thinking about it, even the clutches always run the same direction. I say dragging brake, or rear end damage.

Mooncarter · 11-04-2018, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cart around

After thinking about it, even the clutches always run the same direction. I say dragging brake, or rear end damage.

Me too. Unless something else is pinching/pushing against a wire or fuel line from the linkage. I can't see the the dang thing from here just trying to troubleshoot with the info he has given. Who knows what has been done re-routed etc.

Cranbrook · 11-05-2018, 08:21 AM

Thanks all for your input!! My name is Joel Hall, and my Cranbrook handle is from an old Plymouth I once owned and restored.

I just replaced the brakes and brake cables on the buggy along with installing a new ignition coil and spark plugs. My only clues to whatever is going on come mainly from when the trouble started. Going along smoothly on a level gravel road at the carts full speed of approx. 15 mph. The engine started to sputter and backfire a few times, bogging down as I pumped at the accelerator pedal. The engine never did quit running. I shut it down to inspect any visible indicators. Then restarted and could only just "limp" slowly back to the base of my steep driveway.

I only found out about the full functioning reverse when I backed out of my garage a couple of days later.

One of my first suspicions relating to power loss has to do with the old muffler on the unit. That small "exit"?? pipe that comes out of the top of the large can has a bunch of holes in it. The muffler is also very rusty and the bolts holding it to the manifold look like they will require a torch to remove. I started to search for new mufflers of this type and have yet to find any. The engine noise levels are quite high and there is some exhaust fumes noticeable while driving.

I did recheck my brake installation work, jacked up the back end and free spun the wheels. They turned freely.

11-03-2018, 07:02 AM	#1
Cranbrook Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 8	96 Medalist Weak Forward\Strong Reverse Out riding a few days ago, everything going fine, when the cart started spitting and backfiring slightly. I had to pump the accelerator to keep the engine running. Shut it down and opened up the engine compartment, no obvious problems. Started back up and had to limp about a mile back home at a snails pace. (under it's own power) I could not make it up my very steep long driveway and ended up towing it to my garage. Did some routine checks on plugs and gas flow (all fine), I discovered the cart has full power and speed in reverse. In forward, it takes a lot of pedal pumping to get it to move and then it will only creep. The engine seems to be struggling in forward but in reverse working normal. Any help on where to start looking for a solution to this is surely appreciated!
Cranbrook Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 8

11-04-2018, 07:48 AM	#2
StoveBolt Gone Wild Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Brooklyn, Michigan "Home of M.I.S." Posts: 3,667	Re: 96 Medalist Weak Forward\Strong Reverse Does it roll freely in neutral forward? Motor? .. 2 cylinder Robins?

11-04-2018, 01:25 PM	#3
Cranbrook Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 8	Re: 96 Medalist Weak Forward\Strong Reverse It does move in neutral forward when pushed (or towed). Yes, it is a 295 cc engine. It has the old style cast metal muffler.
Cranbrook Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 8

11-04-2018, 05:39 PM	#4
Dabble Inn Nincompoop Club Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,178	Re: 96 Medalist Weak Forward\Strong Reverse I knew a Cranbrook from another forum, Wondering if this is you JohnL?

11-04-2018, 06:04 PM	#5
Mooncarter Gone Insane Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 14,215	Re: 96 Medalist Weak Forward\Strong Reverse If it is sputtering/backfiring in forward only, something is interfering with the spark or the fuel. Look closely at the wiring/fuel lines/throttle linkage when it is shifted to forward.

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11-04-2018, 06:45 PM	#6
cart around Test before replacing Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ohio side of the Pennsylvania border. Posts: 3,496	Re: 96 Medalist Weak Forward\Strong Reverse Since it's a 4 stroke, forward, and reverse is controlled by the transmission. The engine direction, spark, and fuel are all the same no matter what. You need to look for a dragging brake, or a clutch that is only working in one direction. If it definitely runs great in one direction, and not the other, it's not an engine problem.

11-04-2018, 08:20 PM	#8
cart around Test before replacing Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ohio side of the Pennsylvania border. Posts: 3,496	Re: 96 Medalist Weak Forward\Strong Reverse After thinking about it, even the clutches always run the same direction. I say dragging brake, or rear end damage.

11-05-2018, 08:21 AM	#10
Cranbrook Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 8	Re: 96 Medalist Weak Forward\Strong Reverse Thanks all for your input!! My name is Joel Hall, and my Cranbrook handle is from an old Plymouth I once owned and restored. I just replaced the brakes and brake cables on the buggy along with installing a new ignition coil and spark plugs. My only clues to whatever is going on come mainly from when the trouble started. Going along smoothly on a level gravel road at the carts full speed of approx. 15 mph. The engine started to sputter and backfire a few times, bogging down as I pumped at the accelerator pedal. The engine never did quit running. I shut it down to inspect any visible indicators. Then restarted and could only just "limp" slowly back to the base of my steep driveway. I only found out about the full functioning reverse when I backed out of my garage a couple of days later. One of my first suspicions relating to power loss has to do with the old muffler on the unit. That small "exit"?? pipe that comes out of the top of the large can has a bunch of holes in it. The muffler is also very rusty and the bolts holding it to the manifold look like they will require a torch to remove. I started to search for new mufflers of this type and have yet to find any. The engine noise levels are quite high and there is some exhaust fumes noticeable while driving. I did recheck my brake installation work, jacked up the back end and free spun the wheels. They turned freely.
Cranbrook Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 8

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