2005 ezgo st sport 350cc will not start

[trig123]

I will add this info.
What I have found on these updated MCI engines is they are easy to gas foul the plugs if you choke them. The 2005 ezgo's came with the MCI's
I have removed the choke on the ones I have worked on. These MCI crank without choking if everything is working correct.

I think EZGO got that part right when they updated from the Pre-Mci. I am not sure why the MCI engines are not as popular as the older Pre-Mci's. I like that fast starting myself. I wish I could find a 11 hp MCI now.

I have a 2005 in my shop right now that has been sitting for a week. I started it yesterday and it started right away. No choke on it. I removed the choke a long time ago for the person that owns it. He kept flooding the spark plugs.

[Ezgowow]

Not sure how to post pics here but my compression in each cylinder is 95psi. I pull the coil off and tested it per the manual and it read 2.8 ohms (from the primary which it suggests 1.87-2.53 ohms) . Am I way off or does that mean the coil is bad. How do I post pics and I can send photos if that helps ya'll help me.

[Ezgowow]

I would be more than happy to remove the choke because it is a pain to take that carburetor on and off. I drilled a hole in the side of the plate to make it easier for me.

[CP241]

Did you hold the throttle wide open when you did compression test? if so, 95psi is WAY too low. Should be 160+. Either your valves are way out of whack or the engine needs a rebuild, but if you already adjusted the valves then I'll go out on a limb and say it's time for a rebuild.

Your coil is fine. Don't waste your time chasing anything else, your compression is too low for the engine to run well, if you can get it to even run at all.

[Ezgowow]

Thanks for your help what is the cost for a rebuild from a shop. Ball park just for an idea..

[trig123]

I don't think anyone could give you an exact price but before you go any more on this do as CP241 suggested.

He stated - Did you hold the throttle wide open when you did compression test? if not then make sure it is wide open.

Also he suggested to check your valves to make sure they are not too tight.
These valves set on .004. Do you know how to adjust them ?
If I rebuilt one and didn't have to get machine work done then around $650

[Ezgowow]

I definitely had the gas pedal all the way down. I adjusted the valves and checked them 3 times. I'm not above doing something wrong, so I might have a buddy double check me. I got the compression tester from autozone. Maybe its defective(wishful thinking)?

Would it run then just stop? Also I had it start up after changing the carb for a few attempts. But no consistency.

This cart was sparingly used and know its entire history. But I guess any 15 year old engine wears.

[trig123]

Get that buddy to double check the compression before we make any suggestions. I have had compression testers fool me in the past.
95 pounds is not near enough for this engine . I would want to see at least 150, 170 is better.

[CP241]

Originally Posted by trig123

Get that buddy to double check the compression before we make any suggestions. I have had compression testers fool me in the past.
95 pounds is not near enough for this engine . I would want to see at least 150, 170 is better.

Agreed. Double check the compression. And hold the throttle all the way open at the carb with your fingers.

Parts to rebuild are probably around $300 for everything. Labor rates vary greatly.

[trig123]

Price from EZGO OEM rings plus gasket and seal set is $300 plus shipping. I just talked to a dealer. He told me EZGO was going to adjust that price but he didn't know when. Not sure that is going to happen.

I hope soon because that's a lot of cash just for the rings and gaskets. Most of the time I install intake valves which adds more to the price.

I know sites have them cheaper but they are not OEM. I am not telling you I have not used the cheap ones in the past but I don't anymore.