Fuel pump issue?

[Jcrouch023]

Hey guys,

I have a 1988 ez go marathon 2pg and I’ve changed practically everything in it.

I recently got it up and driving..but after a little bit of driving it keeps stalling out on me. It seems to be that fuel is not making it from the fuel pump into the carb, and doesn’t look like much fuel is even coming down the filter into the pump.

I have put a new carb, fuel pump, fuel filter, and all new lines leading to the top of the gas tank on it recently.

If I “prime” the fuel pump by blowing air into the tank, it seems to get enough fuel and starts right up and runs normal for a while.. but, then after a couple times of starting it up or driving it’s like all of the primed fuel disappears and I’m having the same issue again. If I don’t re-prime the pump I cannot get the cart to start up.

Did I buy a new but faulty fuel pump? Doesn’t seem like it’s the pump because I can place the sucking part of the tube in a bucket of gas and it sucks it up and blows it out the other end.

Please help! I’m lost!


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[CP241]

If the fuel pump isn't sucking, chances are the crank seals are leaking. When I got my marathon, it wouldn't suck any fuel at all on its own. I could shoot some gas in the spark plug hole and it would run, but fuel pump did nothing. And the guy I got it from had just replaced the fuel pump with a brand new one with no change, similar to you.

My crank seal behind the flywheel was completely blown out of its seat and dangling around on the crankshaft. Put a new crank seal in it and I put a fuel filter between the pump and the carb, as I always do. It INSTANTLY filled the filter with gas and fired up. Made some noise I thought was the clutch, but ran great. for about 10 minutes then I found out that noise wasn't the clutch the rest, as they say, was history.

I'd put money on leaking crank seals, not allowing the motor to pull enough vacuum for the pump to work.

[Jcrouch023]

It’s not the crank seals I just replaced both of them myself last week..that’s what finally got this thing up and running.


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[steelpenguin79]

Originally Posted by Jcrouch023

It’s not the crank seals I just replaced both of them myself last week..that’s what finally got this thing up and running.


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My next thought was the carb but you did state that you put a new one on. Two things. 1. are you sure you have the hoses plugged into the right spot? They might be reversed. 2. If you bought a new carb is it for a 1988 Marathon? Reason I ask is that a 1988 Marathon was my very first cart and if my memory correct the 1988 is a one off Carb that doesn't work with other years and vice versa.

[CP241]

Originally Posted by Jcrouch023

It’s not the crank seals I just replaced both of them myself last week..that’s what finally got this thing up and running.


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Pull the fuel pump off and spin the engine over while holding your finger over the hole. you should be able to feel a lot of suck/push as the engine turns

[Jcrouch023]

Originally Posted by steelpenguin79

My next thought was the carb but you did state that you put a new one on. Two things. 1. are you sure you have the hoses plugged into the right spot? They might be reversed. 2. If you bought a new carb is it for a 1988 Marathon? Reason I ask is that a 1988 Marathon was my very first cart and if my memory correct the 1988 is a one off Carb that doesn't work with other years and vice versa.

I mean I followed the arrows for the inflow and outflow, so I believe they are correct? I also did the bucket test and the hose that sucks in sucked gasoline right out of a bucket and spit it out the other end pretty good.

I don’t think it’s carb related, because I bought a new carb and also kept my old carb because I never thought it was as bad, just found the carb for extremely cheap. I’ve swapped the original carb and new carbs back and forth and it performs the same way. My cart is technically an 89 but it’s easier to say 88 because it was one of the first ones so everything follows the 88 manual.

I will have to try to remove the pump and put my finger over that hole. It just seems like it would be sucking good there too if it was good enough to suck up gasoline in a bucket?


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[CP241]

It shouldn't just suck there, it will pulse. Alternating suck and blow. When I had my motor out and on the ground, even turning it over by hand it was noticeable. It's possible one of the seals rolled the lip during installation. IF there was any dirt or anything on the surface where the o ring of the fuel pump seals, it could cause a weak flow as well.

Take the hose off of the carb and put it into a mason jar and spin the motor. It should fill that jar pretty quickly.

[Dabble Inn]

If it sucks fuel out of a bucket fine then gotta be fuel line from tank to pump, I'm guessing the pick up tube in the tank

[Jcrouch023]

Originally Posted by Dabble Inn

If it sucks fuel out of a bucket fine then gotta be fuel line from tank to pump, I'm guessing the pick up tube in the tank

That’s what I thought, too, Dabble. It wouldn’t have the suction to do that if not.

I also have been thinking pick up tube, because it’s the only thing I didn’t replace. Wasn’t really sure how to get that little piece of plastic off the top.

It would make sense because it was driving great and now that my gas is only about 1/4 tank left I’m having the issues again


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[Dabble Inn]

I'm thinking I had mine out once, You could try taking some pliers and carefully pull up while twisting. Carefully!! You don't want to break it, I think mine has a hard plastic pick up tube. Maybe yours is broke off or cracked at 1/4 tank, Of course you could fill the tank and see what happens. IF it runs good again then either fix it or don't let it get that low LOL