Workhorse runs intermittently

medjool · 03-21-2010, 11:12 AM

recently my 99? workhorse (with 350 MCI engine) quits while running, if I keep my foot in the same position it continues to try to start but it won't. If I turn the key on and off or push on the microswitch that controls the solenoid - the solenoid will actuate and the unit will usually start immediately and run again for 10 seconds to 10 minutes then repeat. For awhile the key trick was 100% successful, now it takes 1-3 attempts and the running time is getting shorter. Real hard to get away from dogs like this.

Any ideas? - the ignitor has been replaced, the coil and flywheel sensor have been checked ok, ohms wise.

Thanks in advance

ruredy · 03-21-2010, 03:35 PM

Have you checked all your wire connection to make sure they're good?

gwbrehm · 03-21-2010, 06:32 PM

I agree with Ruredy, I have a ST-350 that had a similar problem. It would occasionally quit running and after some tinkering it would start up again. I actually found the problem accidentally, one night I noticed a flash coming from the ignitor connection when it wouldn't run. Tightened up the connections and it has run great ever since. My guess you have a bad electrical connection, unfortunately they are sometimes hard to track down.

medjool · 03-21-2010, 07:58 PM

I've checked what I can (connections) - when the cart is just running (not moving) and I have the cover off the throttle micro switch - I can get it to the run/ die condition with my hand on foot feed - the solution is always let it continue to crank and flick the microswitch which cycles the solenoid and the unit immediately starts.

When the solenoid or regulator start to go bad will they act like this?

Thx again,

ruredy · 03-22-2010, 07:31 AM

So when it dies, if you mess with the micro switch, it'll start working again.
hmmmm, just a thought......maybe it's the micro switch

medjool · 03-22-2010, 09:02 AM

no - the micro switch is fine. If you turn the key off and on or actuate the micro switch the result is the same - the solenoid cycles and the unit starts - then dies a few seconds to several minutes later. When it dies the starter continues to run, it just won't start until you turn the key off and on or actuate the micro switch.

gwbrehm · 03-22-2010, 09:13 AM

Sounds like the switch, easy enough to check it with a test light or volt meter. See if it has a constant 12v to the switch and then check to see if the voltage is getting through. The good news is a switch isn't expensive

medjool · 03-22-2010, 09:33 AM

The switch also controls the starter, no?

The starter continues to run - does not stop.

The switch is fairly new.

chardonite · 03-22-2010, 11:27 AM

You have to figure out whats missing when it won't start. You have to see if you have spark or not so you have a direction to look in so your not guessing. A little diagnostic work will go a long way. My guess is your lacking spark but this has to be verified before any conclusion can be drawn.

medjool · 03-30-2010, 11:16 PM

loose wire connection - to the coil - now run like it should. Thanks for the help!

03-21-2010, 11:12 AM	#1
medjool Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 5	Workhorse runs intermittently recently my 99? workhorse (with 350 MCI engine) quits while running, if I keep my foot in the same position it continues to try to start but it won't. If I turn the key on and off or push on the microswitch that controls the solenoid - the solenoid will actuate and the unit will usually start immediately and run again for 10 seconds to 10 minutes then repeat. For awhile the key trick was 100% successful, now it takes 1-3 attempts and the running time is getting shorter. Real hard to get away from dogs like this. Any ideas? - the ignitor has been replaced, the coil and flywheel sensor have been checked ok, ohms wise. Thanks in advance
medjool Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 5

03-21-2010, 03:35 PM	#2
ruredy Born Wild Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Clover SC. Posts: 5,552	Re: Workhorse runs intermittently Have you checked all your wire connection to make sure they're good?

03-21-2010, 06:32 PM	#3
gwbrehm Getting Wild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Southeastern, VA Posts: 79	Re: Workhorse runs intermittently I agree with Ruredy, I have a ST-350 that had a similar problem. It would occasionally quit running and after some tinkering it would start up again. I actually found the problem accidentally, one night I noticed a flash coming from the ignitor connection when it wouldn't run. Tightened up the connections and it has run great ever since. My guess you have a bad electrical connection, unfortunately they are sometimes hard to track down.

03-21-2010, 07:58 PM	#4
medjool Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 5	Re: Workhorse runs intermittently I've checked what I can (connections) - when the cart is just running (not moving) and I have the cover off the throttle micro switch - I can get it to the run/ die condition with my hand on foot feed - the solution is always let it continue to crank and flick the microswitch which cycles the solenoid and the unit immediately starts. When the solenoid or regulator start to go bad will they act like this? Thx again,
medjool Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 5

03-22-2010, 07:31 AM	#5
ruredy Born Wild Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Clover SC. Posts: 5,552	Re: Workhorse runs intermittently So when it dies, if you mess with the micro switch, it'll start working again. hmmmm, just a thought......maybe it's the micro switch

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03-22-2010, 09:02 AM	#6
medjool Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 5	Re: Workhorse runs intermittently no - the micro switch is fine. If you turn the key off and on or actuate the micro switch the result is the same - the solenoid cycles and the unit starts - then dies a few seconds to several minutes later. When it dies the starter continues to run, it just won't start until you turn the key off and on or actuate the micro switch.
medjool Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 5

03-22-2010, 09:13 AM	#7
gwbrehm Getting Wild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Southeastern, VA Posts: 79	Re: Workhorse runs intermittently Sounds like the switch, easy enough to check it with a test light or volt meter. See if it has a constant 12v to the switch and then check to see if the voltage is getting through. The good news is a switch isn't expensive

03-22-2010, 09:33 AM	#8
medjool Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 5	Re: Workhorse runs intermittently The switch also controls the starter, no? The starter continues to run - does not stop. The switch is fairly new.
medjool Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 5

03-22-2010, 11:27 AM	#9
chardonite Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chardon Ohio Posts: 257	Re: Workhorse runs intermittently You have to figure out whats missing when it won't start. You have to see if you have spark or not so you have a direction to look in so your not guessing. A little diagnostic work will go a long way. My guess is your lacking spark but this has to be verified before any conclusion can be drawn.

03-30-2010, 11:16 PM	#10
medjool Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 5	Re: Workhorse runs intermittently loose wire connection - to the coil - now run like it should. Thanks for the help!
medjool Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 5

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