93 EZGO Marathon Gas - power issue / limp mode

[tecmo28]

Until recently, never had issues with struggling to go through sand or climb a hill. Cart runs, but when you give it gas it seems as if someone jut pulled the choke out on it. Eventually it picks up speed. Once I get to a hill, it barely makes it to the top. Where do I start? Battery is fully charged & just changed the air filter. The battery terminals need a good cleaning, but other than that, I’m clueless.

[Leon willis]

the carb is plugged up you just need to cleaned out

[tecmo28]

Would the carb get plugged up even if we are running non-ethanol?

[slonomo]

On old machines, carbs get plugged up any number of ways. Just age and use is number 1 cause. Improper storage is a big one, causes gasoline to turn to varnish and will coat the insides of the carb, plugging up the smallest passages. Yes ethanol can cause issues. A leaky air filter gasket. A little dirt in the fuel can get past a fuel filter. I even had a brand new fuel filter come apart and send all kinds of debris into a new carb. A carb can also wear out, it has moving parts, and if you introduce too much air from a sloppy worn butterfly shaft, it can run terribly. Also a vacuum leak from the old carb mount can cause issues. A bad vacuum hose can too. And, carbs can need some adjustment over time.

The point is, the carburetor can really have so many issues, you just have to take it apart to check it all out. Some people aren't comfortable doing that sort of work, they'll just get a new carb, I've done it.

Check all the basics:
1. Fuel - fresh, clean, good flow from pump to carb
2. Air - good clean air filter, sealed up filter housing
3. Spark - blue/white spark, use a spark tester for most accuracy
4. Compression - test compression, compare to factory spec

Most times if you have all 4, an engine will run. Running good? That's a different story.

[Roger Flay]

I agree with a compression test I had same problem, compression for a new cart 150-160psi, old cart 130-140psi checked my cart 50psi on both cylinders 1994 EZGO Medalist 295 cc Robin engine. Now I need help myself with advice for upgrading my 295 cc to 350cc, I know the wrist pin on the 350cc is in a different location because the crankshaft is the main difference on the two engines anything else to look out for besides I may have to skim the deck.

[Cartmaster]

I would check the clutches are operating correctly under load first before pulling the carb! If the driven spring is weak or broken or the drive is stuck closed, it will be like trying to drive up hill in top gear. If all is good here then I would move on to check the carb amongst other things

[JPonLKN]

I'm with Cartmaster...clutches. It is upshifting and not downshifting. It is probably the original 1993 clutch. Take a straight edge and lay it against the face of the driven clutch, I bet there is a groove.

[tecmo28]

Thanks for all the advice! Will give it a look & give feedback soon.