Trying to start up a 1972 Harley Davidson golf cart

[Ehurtt]

I recently purchased a 1972 Harley Davidson 3 wheeled golf cart and just got it running and have a few questions about it. When I turn th key the engine constantly runs is that how it's supposed to be ? And also when I hit the peddle in both forwards and reverse it will go but then seem to die down and stop. If anyone has any idea please help me out.

[Sir Nuke]

Congrats on the new ride and Welcome to our happy little corner of the net, and to BGW. There is a BIG fridge on the back porch with anything you can think of in it...help yourself...of course only take what you can LEGALLY have. Make yourself at home on one of the big fluffy couches, kick your shoes off, put your feet up on one of the tables, yes we are allowed to do that, mom's, wives’, husbands, girlfriend’s and boyfriends here don't care....and take it easy.



oh...btw....every once in a while a food fight breaks out...so you may not want to wear nice clothes here.

Welcome!!

[Lochlin]

A couple of things:

First, no the engine should not run with the key turn. There is a microswitch under the drivers' floor that pressing the accelerator activates. It sounds like your microswitch is either bypassed or stuck closed.

Second, losing power after a couple of seconds can be a whole bunch of stuff. Check your compression (should be 90 psi or so). Also, when it dies check and see if the plug is wet or dry. If dry then your cart isn't drawing enough fuel to run. If that's the case check out the fuel draw sticky at the top of the forum.

[tew45]

your engine may not actually be running. The running may just be the starter motor trying to start. Do what loclin said and check the start switch under the foot pedal.

[Mooncarter]

Originally Posted by tew45

your engine may not actually be running. The running may just be the starter motor trying to start. Do what loclin said and check the start switch under the foot pedal.