88 ezgo won't start without starter fluid

[Old88ezgocart]

Hello I have an 88 ezgo that will only start with starter fluid and I'm stuck I cleaned the carb the fuel pump pumps , I have great spart and I took the cylinder off and it doesn't appear to need a rebuild, I'm not sure if it matters but the crank shaft wiggles a little bit (I think it needs new bearings but I don't think that would prevent it from starting)? Any help is greatly appreciated

[steelpenguin79]

Just a guess here but I'm guessing the crank seals are shot. the Starter fluid is giving it a boost to get it going but under normal operation the pressure is not high enough. The Crank seals are only like $7.00 each on Amazon. You'll need two of them and you'll have to yank the engine out to install them. I'll be doing that myself here in a day or two. I rebuilt mine and I had the throttle cranked up to high and it loaded the engine up and then it backfired and pop went the real seal. :/

oh and if the bearings are bad, that wiggle would wear out crank seals. Golf Cart King sells total rebuild kits for the 1988. Same year as mine.