Cart only gets going on hill

[pruffos@aol.com]

I have a 1983 Yamaha G1 golf cart and recently found that it runs, but will only get going and take off if it's on a downhill slope or if someone pushes it.
Any thoughts ?

Thanks

[Field6565]

Make sure the clutches are functioning properly. These carts are now 35/40 years old and a lot of them have never been serviced or have sat for a long time and the clutches are full of dirt and old grease. The G1 is a great robust cart when it's in good working order.

[slonomo]

Originally Posted by Field6565

Make sure the clutches are functioning properly. These carts are now 35/40 years old and a lot of them have never been serviced or have sat for a long time and the clutches are full of dirt and old grease. The G1 is a great robust cart when it's in good working order.

If the engine is revving up but not going anywhere, I would suspect a bad belt or clutch issue.

If the engine is not revving up, I would suspect an engine condition issue, possibly crank seals or low compression issue. Fuel and spark also suspect.

Basic maintenance is key to keeping any vehicle running well. What has been done maintenance wise?

[pruffos@aol.com]

I checked the compression and it was around 115, which seems a little low, but I think it's okay. I read normal is between 120-130. I also installed a new fuel pump. Now it runs and runs fast, but still is hesitant to get going at first without a little manual assistance. It was also smoking like crazy ! Still not sure why I have to be on a hill or manually help to first get it going. And I know the belt is new, so I guess I'll check the clutch next ??

[crash12888]

Are you saying it is not spinning fast enough to start or starts and revs but does not move?

[pruffos@aol.com]

I would starts & revs, but doesn't go anywhere unless I manually give it a little push with my feet or if I'm on a hill. Then it runs great

[Go4snypr]

First off, are you sure the gas engine is running when this happens or just the electric starter motor? If it is running, I would look at belt width or clutch condition,

[Go4snypr]

Belt should be minimum 27mm. Dirt build-up in the clutch or worn clutches could be issues as well

[AGELE55]

My guess is one of three things:
1. Crank seals
2. Crank seals
3. Crank seals
Mine had me beating my head against the wall fear a year. See my old thread “ G1 only starts on level ground”. On smooth pavement, or downhill, it ran fine. Put on another full sized male, or park in deep grass, or uphill slope, etc...it’ll spin up but just won’t catch. After replacing coil, carb, fuel pump, etc... I finally replaced the crank seals and it jack rabbits from a dead stop, uphill, with two people, in tall grass...
I believe I also posted a thread on building a $20 crank seal tool.

[pruffos@aol.com]

Ok, thanks for all the advice. I was going to try re-building the clutch, but maybe I should try the crank seals 1st !