ASK THE MECHANIC

ASK THE MECHANIC ASK THE MECHANIC

Q: I have an older E-Z-GO TXT gas-powered-cart that is slow to accelerate and even bogs down and will not make it uphill. I have already replaced the carb, plugs and coil but it’s still running sluggish. Any ideas?

A: Many performance issues can range from improper belt tension to running older or lower gas. More involved internal issues may also play a part including improper valve adjustment or low compression. While using a compression tester, most healthy gasoline engines run best at a minimum 150 psi; whereas a used engine could run well at around 120+. You may want to plan a rebuild if your engine has compression lower than 120.

Q: How do you fix an engine with low compression?

A: There are several things you can explore before a total rebuild is necessary. Factors contributing to low compression are having a bent valve, a burnt piston, a blown head gasket, stuck rings, clogged exhaust and even a loose spark plug. Troubleshoot these possible issues and try to isolate the particular cause.

Q: Why is my Club Car turning over but not starting?

A: Start with checking your fuel and spark. Change your fuel filter and lines for kinks and clogs and make sure your fuel pump is operational. Often overlooked is the battery which may not be charging properly and can produce a weak or nonexistent spark. Try using a jumper box on the battery and see if it starts. Check with a multimeter when the engine is running (and lifted on jack stands) to see if the generator is producing a charge to the battery. If a charge cannot be seen, check your wiring and possibly replace the generator and battery. If you are smelling gas while attempting to start and not seeing any spark, replace the coil and spark plug too.