Golf cart fueling issues
 

Not the Stock or Superstock tech question, but I am having some fueling problems on my 99 EZ Go gas golf cart. Here's the issue: The cart was running and quit. Upon closer inspection, I noticed the fuel filter was empty and the carb was not getting any fuel. I immediately thought the the pick up tube had become dislodged and had fallen back into the tank (they are known for that). It was set in place, no issues. Next, I replaced the fuel pump with a brand new one. Still no fuel to the carb. All lines have been cleaned and checked. Filter has been checked for flow and flows fine. The golf cart will start with the assistance of ether but will not run long enough to pull any fuel from the tank. Is there a potential vacuum leak that is preventing the cart to pull fuel from the tank into the carb? Suggestions and recommendations appreciated.

Thanks,

Ronnie, Jr.

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

Check the vent in the tank or cap, if it's clogged you won't get any fuel

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

most golf carts use a diaphram style fuel pump . be sure you are getting vacume to the new fuel pump.

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

Had the same problem with mine last year . Did everything you did plus I put all new hoses on. With the hose that runs from the tank to the filter then to the pump, I made it longer so the filter is in fuel all the time. This worked on mine hope it helps ya..................

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

I appreciate the follow up suggestions. Here is what I have done since the posting:

Checked gas cap - gas cap checkball moves free inside the cap - tried to start it again with the cap off - to no avail.

Checked the vacuum line - it pulls vacuum, not sure how much - I do not have a vacuum line pressure gauge. Checked it at the block and at the line before it goes into the fuel pump. Also pulled off the line from the tank to the fuel pump and did not "feel" any vacuum being pulled. Could a new fuel pump diaphram be bad? Changed out with the old fuel pump and could not feel any vacuum being pulled either.

Removed the line from the tank and inserted a hose into the tank through the cap opening bypassing the filter and factory setup going direct to the fuel pump. No help here either. Tried it with both old and new fuel pumps. Even went as far as using the ether to keep the motor running in hopes of pulling fuel into the pump. Still nothing. The line was dry.

Any other suggestions? Hopefully I am overlooking something boneheaded...

Ronnie, Jr

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

My Harley had the Same issue (harley golf cart that is) and well, the Carb secondary diaphragm had a small series of holes in it.

Stole one of my sons old Jr Carbs. (same type tillston diaphragm) rejetted and no issue. Actually runs like a raped ape now bigger carb an

The harley dosent have a seperate fuel pump (at least mine dosent) but rather a 3 series diaphragm tillston, that well sort of acts as the pump as well.

BUT in my case that was it.

I also got rid of the elbow with the pickup tube at the tank and just ran straight hose in...I like you figured a leak somewhere. But nada.

NOW I did have to prime my system, siphoned the gas through and fitted it to the carb.

20 bucks throw an electric fuel pump on it ....

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

Take the carb off and clean the inlet in the carb?
My 99 Club Car clogged up over the winter a couple years ago.

Those fuel pumps are the same as we run on the junior dragsters..even the ones that run 7.90...they rarely quit.

And dont hesitate to use this forum for golf cart information. It's by far the most informative:
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/gas-ezgo/

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

I know this sounds dumb but you are using the choke aren't ya..................Just went and tried mine and had to crank and crank but it's been sitting since September.

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

The day is over now with rain coming down hard. Here is some additional steps I took. Hopefully, this issue will help fellow racers if they find themselves having a similar issue.

Anyway, I spoke with a golf cart repair guy and he seems to think that the system is vapor locked - so to speak. He suggested to remove the hose from the carb side and crank the motor. He said it may take a couple of three times for it to unlock. After two attempts, it did not work. I'm done with it til at least Monday if not Wednesday. I'm glad I did not have any sledge hammers within reach, too :)

My next step will be to prime the fuel line to the pump and carb.

Bob - No dumb questions - but yes I was using the choke.

CAD - Thanks for the info. I will take a look at the site.

Drooze - Haven't taken a close look at the carb. Not sure if it is a Tillotson or not.

I'll post an update once I get it figured out.

Thanks for the support!!

Ronnie, Jr.

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

My EZGO cart sat for 6 months. I had the same problem it wouldn't pick up the fuel. I pressured the fuel tank with a little air with the gas line loose. When I had fuel to the filter I hooked it back up and it started and ran fine. Hope this helps.
Rod

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

Ronnie,
Mine did the same thing,went trough all the fuel system to no avail.
try adjusting the valve lash thats what cured mine.ran like new after the valve adjustment.

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

Could a new fuel pump be bad? Yes! Install a marine primer bulb between the fuel tank and the fuel pump. Pump the bulb until the carb is full of fuel and start the engine and see if it stays running without pumping the primer bulb. If it does, then it was probably vapor locked. If it doesn't, then make sure the pump is actually pumping fuel to the carb. If it is, then take the float bowl off the carb and look for pluggage. If the pump is not pumping then make sure the pick up tube in the tank is not cracked above the fuel level. If all of those things check out good and it will only stay running if you keep pumping the primer bulb change the fuel pump again. Man, I'm confusing myself! Hope this helps. My 99 EZGO did the same thing last year. Would not pump fuel to the carb. I took the fuel pump apart and everything looked good. The fuel filter also looked good! It would not pump fuel through the fuel filter. I took the filter off and it ran fine without the filter. Go figure.

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

On our way back from Philly today we stopped at Bass Pro Shops and picked up a primer bulb. Installed, pumped and primed all the way to the carb. Still would not fire up. Disconnected the line from the pump to the carb and shot compressed air into the line a couple of times - thinking the seat and/or needle may have been stuck closed. Hooked everything back up, primed to the carb and it fired right up. Continued to run for a while to insure it was not just the fuel in the carb or line. Disconnected the primer bulb and hooked the lines back up conventionally and it fired back up and ran without issue. Let it set for a short time period, cleaned the battery terminals and cleaned up the tools. It fired up again and I loaded into the trailer. Seems as if it has been cured.

Darrin - Thanks for the primer bulb suggestion. Gotta love those Chevy II's...

Thanks again to all who provided suggestions. I hope this thread can help someone else who may have fueling issues in the future. I think I will keep the old fuel pump as a spare. I'm not 100% sure the pump was the issue.

Ronnie, Jr.

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

Glad to hear you got it running!

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

What's the index for a golf cart?

Re: Golf cart fueling issues
 

Heads up! Gas carts have to cary extra 50lbs!