How to Troubleshoot Club Car Golf Cart Gas Engines
By Keith Dooley
Club Car golf carts are used by many golf courses, home owners, farmers and vacation home owners. Available in either battery-powered or gas-engine models, Club Cars are very popular and durable carts. Gas carts are particularly well suited for rougher terrain, maneuvering rolling hills and transporting heavier payloads. Due to normal everyday use it may be necessary to troubleshoot a Club Car gas cart to determine why the cart is not operating at peak performance.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Check the gas tank to make sure there is enough fuel for operation. Inspect the tank with a flashlight if necessary. Avoid using old gasoline which has been stored, add fresh gasoline as needed.
Remove the oil dipstick and check that the oil level is at or just above the add or fill makr. Add oil, if necessary, following the manufacturer's directions and use the recommended weight oil.
Inspect the battery of the Club Car. Make sure the cables are securely connected. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten cables. Also check the water level, and if low, fill with distilled water. Use a brush to remove any corrosion from the terminals.
Examine the wiring and switches. Check electrical wiring for cuts or abrasion and repair with electrical tape. Check all switches to insure good wiring connections. Secure any loose connections by crimping with pliers, wrapping with electrical tape or tightening with a screw driver.
Remove the air filter from the engine to access the carburetor. Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining screw. Spray cleaner into the carburetor as well as the throttle linkage, which is located just below the carburetor. Reassemble the air filter to the engine.
Tips & Warnings
Wash the Club Car cart thoroughly to remove dirt, debris and grime. Accumulations of debris can often interfere with normal operation. Avoid spraying large amounts of water on the engine.
Use caution when working with electrical wires, connections and batteries. Wear protective clothing, gloves and eye protection.
Keep an open flame away from gas and gas tanks.
About The Author
Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for Associated Content in the past and has been a contributing writer at Demand Media Studios for the last year, writing mainly for eHow, Trails, Golflink and Travels.
