Why Does A Golf Cart Backfire?
The first time your golf cart backfires, it can seem a bit random and unlikely to mean anything's wrong. Once it picks up in frequency, however, you know there's something going on. While the actual backfiring isn't always a major problem itself, after awhile, you're right to start wondering, "why does my golf cart backfire?"
At Mikey's Motors, we staff the most knowledgeable and experienced golf cart technicians in Mid Tennessee. While we don't want to alarm you, we want to point out that backfires tend to get worse when they go ignored—and they're often just the tip of the iceberg.
We like to think of them as useful early warning signs that help prevent small maintenance issues from becoming major malfunctions. Read on to learn how to get back to the pleasant, quiet rides you're used to!
Causes of Backfiring in Golf Carts
Golf cart backfires happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from perfectly fixably mechanical shortcomings or even quicker fixes you can address on the spot. There are several components that must function in harmony to keep your golf cart backfire free.
When out of alignment, individual component issues cascade into a need for major repairs. At our service department, we carefully inspect the following parts to get to the bottom of golf cart backfires:
- Throttle Plate—This is one of the first things to investigate, because the accelerator throttle plate controls air intake. Over time, it collects soot and the throttle cable comes out of adjustment, resulting in improper opening and closing of the throttle plate.
- Spark Plugs—Spark plugs can also become dirty, or they simply wear down as expected after enough use. In either case, a simple spark plug replacement usually resolves the issue, or at least eliminates one of the most likely causes.
- Fuel Delivery System—Ineffective fuel delivery can cause both fuel and air intake issues, as an imbalance between the two leads to incomplete combustion. Dirty filters and clogged or broken carburetors are common causes, and in rarer cases, fuel leaks.
First, however, we'll look into the fuel itself. Same golf cart owners unknowingly use the wrong type or mixture of fuel.
- Air Intake Blockage—Similarly, improper airflow can interfere with the fuel/oxygen balance. If cleaning the air filter with compressed air doesn't resolve the problem, we'll replace it. Together, a clean air filter and carburetor will dramatically improve your air intake.
- Exhaust System Issues—The classic cartoon trope of coughing tail pipes isn't too far off. Even if the entire engine is working perfectly well, problems with the exhaust will eventually reverse those trends.
Exhaust system obstructions and inefficient output can cause internal pressure to build in the engine. This can easily lead to a cascade of serious issues, for which backfires are merely a humble warning system from your car.
Impact of Backfiring on Golf Cart Performance
Regardless of the technical causes, some people wonder, "Why does my golf cart backfiring matter?" Generally, backfiring is more of a signal of other issues, and it's a warning sign you shouldn't ignore. Booking a service appointment from your most competent local golf cart expert will help resolve the underlying issues and backfire.
Of course, backfires certainly aren't harmless in their own right. The constant pressure and force that causes the loud noise also causes mechanical wear. For example, hard slamming actions could bend the throttle plate, creating worse and worse tendencies to backfire over time. We do not work on carts 10 years or older due to the cost of repairs generally exceeding the value of the cart; at this point, it’s better to trade it in.
Contact Mikey's Motors for Professional Golf Cart Repair Services
One golf cart backfire might not mean much more than a temporary blockage in your exhaust or a richer fuel than normal—but constant golf cart backfires probably mean you're facing more than you bargained for!
Don't worry, however, so long as you have the Middle Tennessee area's most knowledgeable and dependable golf cart service mechanics at your side. Book an appointment at our well-equipped and expertly maintained service department, and be sure your neighborhood adventures are don't leave you feeling jarred!
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