Spark plug question NGC

[John A]

Agree with this to an extent but a hotter plug will not resolve a fueling problem.  A new plug of a hotter range will still flood and once the bore is washed   it will not start. Determine if it is either not getting fuel or getting too much fuel first by checking a plug after cranking.  If it is flooding  my bet is float level ,  stuck needle , dirty air filter, stuck choke. Also a weak battery can damage the ignition module so make sure your getting a good spark by grounding a plug while cranking. If it's not getting fuel it's time to , check fuel filter and pump pressure, if delivery is ok then the carb needs attention. Remember , spark, air , fuel  in that order.

I didn't mean to suggest heat range has anything to do with the spark, it was late when I posted

[lucian]

Lucian, the possible causes you named would not all be cold weather related. It�s starts fine when the temps are around 50 degrees and up. Only starting problem is 40 and under

I understand this but just trying to eliminate the easy common things we used to deal with. If you have good spark , air and fuel mixture the next thing we would be checking is compression, The 4 strokes needed occasional valve adjustments which could also be the cause of poor starting, especially when cold. If you don't know if they have ever been adjusted that would be high on the list once you are sure flooding, lack of fuel or spark are ruled out. they are really basic engines and going though the steps in order will find the problem.

[Ncdan]

I understand this but just trying to eliminate the easy common things we used to deal with. If you have good spark , air and fuel mixture the next thing we would be checking is compression, The 4 strokes needed occasional valve adjustments which could also be the cause of poor starting, especially when cold. If you don't know if they have ever been adjusted that would be high on the list once you are sure flooding, lack of fuel or spark are ruled out. they are really basic engines and going though the steps in order will find the problem.

Thanks for the suggestions. The Guy I got it from sales and services carts. Prior to me taking it he did a full service. It starts really easy until the temps drop to the 40s closer to 40 the harder it is to start it. I think I may have figured out something this evening. After getting it running earlier today I let it get completely cold. Then I changed the starting procedure from hitting the choke 3-4 times and starting, repeating the process every time it fails to start, to holding the choke button in continuous while turning the engine. It did start this time. I’ll try again in the morning. Thanks for the help attempts and advise.

[lucian]

 The older carts we had all had manual, cable operated chokes . I would imagine newer model s may have electric chokes which would be activated with a button, as you mentioned. It is possible that the choke is only closed by a solenoid when the button is depressed, just like an outboard boat motor, in which case you will need to hold the button while cranking and release it as soon as it fires up. What model and year cart do you have?

 Also ,is it a choke button or a bulb primer ?

[redrider90]

you said the battery isn't holding up. Weak battery? Trying jumping it off the car with it running and see how fast the engine turns over and if it starts.
I think someone said check the oil viscosity. 30 weight and a weak battery might be just enough to slow the starter down.
I's sure move to 10W30 if you already have not already done it.

[Tom]

Ncdan.  I think you found the main problem.  Y'ep, hold the choke button on till it fires.  Let it idle to warm up.  Then drive it.  Sounds like an old carbie set up.

[Ncdan]

You guys who say hold the button Down til it starts were SPOT ON!!! Thanks a bunch👍

[Ncdan]

You guys who say hold the button Down til it starts were SPOT ON!!! Thanks a bunch👍

Well that was yesterday, darn thing wouldn’t start again this morning. I called the guy I bought it from and explaining if I’d known the cart was only good for warmer weather I wouldn’t have bought it from him. He said the choke probably just needed to be adjusted and to drop it off at his shops, luckily just down the road. I told him I’d do just that if I could get the darn thing started :(

[Tom]

Spray carb cleaner on the linkages.  Cleaner the contacts for the electric choke.  Probably wouldn't hurt to yank the plug and clean that too.

[lucian]

With the key on and without cranking the starter,  push the choke button and  listen closely to the engine compartment, you should hear the click of the electric choke solenoid working. If not  you can pull the air filter and take a look to verify if it is closing or not. You may need someone to push the button while you watch. If the choke is not closing when the button is pushed you could manually push it closed at the carburetor or just  use your hand over the carb intake to choke it  while someone cranks it over .  A little squirt of gas in the carb air intake , with air filter removed, will work also just to get it fired up. Sounds like your choke is having issues. If you determine it is not working you will need to check for power at the choke  solenoid  when the button is pushed, if no power check connections, fuses/ and or button. If you have power than the solenoid may have a bad ground or maybe toast. 

[Tom]

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