How to Adjust Valves on EZGO golf cart

Valve adjustment is an essential part of maintaining your EZ-GO golf cart’s performance and efficiency. Over time, the valves on your cart’s engine can become loose or tight, which can lead to reduced power, increased noise, and poor fuel efficiency. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to properly adjust the valves on an EZ-GO golf cart to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Rangefinder on Discount

Before you start, please note that this guide is for reference purposes only. If you are unsure or uncomfortable performing this maintenance, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of a professional mechanic.

Tools and Materials Needed:

  1. Wrench set
  2. Socket set
  3. Feeler gauge
  4. Flathead screwdriver
  5. Clean rag or cloth
  6. Safety glasses
  7. Gloves

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Safety first: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working on your golf cart. Ensure the cart is on level ground, the key is in the off position, and the parking brake is engaged.
  2. Locate the engine: Open the engine compartment to gain access to the engine. The location of the engine may vary depending on your specific EZ-GO golf cart model, but it is typically located beneath the seat or behind the rear wheels.
  3. Remove the valve cover: Locate the valve cover on the engine. It is usually a rectangular or round-shaped cover held in place by a few bolts or clips. Using a wrench or socket, remove the bolts and gently lift the valve cover to expose the rocker arms and valves.
  4. Identify the valves: You should see two valves per cylinder – an intake valve and an exhaust valve. The intake valve allows the air-fuel mixture to enter the combustion chamber, while the exhaust valve releases the burned gases.
  5. Check the valve clearance: Rotate the engine until the piston for the valve you want to adjust is at top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke. This is the point when both intake and exhaust valves are closed. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to rotate the engine to TDC.
  6. Measure the clearance: Using a feeler gauge, measure the clearance between the rocker arm and the valve stem. Consult your owner’s manual or service manual for the proper valve clearance specifications for your specific EZ-GO golf cart model.
  7. Adjust the valves: If the clearance is not within the specified range, you will need to adjust the valves. Loosen the lock nut on the rocker arm adjusting screw with a wrench. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to turn the adjusting screw until the desired clearance is achieved. Tighten the lock nut while holding the adjusting screw in place with the screwdriver.
  8. Verify the adjustment: Recheck the clearance with the feeler gauge to ensure it is within the specified range. If necessary, make additional adjustments.
  9. Repeat for remaining valves: Adjust the other valves following the same procedure, ensuring each valve is at TDC on the compression stroke before making adjustments.
  10. Replace the valve cover: Once all valves have been adjusted, clean the valve cover and its mating surface on the engine with a clean rag or cloth. Ensure that the gasket is in good condition or replace it if needed. Reinstall the valve cover and tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern to the recommended torque specifications found in your owner’s manual or service manual.
  11. Test the engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Listen for any unusual noises or irregularities. If everything sounds normal, your valve adjustment was successful.

Tools and Materials Required for Valve Adjustment

Item No.Tool/MaterialDescriptionQuantityNotes
1Feeler GaugeUsed to measure valve clearance1 setComes in various thicknesses
2Wrench SetFor loosening and tightening nuts/bolts1 setMetric or Standard depending on model
3Screwdriver SetFor adjusting the valve screws1 setFlathead and Phillips head required
4Spark Plug SocketFor removing the spark plug1Fits your specific spark plug size
5RatchetFor socket attachment and torque control1

 Preparation Steps for Valve Adjustment

Step No.TaskDescriptionDurationNotes
1Park the golf cartPark on a level surfaceUse parking brake
2Disconnect battery Remove negative terminal first5 minPrevents electric shock
3Remove engine coverAccess the valve cover10 minKeep bolts organized
4Clean valve cover areaRemove dirt and debris5 minPrevents contamination
5Remove spark plugUse spark plug socket and ratchet5 minPlace in a safe location

 Valve Clearance Specifications

Engine ModelIntake Valve ClearanceExhaust Valve ClearanceAdjustment IntervalNotes
EH29C0.004-0.006 in.0.004-0.006 in.Every 200 hours
EH35C0.004-0.006 in.0.004-0.006 in.Every 200 hours
EH410.004-0.006 in.0.004-0.006 in.Every 200 hours
EH650.004-0.006 in.0.004-0.006 in.Every 200 hours
EH720.004-0.006 in.0.004-0.006 in.Every 200 hours

Valve Adjustment Procedure

 

Step No.TaskDescriptionDurationNotes
1Rotate enginePosition piston at TDC of compression5 minTDC = Top Dead Center
2Measure clearancesUse feeler gauge on intake & exhaust10 minCheck specifications table
3Loosen lock nutUse appropriate wrench5 minBe careful not to overtighten
4Adjust valve clearanceUse screwdriver to set clearance10 minCheck clearance again after adjusting
5Tighten lock nutSecure the adjustment screw5 minBe careful not to overtighten

Post-Adjustment Steps

Step No.TaskDescriptionDurationNotes
1Recheck clearancesConfirm correct valve clearances10 minUse feeler gauge
2Replace spark plugUse spark plug socket and ratchet5 minEnsure correct torque
3Clean valve cover gasketInspect and clean gasket5 minReplace if damaged
4Replace valve coverSecure valve cover with bolts10 minEnsure even torque on all bolts
5Reconnect batteryConnect positive terminal first5 minCheck all connections

How to Adjust Valves on EZ GO golf cart

 

Follow these tables as a guide to adjust the valves on your EZ GO golf cart. Be sure to consult your specific golf cart’s manual for any additional steps or specifications. Regular valve adjustment can ensure optimal engine performance and extend the life of your golf cart.

Author

  • Ray Barnes

    Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.

    Ray@thegolfmine.com Ray Barnes

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