Engine crackling & popping sound

bolt37 · 01-30-2017, 08:12 AM

Team,

My Yamaha G1 did great for last 6 months after I bought it. But here lately the engine stated making a sharp popping noise, like high pitched backfires. It still runs and the noise gets less after it warms up, but never goes away.

I am a decent mechanic, but haven't worked on 2 stroke engines much.

I searched for exhaust leaks, found no holes or leaks.

Maybe timing?

Gas is clean and fresh and mixed.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Brent

Spicyunicorn · 01-30-2017, 06:24 PM

check the head bolts!

bolt37 · 02-01-2017, 06:49 PM

Will do! Good suggestion!

olson boy · 02-02-2017, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spicyunicorn

check the head bolts!

Ditto! Have seen them ran so long that the head was worn down in the spot it was leaking.

Lochlin · 02-02-2017, 02:05 PM

Timing wouldn't get better as the cart warmed up so that probably wouldn't be the issue.
I am new to Yahamas but why would loose head bolts get better once the cart is ran? Expansion from the engine getting warm? Not doubting the advice at all. Just trying to learn.

Is there any way this could be related to fuel draw? My other 2 cycle carts do all sorts of goofy things when they aren't getting enough fuel during the warm-up process. When things are at temp they tend to smooth out. That's my hint to do some carb adjustments.

bolt37 · 02-05-2017, 10:47 PM

Guys,

Finally had time today to look at head bolts....sure enough two were loose enough to turn with my fingers!!! Other two were also not tight. I tightened them up and all is back to normal!

I didn't have the torque spec handy but I will go back and torque them with the spec.

I love this cart, as its lifted and has ATV tires. I use it for all my farm work and my wife loves it more than I do!!!!!!

Best regards and thank you all for taking time to help!

Brent

Spicyunicorn · 02-06-2017, 12:17 AM

Easy fixes are always the best glad to help

Lochlin · 02-06-2017, 10:33 AM

That's insane. My son has a little Suzuki quad that's like that. Torque specs on the head bolts are all of 8 psi. They used to come loose pretty easy. I ended up putting star-type lock washers on it and that took care of that.

bolt37 · 02-06-2017, 09:20 PM

Hmmm. Not a bad idea! You'd think Yamaha would have done that if this is a common problem. I guess temperature change causes expansion and contraction, and thus bolts get loose.

At least I will know next time!

Thanks!

01-30-2017, 08:12 AM	#1
bolt37 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 8	Engine crackling & popping sound Team, My Yamaha G1 did great for last 6 months after I bought it. But here lately the engine stated making a sharp popping noise, like high pitched backfires. It still runs and the noise gets less after it warms up, but never goes away. I am a decent mechanic, but haven't worked on 2 stroke engines much. I searched for exhaust leaks, found no holes or leaks. Maybe timing? Gas is clean and fresh and mixed. Any ideas? Thanks! Brent

01-30-2017, 06:24 PM	#2
Spicyunicorn Gone Wild Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 1,669	Re: Engine crackling & popping sound check the head bolts!

02-01-2017, 06:49 PM	#3
bolt37 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 8	Re: Engine crackling & popping sound Will do! Good suggestion!

02-02-2017, 02:05 PM	#5
Lochlin Gone Wild Join Date: May 2011 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 2,943	Re: Engine crackling & popping sound Timing wouldn't get better as the cart warmed up so that probably wouldn't be the issue. I am new to Yahamas but why would loose head bolts get better once the cart is ran? Expansion from the engine getting warm? Not doubting the advice at all. Just trying to learn. Is there any way this could be related to fuel draw? My other 2 cycle carts do all sorts of goofy things when they aren't getting enough fuel during the warm-up process. When things are at temp they tend to smooth out. That's my hint to do some carb adjustments.

02-05-2017, 10:47 PM	#6
bolt37 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 8	Re: Engine crackling & popping sound Guys, Finally had time today to look at head bolts....sure enough two were loose enough to turn with my fingers!!! Other two were also not tight. I tightened them up and all is back to normal! I didn't have the torque spec handy but I will go back and torque them with the spec. I love this cart, as its lifted and has ATV tires. I use it for all my farm work and my wife loves it more than I do!!!!!! Best regards and thank you all for taking time to help! Brent

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02-06-2017, 12:17 AM	#7
Spicyunicorn Gone Wild Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 1,669	Re: Engine crackling & popping sound Easy fixes are always the best glad to help

02-06-2017, 10:33 AM	#8
Lochlin Gone Wild Join Date: May 2011 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 2,943	Re: Engine crackling & popping sound That's insane. My son has a little Suzuki quad that's like that. Torque specs on the head bolts are all of 8 psi. They used to come loose pretty easy. I ended up putting star-type lock washers on it and that took care of that.

02-06-2017, 09:20 PM	#9
bolt37 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 8	Re: Engine crackling & popping sound Hmmm. Not a bad idea! You'd think Yamaha would have done that if this is a common problem. I guess temperature change causes expansion and contraction, and thus bolts get loose. At least I will know next time! Thanks!

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