clogged spark arrestor on Yamaha cart

[AZ SLIM]

The spark arrestor clogged up on my 2019 Yamaha cart which reduced performance. One cart mechanic said I had to change the entire muffler assembly ($$) and that changing only the arrestor is not supported by Yamaha and he could lose his license for doing that. He also said that it is not for wildfire prevention, but part of the noise reduction features.

He also said that if you remove the arrestor (noise suppressor) it reduces the back pressure and can cause damage to the motor over time.

Now I hear some people removed it or drilled a hole in it. I wish I could find the unbiased facts. Yes, there is a thread about this on the golf equipment forum but I would like to hear some knowledgeable facts about the topic. Does anyone have some or maybe long term experience following a modification?

[M2inOR]

When my new 2020 failed, it was immediately replaced, no charge a few months ago. It was after the first year of ownership.

Purchased from Villages Golf Car in Brownwood.

Entire muffler assembly replaced. Had a free loaner Club Car for a few days.

[Laker14]

The spark arrestor clogged up on my 2019 Yamaha cart which reduced performance. One cart mechanic said I had to change the entire muffler assembly ($$) and that changing only the arrestor is not supported by Yamaha and he could lose his license for doing that. He also said that it is not for wildfire prevention, but part of the noise reduction features.

He also said that if you remove the arrestor (noise suppressor) it reduces the back pressure and can cause damage to the motor over time.

Now I hear some people removed it or drilled a hole in it. I wish I could find the unbiased facts. Yes, there is a thread about this on the golf equipment forum but I would like to hear some knowledgeable facts about the topic. Does anyone have some or maybe long term experience following a modification?

2019? Isn't that still under warranty? BTW, how much was the estimate to have the entire muffler assembly replaced, as recommended?

[Kahuna32162]

Same issue, was told spark arrestor was a California environmental requirement. Carts and Clubs tech removed it, problem solved. 2018 Yamaha quiet tech cart.

[Laker14]

Same issue, was told spark arrestor was a California environmental requirement. Carts and Clubs tech removed it, problem solved. 2018 Yamaha quiet tech cart.

It's not part of what makes the Quiet-tech quieter?

[Toymeister]

I have removed these from virtually every gas powered equipment. Not only is it a California requirement it is required by the US Forest Service (think chainsaw or generator).

I don't live in California or a US Forest. I have never had a problem or increase in noise that I have perceived.

[villagetinker]

The last time I changed the oil in our 2017 Yamaha I took a Phillips head screw driver (large one) and made a hole in the spark arrestor (about 3/8 inch diameter). I really believe the cart runs better, no change in gas mileage, no change in noise level, but the cart seems to have more get up and go.

[Laker14]

The last time I changed the oil in our 2017 Yamaha I took a Phillips head screw driver (large one) and made a hole in the spark arrestor (about 3/8 inch diameter). I really believe the cart runs better, no change in gas mileage, no change in noise level, but the cart seems to have more get up and go.

So, VT, what do you think the function of this device is? What is it supposed to accomplish, and by what mechanism?

[Mrmean58]

So, VT, what do you think the function of this device is? What is it supposed to accomplish, and by what mechanism?
As it name implies, it's sole purpose is to prevent the remote chance a spark though the exhaust system accidentally starts a fire if a vehicle with this engine set up sets dry grass on fire. I removed the spark arrestor off my 2018 Quiet tech with no issues. There maybe a slight one or two decibel increase in noise if that.
Running higher octane fuel(yes it costs more) and occasional fuel injector cleaner with a new tank of gas every fifth or sixth fill up has greatly improved my carts performance.

[tsmall22204]

I have the best solution. Get rid of that pollution causing gas powered cart and buy an electric cart.

[ohioshooter]

I don’t understand why a 4 cycle fuel injected engine would plug a spark arrester. Years ago when I rode 2cycle motorcycles that we added oil to the gas it was a problem, but today I don’t get it.

[BlueStarAirlines]

I have the best solution. Get rid of that pollution causing gas powered cart and buy an electric cart.

Yes...because the electricity used to charge the golf cart is made from rainbows.....

[Romad]

When my 2017 arrester was clogged, the tech cleaned it. I have heard of others removing them because they are not needed here.

[AZ SLIM]

2019? Isn't that still under warranty? Btw, how much was the estimate to have the entire muffler assembly replaced, as recommended?

$700

[NoMo50]

I have the best solution. Get rid of that pollution causing gas powered cart and buy an electric cart.

Uh...no.

[Dantes]

Lol stay off planes ,trains and automobiles buy a horse or walk

[dennisgavin]

My 2020 became unusable. Had to get towed by cart aide. Mechanic cleaned the arrestor and now no problems.

[rockyhyder]

I have the best solution. Get rid of that pollution causing gas powered cart and buy an electric cart.

Here’s a reality check for you:

[Luggage]

Spark arrestor = arrests sparks . Stops fires . Duh...

[Luggage]

Why don't you show a picture of dead sea life or a mine after it's filled back in and repaved with grass?

Here’s a reality check for you:

[Driller703]

Same issue, was told spark arrestor was a California environmental requirement. Carts and Clubs tech removed it, problem solved. 2018 Yamaha quiet tech cart.
I agree. Henry “The Golf Cart Guy”removed mine in 5 minutes and fixed the problem. No new muffler system needed. The cart instantly regained its speed and power.

[GoneFishing]

When I had work done on my cart, the mechanic highly recommended removing the spark arrestor. He said it would be slightly louder especially in the tunnels. I’ve not noticed much of a sound difference and cart seems to run much better.

[zummy]

I removed mine on 2020. Cart was a dog and now it fly’s. More free flowing exhaust. You don’t need it, it just restricts the exhaust per the on line research

[Boffin]

Yes...because the electricity used to charge the golf cart is made from rainbows.....
And the production and disposal of batteries is so clean and environmentally friendly. NOT.

[Kahuna32162]

It's not part of what makes the Quiet-tech quieter?

I haven't noticed any difference.

[Engine12]

Anyone know for sure how it affects the carts warranty ? Thanks !

[Topspinmo]

The spark arrestor clogged up on my 2019 Yamaha cart which reduced performance. One cart mechanic said I had to change the entire muffler assembly ($$) and that changing only the arrestor is not supported by Yamaha and he could lose his license for doing that. He also said that it is not for wildfire prevention, but part of the noise reduction features.

He also said that if you remove the arrestor (noise suppressor) it reduces the back pressure and can cause damage to the motor over time.

Now I hear some people removed it or drilled a hole in it. I wish I could find the unbiased facts. Yes, there is a thread about this on the golf equipment forum but I would like to hear some knowledgeable facts about the topic. Does anyone have some or maybe long term experience following a modification?



Not clogged just restricting exhaust gas getting out. If it was clogged it wouldn’t run. IMO it will never cause damage to lawnmower engine if removed . Running it restricted will most likely cause damage to engine due to it overheating.

[CartColor]

My cart was acting up too. I was changing the oil and looked at the spark arrestor. All clogged up with carbon deposits. Read many who removed it or drilled hole(s) in it to improve performance. Not a believer in "back pressure"...engine has to breath. I drilled into it and the whole thing spun out. No improved performance with it removed and the cart was MUCH louder once warmed up. Couldn't find just the spark arrestor anywhere as it would be an easy part to replace. Had to buy the entire exhaust system. Not doing that. Called carts and Clubs of Ocala. $101 to fix as they weren't buying my "brillo pad" material fell out. Future oil changes will include spark arrestor cleaning. My advice is don't remove it. Call it in if under warranty.

[Pandan]

The spark arrestor clogged up on my 2019 Yamaha cart which reduced performance. One cart mechanic said I had to change the entire muffler assembly ($$) and that changing only the arrestor is not supported by Yamaha and he could lose his license for doing that. He also said that it is not for wildfire prevention, but part of the noise reduction features.

He also said that if you remove the arrestor (noise suppressor) it reduces the back pressure and can cause damage to the motor over time.

Now I hear some people removed it or drilled a hole in it. I wish I could find the unbiased facts. Yes, there is a thread about this on the golf equipment forum but I would like to hear some knowledgeable facts about the topic. Does anyone have some or maybe long term experience following a modification?

Can anyone tell me the exact location of the spark arrestor? How easy is to access it? I am guessing that is at one end of the muffler. Is it close to the tail pipe end? A picture would be helpful, if possible. Thank you.

[tophcfa]

I have the best solution. Get rid of that pollution causing gas powered cart and buy an electric cart.

Where is the thumbs down button?

[tophcfa]

Lol stay off planes ,trains and automobiles buy a horse or walk

But the wack jobs will tell you horse flatulence causes climate changing greenhouse gases.

[villagetinker]

Can anyone tell me the exact location of the spark arrestor? How easy is to access it? I am guessing that is at one end of the muffler. Is it close to the tail pipe end? A picture would be helpful, if possible. Thank you.

You will need to remove the bottom panel, 4 bolts, I forget the size/type. This panel hooks around the frame on one end. Once this is down, there is a rubber 3 inch by 6 inch duct from the muffler to the pan you just removed. Take this off and you will see the spark arrestor. I found that jacking up the front of the cart (and then supporting it correctly), gives you a lot more room the work. Hope this helps.

[Laker14]

You will need to remove the bottom panel, 4 bolts, I forget the size/type. This panel hooks around the frame on one end. Once this is down, there is a rubber 3 inch by 6 inch duct from the muffler to the pan you just removed. Take this off and you will see the spark arrestor. I found that jacking up the front of the cart (and then supporting it correctly), gives you a lot more room the work. Hope this helps.

thanks, VT. When I do mine I'm going to hang on to the arrestor and if I don't like the change in the sound, I might soak it in carb cleaner and replace it.

[Topspinmo]

My cart was acting up too. I was changing the oil and looked at the spark arrestor. All clogged up with carbon deposits. Read many who removed it or drilled hole(s) in it to improve performance. Not a believer in "back pressure"...engine has to breath. I drilled into it and the whole thing spun out. No improved performance with it removed and the cart was MUCH louder once warmed up. Couldn't find just the spark arrestor anywhere as it would be an easy part to replace. Had to buy the entire exhaust system. Not doing that. Called carts and Clubs of Ocala. $101 to fix as they weren't buying my "brillo pad" material fell out. Future oil changes will include spark arrestor cleaning. My advice is don't remove it. Call it in if under warranty.


Why after warmed up? Seem to me it would be louder when running in cold start?

Much louder like muffler removed and straight pipe? I imagine you was hearing echo when going through tunnel or close to curb?

[Pandan]

You will need to remove the bottom panel, 4 bolts, I forget the size/type. This panel hooks around the frame on one end. Once this is down, there is a rubber 3 inch by 6 inch duct from the muffler to the pan you just removed. Take this off and you will see the spark arrestor. I found that jacking up the front of the cart (and then supporting it correctly), gives you a lot more room the work. Hope this helps.

Thank you. This helps a lot. 😎

[denmick]

The spark arrestor on my 2019 Yamaha as clogged twice since we've owned it. I'm handy so I was able to remove the spark arrestor, clean it, and put it back on. It is basically a cap over the tailpipe with a mesh (held in place with a set screw). It looks like the mesh is getting clogged with muffler packing (looks almost like white cotton fiber) around the outer edges of the mesh.