clogged spark arrestor on Yamaha cart
 

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?

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.

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

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?

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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

$700

Uh...no.