Can You Put an Electric Fuel Pump on a Golf Cart?

Owners are always searching for ways to enhance their golf cart and make it better. Whether its a speed upgrade, efficiency hacks or style modifications, the fun just never ends.

One component that isn’t talked about often is the fuel system (think fuel filter, fuel tank, fuel line, golf cart fuel pump, etc). Some owners have asked: “Can You Put an Electric Fuel Pump on a Golf Cart?” The simple answer is yes, but there are some instructions on how to do it and potential issues you need to be aware of.

Golf carts typically use a vacuum pump setup while cars typically use an electric fuel injection system, so if you’re going to make a change, you should keep reading to find the answers you need.

Can You Put an Electric Fuel Pump on a Golf Cart?

Why install an electric pump on a golf cart?

Before we get into it, you might be wondering, why would anyone want to install an electric pump onto a golf cart? Somewhere in the background I can hear my mom saying, “you’re asking for trouble.” And while mom is often right, sometimes there are valid reasons for you to ignore her words of caution. If you’re reading this article, I’ll assume you’re ready to modify the fuel delivery on your Club Car (or Yamaha golf cart, if you prefer).

Adding an electric fuel pump offers several advantages including:

  • Cleaner emissions
  • Increased fuel supply efficiency
  • Less long term maintenance than a carburetor
  • Better fuel pressure which will give each cylinder the fuel it needs

In many cases, golf cart owners consider this change to help resolve problems they are experiencing with an older golf cart. There comes a point where troubleshooting 30 different potential problems isn’t worth it.

Whether it’s vacuum issues, previous fuel pump failure or an old gas tank that’s motivating you to make this change, your cart will appreciate better fuel flow and more efficient access to gasoline.

So the only question that still remains…

Can you put an electric fuel pump on a golf cart?

The short answer is yes, you can put an electric fuel pump on a golf cart. Rejoice my friends…you have a green light to tackle another project!

But, as with all things in life, there are some key factors that need to be considered. Keep mom happy by doing your research first so you can safely install a fuel pump on your golf car.

We can’t offer you certified mechanical advice here, but there are some key tips that we can share. To start, you want to make sure that you’re working with a 2-4 psi fuel pump. This will be the right amount of pressure for your vehicle.

When installing a fuel pump on a golf cart, you should power the pump from the starter motor side of the solenoid.

Installing the pump this way ensures that the pump operates only when the starter turns.

Some golf cart owners have suggested the Holley 12426 fuel pump as a good option, but you’ll need to double-check the specs to see if it will meet your needs.

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03/07/2024 05:24 pm GMT

Installing the electric pump

Again, you need to be aware of a few things when installing your electric fuel pump to ensure that it is done correctly and prevents any problems down the line. Thankfully, if you have some DIY or mechanical wisdom, these instructions won’t be too difficult to follow.

However, if you’re clueless on these things, you should consider hiring an expert to work on your EZGO golf cart.

Pump positioning is essential

As we mentioned earlier, the positioning of your electric pump is the key to success. It should be connected from the large post of the solenoid that goes towards the starter. Placing it here ensures that the pump only operates when the starter gets running.

Ensuring it is in the correct position is crucial for a successful installation (and hopefully the solution to any problems you’ve been having).

Plug off the vacuum line

It is also best to keep the vacuum line plugged off after you put an electric fuel pump on your golf cart. The new pump setup and plugging off the vacuum line should help resolve any previous troubles that you had.

Fuel pump

Our final tip is to run the fuel pump off the battery (during installation) until it’s primed. After that, wire it to the post.

Final Thoughts on Installing an Electric Fuel Pump

When installing an electric fuel pump on your golf cart, the method will vary slightly depending on the make and model of your golf cart. It can be helpful to check your parts manual or logbooks for any specific advice about doing so on your cart. If there is no information available, search for online tutorials using the make and model of your golf cart.

If you’re not sure about a full replacement, you can follow this tutorial for testing golf cart fuel pumps.

Due to the growing popularity of golf carts, there are many tutorials online that will walk you through repairs or installations. As long a tutorial covers the same make/model as your golf cart, it can often by used a step-by-step guidebook. It’s also worth checking out golf cart forums, as there can be some great wisdom there.

We’ve offered some general guidance for installing an electric fuel pump on your golf cart. It’s worth noting that this should be taken as guidance only, and you should consult a specialist if you are unsure or have any concerns.

To install your electric fuel pump, use the tips that we laid out earlier. Ensure that it is connected on the solenoid side and that your vacuum line is plugged off.

Ensure the connections are correct and firmly in place before turning the golf cart on. We recommend wearing protective equipment to ensure your safety. Next, turn your golf cart on, and keep your fingers crossed for a successful installation.

Got a success story to share? Feel free to post it in the comments section below. If you have other questions about golf carts, visit our golf carts section of the blog. We tackle many common questions there.

Always be sure to consult a professional if there are questions we haven’t answered here.

4 Comments

  1. I installed a 2-4 lb. electric fuel pump on my 81 Yamaha golf cart 2 stroke, it runs great. I have left the old pump for now because it has a bigger hose from it going to the engine block… should I plug it off ?

  2. I do not understand how installing it to the switch side of the starter of the solenoid works? As soon as you stop power to the starter the fuel pump will also stop pumping??

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