Have a trail wagon utv that was running super weak and smoking so we replaced the motor. Used a 9 hp Subaru as that is what it came with. It now runs stronger than ever but is giving trouble when shifting. It has a comet cat clutch with a belt to a spicer rear end that is cable controlled forward neutral and reverse. Setup very similar to a gas golf cart.


What I can't figure out is if the problem is it's idling too high so it's loading the rear end, the clutch isn't fully disengaging, the belt is old so it isn't slipping enough or there is some issue with the rear end.


I tried adjusting the idle via the governor control but it would go to low and start to buck. Also when it isles in gear it's still moving the buggy forward. Ideas help? Don't want to just throw $100 bills at it replacing everything...

No clue on the idling speed problem. The clutch is what I call a Reeves drive, it is used on some woodworking and metal shop equipment. No experience with that one, but you have to "calibrate" new ones. With the engine change out, and a used belt that has stretched over tome you might have to figure out how to "calibrate" the clutch.

You say adjusted the idle via the governor control? My terms may not match up with yours but can you not adjust the carb to make it idle better? By starting to buck do you mean it acts like it is going to die then speeds up back and forth? If so it sounds like the adjustment you are using is not allowing a constant flow of fuel to the carb. The engine should not buck while adjusting it should simply start slowing down until it dies if it has plenty of fuel.