If you're currently hunting for a club car fe350 engine for sale, you probably already know that these things are the "gold standard" for older gas-powered carts. Whether your current motor finally gave up the ghost after twenty years of service or you're just tired of your cart struggling to climb a slight incline with four people on board, finding a solid FE350 is the quickest way to get back on the path—literally.
The FE350, manufactured by Kawasaki, is one of those legendary small engines that people just don't want to let go of. It's the bigger, beefier brother to the FE290, and while it might not sound like a massive jump on paper, that extra displacement makes a world of difference when you're hauling a trailer or navigating a hilly neighborhood. But because Club Car moved away from these engines in favor of EFI systems and different manufacturers years ago, finding a good one today takes a bit of strategy.
Why Everyone Wants the FE350
Before you drop a chunk of change on an engine, it's worth remembering why we're all obsessed with this specific model. The FE350 is a 351cc overhead valve (OHV) engine that puts out about 11.5 horsepower. In the world of golf carts, that's actually quite a bit. Most standard carts hover around 9 horsepower, and while 2.5 extra horses doesn't sound like much, it's about a 25% increase in power.
It's known for being incredibly reliable. These engines are air-cooled, simple to work on, and can run for thousands of hours if you just keep the oil clean. They have a pressurized lubrication system with a real spin-on oil filter, which was a huge deal compared to the older "splash" lubrication engines of the 80s. That's why, when people see a club car fe350 engine for sale, they tend to pounce on it. It's a direct bolt-in replacement for many Club Car DS and Carryall models, making it the easiest "big block" upgrade you can do.
Where to Look for a Reliable Replacement
Finding one of these isn't as simple as walking into a big-box store. You have to get a little creative with your search.
Specialized Rebuilders
This is probably your best bet if you want something that's going to last another decade. There are shops across the country that specialize specifically in Kawasaki golf cart engines. They take old, tired cores, bore out the cylinders, put in fresh pistons, new seals, and lap the valves. When you buy a rebuilt club car fe350 engine for sale from a specialist, you're usually getting a warranty and the peace of mind that it's been put together by someone who knows these motors inside and out.
The Used Market (eBay and Marketplace)
If you're on a budget, you'll likely end up on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. This is where things get a little "wild west." You might find a "running take-out" from a cart that was crashed or had a rusted-out frame. These can be bargains, but you've got to be careful. If the seller can't show you a video of it running or give you a compression test reading, you're taking a gamble. A healthy FE350 should ideally be showing somewhere between 150 and 170 PSI on a compression gauge. If it's down in the 120s, it's likely on its last legs and will need a top-end rebuild sooner rather than later.
Salvage Yards
Don't overlook golf cart salvage yards. There are massive lots out there that dismantle carts and sell the parts. Since the FE350 was common in the Carryall utility vehicles (the ones with the aluminum beds), these salvage yards often have a few sitting on shelves.
New vs. Rebuilt vs. Used: Which is Best?
Honestly, finding a brand-new, "zero-hour" Kawasaki FE350 is getting harder and harder every year. Kawasaki stopped production on these units a while back, so "new old stock" (NOS) engines are rare and usually very expensive.
For most of us, a high-quality rebuilt engine is the sweet spot. It's cheaper than a new one but way more reliable than a used one you found in someone's barn. When you go the rebuilt route, just make sure to ask if they used OEM Kawasaki parts or aftermarket ones. While some aftermarket parts are fine, things like gaskets and rings are usually better when they come in a Kawasaki box.
Things to Check Before Handing Over Cash
If you find a club car fe350 engine for sale locally, don't just look at it—inspect it. Here's a quick checklist of what I always look for:
- The Oil: Pull the dipstick. If the oil looks like chocolate milk, there's water in there. If it's pitch black and smells burnt, it hasn't been changed in years.
- The Crankshaft: Make sure the output shaft isn't grooved or bent. If the drive clutch was hammered on or off, it could have damaged the crank.
- The Case: Look for cracks near the mounting bolts. These engines vibrate a bit, and if the mounting hardware was loose, the aluminum case could have hairline fractures.
- Rotation: Turn the engine over by hand (using the drive clutch or the flywheel). It should feel smooth with a distinct "thump" of resistance when it hits the compression stroke. If it feels "crunchy" or spins too freely, walk away.
The Swap: What You Need to Know
If you're swapping out an FE290 for an FE350, it's almost a 1:1 trade, but there are a couple of small things to keep in mind. The exhaust and intake ports are generally the same, but the FE350 breathes a bit more. You might find that your cart runs a little lean if you don't adjust the carburetor or ensure you're using the FE350-specific carb.
Also, check your rotation! This is a huge trap for newcomers. Club Car changed the rotation of their engines in the late 90s (around 1997). Some engines spin clockwise, and some spin counter-clockwise. If you buy a "new" club car fe350 engine for sale that spins the wrong way, your cart will have one gear for forward (which will be slow) and three gears for reverse. That's a headache you don't want. Always verify the rotation of your transaxle before buying the engine.
Maintenance to Make it Last
Once you finally get that FE350 bolted in and purring, don't ignore it. The easiest way to kill these engines is heat and dirty oil. Since it's an air-cooled motor, keep the cooling fins clean. If you drive through tall grass or leaves, they can get sucked into the fan shroud and clog things up. Within twenty minutes, the engine can overheat and warp the head.
I usually recommend an oil change every 50 hours of use, or once a year if you're just using it for casual trips to the mailbox. Use a good quality 10W-30 or SAE 30 oil, and always, always change the filter.
Wrapping it Up
The search for a club car fe350 engine for sale can feel like a bit of a chore, especially since they aren't exactly rolling off assembly lines anymore. However, the effort is worth it. That extra torque and the bulletproof nature of the Kawasaki design make the FE350 the best motor Club Car ever put in their gas carts.
Whether you decide to go with a professional rebuild or a lucky local find, just do your homework. Check the compression, verify the rotation, and make sure the seller is being straight with you. Once you've got that 351cc beast installed, you'll realize why everyone is still talking about these engines decades after they first hit the market. Happy hunting, and good luck with the engine swap!