Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - The smartest thing you can do with gas cart
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Old 08-03-2017, 09:15 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Barefoot View Post
Thanks for the heads up. I've never owned a gas cart before, so your instruction is appreciated.

Just keep it in the XXXXX on the dip stick. Normal engine won't use much oil till the oil looses it viscosity and become dirty with combustion by products. Once this happens the oil losses it ability to clean, cool,, and lubricant which will be obvious from the color of the oil, black and dirty looking when you wipe it off with paper towel. IMO this is beyond time to change it, but it is vital to at least keep it within the XXXXXs on the dip stick and you will have to check it more often due to overheating effect on the engine.

Over several years of use the engine clearances become worn and the seals that seal oil in the crank case become brittle and worn (or from lack of oil changes). This causes oil consumption and leaks. Leaks will be noticeable by oil drops under the cart when it sets for while. This is when checking the oil becomes weekly or every other day depending on use.

You will find lots of opinions on when to change oil. Even owner's manual may be unclear due to use and conditions. IMO I can't leave oil in air cooled (basically lawn mower engine) for year. Snow birds could probably get away with it due to limited use. But, IMO any full time resident that uses golf cart every day twice year with quality oil. Some claim the put 15k year on they're cart. IMO that would be every 4 months minimum IMO.