Dad is taking his cart back today to TV cart for the 4th time about this issue.

Interesting as I drove one home to show my husband and the fumes were horrible. I asked about this and they said it resolves after a few hundred miles. Seems like a lot of fumes to be breathing until then. What about others? Have the fumes worn off?

Wow Jane, that's a lot of questions! I'll share my opinions and experiences - hope they help.
We've bought and have service work done by both TV and C&C. We have had and currently own both gas and electric.
We decided to replace our '13 yamaha efi with the '17 yamaha model and we chose C&C. Could not be happier. Really quiet, better ride with the new suspension, nicer seats (our choice and worth it) and less stink! No gas smell due to different venting system and less exhaust stink - after the 100 or so miles it takes to burn off the varnish, etc that's a part of most any new manufacture. Approaching 1000 miles now and absolutely less exhaust stink than the efi.
valance - I don't know the answer to your question.
electrical - C&C wins hands down according to the Yamaha engineer I asked. No impact on warranty.
lights - seems like 6 of one / half dozen of the other to me
windshield - we went with folding and slide vents on the bottom. Folding a must for hot golf days. Not sure about the value of the vents but have learned to pick my battles with the wife.
Sunbrella - don't really see any difference in quality. Really like the ease of C&C rear window as I don't need a third hand to roll it back up.
mirrors - we have owned all styles and placement and appreciated C&C's willingness to do exactly what we wanted. Mounted at the folding seam below our eye line. Right side round mounted inside the frame, left side round mounted outside the frame. It's what works for us and doesn't make it right for anyone else.
Service - in our experience C&C wins hands down. Quick, on time, thorough, knowledgeable, neat, fair and nice folks. TV are nice folks but we've had some real issues with the competence of some of their mechanics.
Good luck with your decisions!

Jane, I think the fumes you're talking about are from a spray coating they use when they ship a Yamaha.
A nasty smell - but it supposedly goes away after a few hundred miles.
I'm more concerned about the fact that a Yamaha doesn't have a tail pipe and exhausts under the muffler. :confused:
Can anyone comment on these issues?

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THANKS Twopjt. I just saw your post and your comments based on 1,000 miles.

I am not sure but I could see the smoke and it smelled horrible. And I could smell it as I was test driving. I would also like to hear from others.

Over 700 miles and the smell is bad. The new is gone, it is exhaust smell. When Dad pulls it in the garage it stinks the entire garage. Going back for the 4th time tomorrow.

The gas fumes come up thru the engine compartment because there is no tail pipe. You will need to fabricate an extended exhaust pipe or you could try placing heavy duty weather strip between the seat and engine compartment.
Here is a diagram of the muffler:

Parts & Accessories Can-Am, Spyder, Yamaha & Honda | ATV, Motorcycle, Snowmobile, UTV Part Accessory

Yikes, that does not sound very good for someone who scored 15 out of 100 on a mechanical reasoning aptitude test. Give me something to write and I can pull it off 100%. Fixing exhaust systems by a diagram...you got to be kidding!!! So what are people going to do who are like me? Is this a major problem with this new model? How come more people are not complaining? Just trying to understand.

Wow, sounds to me like the bottom of the exhaust unit maybe isn't properly fit to the panel under the engine compartment. We have no exhaust smell at all. Way less than our Efi with the extended tailpipe.
There was the horrible stink and smoke until the varnish burned off, but that didn't take long - maybe 200 miles at most. When ours was brand new you could tip the seat up and see the stinking smoke rising from the exhaust assembly -- but that didn't last. Happy now, so hope for you.

This past Tuesday I went to C&C and while there I got to test drive a new 2017 Yamaha.
The one I drove had a hard enclosure, I drove it with the doors open and closed
and I didn't notice any bad exhaust smell in either case.
Now I think the test vehicle had been driven often before
I drove it, which might have burned off any manufacturing coating on the muffler.
The ride and sound are much improved.

It really is quiet, for a gas cart. I was impressed.
I noticed the varnish smell, which the dealer says will burn off after 100-200 miles or before.
But no smell from actual gas fumes.

Dec. notes on service order stated "glass fibers inside exhaust came loose and wasn't catching carbon. Reattached and no more fumes are being released." I love the cart, just wish they could get this straight. This is all new and there are sure to be some things to work out.

Hi, just a friendly reply. We have a new EZ Go, we love it, quiet dependable. If everything else was the same, then consider this,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, We do not burn gas, do you know that when you burn one pound, one pint of gas in an internal combustion engine,,,,,,,,,,,,,, it takes 14 pounds of air. So,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 15 pounds of exhaust are shot out into the surroundings. Have you noticed the garbage you are breathing in the tunnels,,,,,,,,,,,, IT IS THERE FOLKS. We also have the auto water filling system for the batteries, so easy. A local independent cart mechanic was nearby and I asked him about the electric annual checkup he said there is almost nothing to do on it.
Have you seen the huge line of carts at local cart shop in there for maintenance? Have you seen the gas pump. Two years ago, I was shopping for my electric cart, they almost refused to talk to me,,,,,,,,,,,,,, they sell gas.
Sorry, my background is Engineering and Combustion,,,,,,,,,, well you could not give me a gas cart and I mean that.
Sorry for being so blunt, but I think you wanted an opinion so that is what you get for asking a Polish Engineer with combustion background.

bbbbbb :coolsmiley:

From bbbbbb. Where is the comment that anyone despises anything??????

Please. Let it be factual folks.

Regarding electric, SECO says with my charger, it costs 15 to 19 cents an hour to charge cart in the garage. If we run the gauge down to a bit over half full,, that means we do the rec centers (4) , two movies and three trips to the stores. For those of you who are from Rio Linda the gauge will be a little bit above the one half mark. That is about it for the week. Then at home it takes abut 4 hours or less to charge, so try to get your math polished up, that means about 60 to 76 cents. An earlier poster said he is considering electric, that is a fact.
Here is a small addition from an older Combustion person: To burn one pint, about one pound of gas in an internal combustion engine.......... (IF the engine is perfectly tuned and a lot of them are not) it takes 14 pounds of air. So 15 pounds of exhaust are going out the exhaust pipe. While going through the tunnels, a lot of it is there, try not to breathe those products, just a suggestion. last time I checked my cart does not have an exhaust pipe, I am glad to see that.

The electric v gas cart controversy has been ongoing for the 10 years that I have lived here. when we first move here the vast majority of golf carts were electric. As The villages expanded the number of gas carts increased. After 9 years I gave in and purchased an Yahama EFI because of one reason only, distance anxiety.

I ignore the 'gas smell issue and wonder how many people who defend electric carts based on environmental reasons don't also drive full electric cars.

It seems this thread was about Yamaha 2017 EFI gas carts.
How did it get railroaded?

Guess I'm late to the dance but here are my thoughts: I have a 2017 gas Yamaha cart. I have nearly 2000 miles on it and have never had any smell whatsoever. My wife has an electric cart but always rides with me when we are together. She has an acute sense of smell and has never noticed an odor either. Both she and I love the 2017 over the 2014 that I had before. My '17 is much quieter, the ride is vastly improved, the turn signal lights (inside the cab for ease of seeing) and the C&C windshield are four of my most favorite things about my cart. To repeat: perhaps I'm unusually fortunate but a smell is not a part of my world.

Like your wife, I also have an acute sense of smell, so I appreciate your comments.

I'm only guessing that there must be some kind of a problem that they're having trouble diagnosing. I really feel sorry for them but don't you not buy a product because one other person had a problem.

If you are going to bring costs into the equation, you need to normalize it so a meaningful comparison can be made. For example, the cost of electricity for an electric cart is approximately 2.5 cents per mile. The cost for gasoline for a contemporary gas cart is approximately 4 cents per mile. However, when you factor in the additional cost per mile for battery replacements for the electric carts, the cost per mile is actually significantly higher for electric carts. For example, a ParCar estimation of battery life equated to an additional cost of approximately 10 cents per mile for an electric cart. Regardless, the cost per mile for either type of cart is insignificant when compared to the initial purchase price. For example, my cart cost over $10K but I only spend about $160 per year to drive it 4000 miles per year.

Regarding your comment about the state of "tune" for gasoline carts, contemporary gasoline carts with electronic fuel injection do not need to be "tuned". The engine operation is "managed" by electronics. The air filter and spark plug will require occasional replacement but there are no adjustments to be made. Those of us who have "tuned" cars in the past (replacing and gapping points, setting dwell and timing, and adjusting the carburetor) will know what I mean.

Also, consider that 80% of the electricity for your electric cart is generated by burning coal and natural gas. I assume you also drive a gasoline powered car?

Geezzz mine is a 2015 and I have only 1500 mile on it??????? I'm doing something wrong

Step away from the television. :shrug:

Agreed!

True, but it's not only BayKid's dad. It's Mortech and jane and jbarracks and dietpepsi and others that have commented negatively. However, perhaps the unhappy buyers tend to comment; and the happy campers are all out driving their carts.

Agree as soon as the crowding lessens until then like winter months up north I'll hibernate

That's funny, Rubicon. I had 11550 on my 2014, but then I use my cart for everything except when I have to go off campus for something. Perhaps I could say, "you should get out more often?". :)

Gas Carts
 

How many miles do gas carts usually last?

I did end up buying the 2017 quiet model yesterday up at Carts and Clubs in Ocala. Drove a different cart than the one I had driven more locally and there were no fumes at all, probably the cart had been driven more. I brought my husband with me and he loved the suspension of the new golf cart, the quiet, and how it drove on the uneven grassy area at the golf cart lot.

They also put extra insulation under the seat at Carts and Clubs. They have added some nice encased exterior lighting to the cart and interior lighting as well which is nice for night time. They have a great new windshield which folds at the top like the old ones but also has vents on the bottom that slide, and they moved the line on the windshield down so it is not in your line of vision. They had some other things I liked better then here in The Villages but it was a tough call where to buy from. Pros and cons of each.

One thing of interest for all of you.
After talking with both Carts and Clubs and The Villages, I was feeling a little crazy about who is telling the truth so I called Yamaha Corporation. Your Yamaha warranty is not voided when there are changes to the cart. Both stores honor the Yamaha warranty and perform service accordingly to the carts they sell.

Additionally, because the 2017 has a high performance clutch, the cart is better when it is set at 23/24 (yes I know the legal is 20). But the cart will do better when set at 24 and that does not void the warranty. However, The Villages Car shops will not service them when set at 24. The person at Yamaha was VERY clear about what the best performance would be from the cart and it is 23/34 mph. This confirms what Carts and Clubs had told me, but because of being told differently by two different companies and not understanding mechanics, I checked.

I was also told by a salesperson here that the enclosures at Carts and Clubs was poor. Not so, they make a really nice tight fitting enclosure on premises and also have an option which I did not get, but they have curtains that slide like shower curtains with a magnet enclosure for those who struggle with the roll up sides. It is bulkier and not my style, but a fabulous option if you struggle with arthritis or do not like rolling curtains.

Bottom line, I bought the new one from Ocala and feel happy with my choice, but you can not go wrong from local or there, for about a $250 difference. One sort of fun but totally decadent thing I added which is not needed by any means was a remote start for the golf cart, so no key needed. You still get keys, but it was just a fun add on. And bought the stock aqua blue color and upgraded to the high back Sportster seats in yellow and blue and white, with bright yellow trim. Will take 5-6 weeks. Dave Johnson was sales person and VERY patient while I spent 2 1/2 hours choosing and coordinating. Enjoyed my experience with them and did meet the owner as well who some people have said has not been pleasant to them. Only time will tell, he was very nice at first meeting.

A lot of miles if you are content to replace parts that will eventually wear out. My own expectations are the engine, the most expensive part, will be good for 4000 hours or about 64,000 miles. However, that is 16 years at our current usage and I am pretty sure we will replace it with something new before then. How diligent you are with maintenance will matter. I have heard of gas carts with over 50,000 miles.

I do not think so. You would never drive 24 on the streets here as you would get a ticket and be at risk yourself and for others, but I think setting it to 24 allows you to use the performance of the clutch when it would be safe to do so. What it does is allow you to use the full performance of the clutch vs never being able to do so.

The only thing they have done is adjusted the governor, which controls the maximum engine RPMs. The maximum speed of the cart, as controlled by the governor, doesn't impact any aspects of the performance of the cart at speeds less than the maximum (with the possible exception of flat out acceleration).

Thanks for the explanation Biker.

Thanks, Jane. If the cart can do 23-24MPH, does it come with a speedometer so the driver can keep it legal on the street?

Good luck, and please keep us informed.

The 2017 Yamaha carts at Village Golf Carts have a speedometer; I assume it's standard equipment.
I think that The Village Golf Carts set their carts at 20 MPH.
Not sure, but I assume that's the maximum allowable speed in The Villages for non-street legal carts.

Asked the same question to service tech. Told that its more than just sound deadening insulation. New 2017's have re-designed exhaust, muffler, etc. I would have liked an easier solution too.

Hey Ted:

Actually I only use my golf cart for golf. Use my car otherwise. Mrs. Rubicon has been pushing me to use the cart more and I have been complying reluctantly

good luck with the new cart sounds like Yamaha has made some headway.

Well I do have an update of sorts. You just won't belief the controversy I started without ever meaning to. So I told you in another post on this thread I called Yamaha Corporate. Innocent enough, asked questions and got information. Then decided to buy at Carts and Clubs. Wrote my sales person in The Villages golf store and thanked him for his help, told him I was buying in Ocala and why. I mentioned the enclosures, the windshield, the 23/24 mpg on the governor, the warranty confirmation from Yamaha. Just the facts. Nice email. Saying thank you and why I chose somewhere else. Now you will notice in my post above I said both places are good to buy from, you just have to decide what is important to you.

Well, I sent the email on Friday to The Villages Golf Car salesperson. Ordered my golf cart on Saturday from Carts and Clubs.

On Monday, I got a call from the sales manager of ALL the golf cart stores in The Villages wanting to know everything that Yamaha Corporation told me, in detail. So I told him, he was very nice but wanted to know the details. He did of course inform me of the legal mileage of 20 which we all know, and discussed the warranty, etc. And told me that The Villages had met with the President of Yamaha in September. He said he was going to call Yamaha corporate.

An hour or so later, I got a call from Yamaha corporate wanting to know who I talked to there, when, what time, how long, what they told me etc. I would say the only area of dispute that they raised with me is that 20 is the legal limit and they would not tell anyone to turn it up to 23/24, which their representative did. The reason they say to turn it up, and Carts and Clubs and the Yamaha representative both stated, is that because the 2017 has a high performance clutch, it will be better for the cart to have the governor set at the higher mileage of 23/24.

The person from Yamaha corporate said they never should have told me that, they are not supposed to say that. I said, well your representative told me its better for the cart and so did Carts and Clubs where you test carts out. So what is the truth I asked? He said he would not comment on this issue.

So I do not know what goes on behind the scenes, but as The Villages Golf Car stores are their biggest client I am sure, it must have caused some dispute or controversy about what I was told, since in The Villages they do not turn them up or service the carts that are set at the higher 23/24. It certainly took me by surprise to get called by the Manager of all the golf cart stores here in The Villages and from the Yamaha Corporate. All I was trying to do was get to the truth and order myself another cart since I sold my other one when I thought we were moving, which we are not. I just was asking questions everyone asks on this forum. Just digging for facts on a Friday. Nothing more.

And a speedometer and gas gauge come with the 2017 as standard equipment. Also if your cart is set to a higher mileage and you want it services at Villages Golf Cart stores, they told me set it down before you bring it in and they will service it. And you turn it up yourself after.

The fact that Yamaha would not comment on if it is better to have the governor set at 23/24 leads me to my own conclusion, I will leave you to form your own.

Great information. My conclusion is that the 2017 runs better when the governor is set at 23-24 even though I would recommend never driving it above 20 mph. This is also what C&C told me.