[biker1]

Increase the battery life by how much? I get 5 years on a battery now.

Originally Posted by tophcfa

What are your thoughts on the way Yamaha wires voltage regulators, where they often are charging the battery well above the recommended voltage of approximately 14.5. I rewired both of our Yamahas using Villagetinker’s wiring diagram and the charging voltage went dow from 16.5 (2014 EFI) and 15.8 (2022 Quiet Tech) to 14.5 on both carts. That should significantly increase battery life on the carts.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by biker1

Increase the battery life by how much? I get 5 years on a battery now.

It depends on driving habits. Charging at too high a voltage overheats the battery and can cause hydrogen and oxygen gas to form, which can damage the battery and significantly shorten its life. If you typically make short stop and go trips, the damage should be minimal. If you frequently make longer trips, it will definitely shorten the battery life. I had to replace a good quality battery after about two years after taking several long trips in the golf cart. Granted, it could have simply been a faulty battery, but it didn’t seem right. The new battery now charges at around 14.5 volts after the fix and I guess time will tell if charging at the recommended voltage leads to a longer battery life? Either way, I feel better driving a cart that’s not overcharging the battery, and the fix was inexpensive and relatively easy.

[KennyP]

Originally Posted by biker1

Increase the battery life by how much? I get 5 years on a battery now.

This is only when the charge system over charges. Not every cart does it, but when it charges in the high 16 to 17 plus volt range it does shorten the life of the battery. Your getting 5 years out of a battery, your charge system is fine, its only when the system over charges.

[biker1]

Thanks so much, I appreciate your help.

Originally Posted by KennyP

This is only when the charge system over charges. Not every cart does it, but when it charges in the high 16 to 17 plus volt range it does shorten the life of the battery. Your getting 5 years out of a battery, your charge system is fine, its only when the system over charges.

[Battlebasset]

Originally Posted by CarlR33

Guess I should look at an electric cart then for my first cart purchase?

I decided to go that route. Unlike my expectations/need for a car, I never drive a round trip that has ever taken my lithium battery below 50%. Plugs into a 110 outlet, and fully charged overnight. A full charge should take me 50 to 60 miles. Like I would ever want to do that on a golf cart!

That's not saying they are "trouble free". Mine (Evolution) had issues initially with discharging too fast and I ultimately got a new battery (under warranty). But other than that, the only thing I worry about is making sure the tires have enough air.

There are times when gas makes sense (cars, lawn equipment for larger yards) and times when battery makes sense. IMO, golf cart is one of those.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

This is why it is so important to have your things serviced by honest businessman

Always have them take a lie detector test.

[JMintzer]

Aaaand the "Gas vs Electric" debate begins... Again...

[LeRoySmith]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Aaaand the "Gas vs Electric" debate begins... Again...

It's really not much of a debate at this point, it's obvious electric is better.

[Battlebasset]

Originally Posted by LeRoySmith

It's really not much of a debate at this point, it's obvious electric is better.

For golf carts? Yes.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by CarlR33

Guess I should look at an electric cart then for my first cart purchase?

What ever tickles you fancy.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by LeRoySmith

It's really not much of a debate at this point, it's obvious electric is better.

Know what they say about opinions, are like Everyone got them.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Tyrone Shoelaces

You'll never go back.
Lithium is a COMPLETE game changer.
My carts are super light and nimble.
I have three lithium powered carts out of all three I've had one bad solenoid.
That was my only problem ever so far.

Why would a person need 3 golf carts? Never mind. guy up street in CYV got 2 carts, 3 cars, and work truck most occasions get one in garage.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by KennyP

Im going to make this post as Im tired of seeing you people ripped off.

This has gone on for many many years, and Its sad that shops stoop to this level.

Im saying this now because this week was able to save 2 more people from being sold a starter they dont need.

So, if you take your golf car in for service and you get told that you need a new starter, chances are good you dont. Youll be told the brushes are between 60 to 80 percent worn. Get a second opinion. Your 2020 cart does not need new brushes, as a matter of fact we are seeing now 2013 and Below year carts coming up for brushes.

Ill say this also, if your being told the repair on your golf car is going to be over 500 bucks, get a second opinion. A simple phone call maybe able to say you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
Take the info as you wish.

Thanks for starting this informative thread. Just pulled the starter from our 2014 Yamaha EFI with 1,045 hours on it. Disassembled it and gave it a thorough inspection. The starter was very clean except for some metallic dust (blew it clean with the air compressor) and the bearings were all good. The brushes were worn about 70% of the way to the wear indicator line. I just ordered 4 replacement brushes for $6 each and will rebuild the starter and reinstall it when the new brushes arrive. It was a welcomed project on a rainy day : )

[villagetinker]

Overcharging a lead acid battery can cause the following issues:
• Excessive current will flow into the battery, causing decomposition of water in the electrolyte and premature aging.
• At high rates of overcharge, a battery will progressively heat up.
• Shortened lifespan, decreased capacity, and decreased efficiency.
• Corrosion of the positive battery plates.
• Increased water consumption.

Battery Type Charging Voltage (V) Float Voltage (V)
12V Lead-Acid 14.4 – 14.8 13.2 – 13.8
6V Lead-Acid 7.2 – 7.4 6.6 – 6.9

[thevillagernie]

Originally Posted by KennyP

Im going to make this post as Im tired of seeing you people ripped off.

This has gone on for many many years, and Its sad that shops stoop to this level.

Im saying this now because this week was able to save 2 more people from being sold a starter they dont need.

So, if you take your golf car in for service and you get told that you need a new starter, chances are good you dont. Youll be told the brushes are between 60 to 80 percent worn. Get a second opinion. Your 2020 cart does not need new brushes, as a matter of fact we are seeing now 2013 and Below year carts coming up for brushes.

Ill say this also, if your being told the repair on your golf car is going to be over 500 bucks, get a second opinion. A simple phone call maybe able to say you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
Take the info as you wish.

sometimes they can just clean the armitture and that will work for awhile..