Yamaha Quietech Engine Heat

[GreggC69]

I noticed tonight that the engine compartment on our 2020 Quietch seemed to be hotter than I have noticed before. We have only been here a short time and new to carting so perhaps I have just not noticed?? The cover between the motor and the shifter at the back or your calves felt hot to the touch. Raised the seats and there seemed to be a lot of heat. Handle on dipstick very hot to the touch. Oil level looks fine and oil looks clean. Is this heat normal?

[Spartan86]

I would say yes. 2020 quiet tech owner with 4500 miles.

[kcrazorbackfan]

It will seem hotter this time of year, that asphalt heat is wicked.

2019 Quiet Tech w/ 21,000 miles.

[tophcfa]

I noticed tonight that the engine compartment on our 2020 Quietch seemed to be hotter than I have noticed before. We have only been here a short time and new to carting so perhaps I have just not noticed?? The cover between the motor and the shifter at the back or your calves felt hot to the touch. Raised the seats and there seemed to be a lot of heat. Handle on dipstick very hot to the touch. Oil level looks fine and oil looks clean. Is this heat normal?

The heat is normal, especially this time of the year. All the extra insulation, designed to make the cart quieter, also has the effect of holding in the heat. The engine compartment of our quiet tech is always significantly hotter than the one in our 2014 Yamaha EFI (pre quiet tech technology). Not sure if the trade off is worth it, but I love the independent rear suspension on the QT.

[frayedends]

I also noticed this. I'm only part time down there but my new 2023 Quiet Tech has a lot of heat that comes up from the seat. I'm planning on removing the shroud under it and see how much louder it is. When it's 95 out, I don't want all that heat coming up onto me.

[Pondboy]

I also noticed this. I'm only part time down there but my new 2023 Quiet Tech has a lot of heat that comes up from the seat. I'm planning on removing the shroud under it and see how much louder it is. When it's 95 out, I don't want all that heat coming up onto me.

Some folks get a pool noodle and cut it to length, to fit it between the seats. This eliminates that gap.

[Bay Kid]

Nice during cold weather.

[metoo21]

I also noticed this. I'm only part time down there but my new 2023 Quiet Tech has a lot of heat that comes up from the seat. I'm planning on removing the shroud under it and see how much louder it is. When it's 95 out, I don't want all that heat coming up onto me.

I removed the cover underneath. Probably is a little louder but can't be worse than pre quiet tech models. With the shrouds and insulation, there really isn't anywhere for the heat to go. Can't be good for the engine long term.

Removing the shroud and adding a Fumoto F109SX M12-1.5 Sx Series Drain Valve (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HP5UU7K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) makes changing the oil very easy.

[dewilson58]

The heat is normal, especially this time of the year. All the extra insulation, designed to make the cart quieter, also has the effect of holding in the heat. The engine compartment of our quiet tech is always significantly hotter than the one in our 2014 Yamaha EFI (pre quiet tech technology).

:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[JGibson]

Some people install a vent in the back where the golf clubs sit.
Similar to the vents people install on their garage.

I'm surprised it doesn't come with a vent from the factory especially considering how much they charge for new golf carts.

[justjim]

Some people install a vent in the back where the golf clubs sit.
Similar to the vents people install on their garage.

I'm surprised it doesn't come with a vent from the factory especially considering how much they charge for new golf carts.

Now that is an idea..

[westernrider75]

I noticed tonight that the engine compartment on our 2020 Quietch seemed to be hotter than I have noticed before. We have only been here a short time and new to carting so perhaps I have just not noticed?? The cover between the motor and the shifter at the back or your calves felt hot to the touch. Raised the seats and there seemed to be a lot of heat. Handle on dipstick very hot to the touch. Oil level looks fine and oil looks clean. Is this heat normal?

This time of year with the really high temps ours gets hot also. We always prop the seat up when we stop to help it cool off.

[Mrmean58]

I noticed tonight that the engine compartment on our 2020 Quietch seemed to be hotter than I have noticed before. We have only been here a short time and new to carting so perhaps I have just not noticed?? The cover between the motor and the shifter at the back or your calves felt hot to the touch. Raised the seats and there seemed to be a lot of heat. Handle on dipstick very hot to the touch. Oil level looks fine and oil looks clean. Is this heat normal?
I've owned a 2018 and took care of the heat issue by removing the spark arrester in the exhaust. That reduced the heat build up by allowing the exhaust gases to flow out easier and greatly improved the performance.

[GoneFishing]

I also prop the seat up when I get home to dissipate the heat. Especially when I’m going somewhere else later.

[Southwest737]

Another reason to go electric.

[Raywatkins]

We had a similar issue when our 2018 cart was 4 years old. It turned out to be “worn” foam padding under the seat. We paid about $200 to have seat reupholstered. It solved the problem.

[OnInTwo]

I've owned a 2013 (before quiet tech) and a 2018. Heat is a definite problem on the 2018 as it causes issues over time. My 2013 was fine for over 25K miles but the 2018 had multiple issues. Drive belts wear much faster. I went through two clutches (original and OEM replacement) due to the heat scoring the internal rotating surfaces. The clutch still worked but it made an awful screeching noise that sounds like a fan belt when starting from a dead stop. When I took the old clutch apart you could see the obvious burn / scoring marks. The second clutch did the same thing after a short period. I then purchased an EZGO lithium and love it.

[will1546]

I stuff a golf towel behind the seat.

[Two Bills]

Another reason to go electric.

But! but!....:icon_wink:

[OhioBuckeye]

I had a 2018 Quietch , you know I never paid any attention if it got hot! If it did I never had any noticeable issues with it.

[jmaccallum]

Another reason to go electric.

Ha! I was waiting to see when that would pop up! :1rotfl:

[Topspinmo]

Now that is an idea..

It will vent noise also.

[Topspinmo]

I've owned a 2013 (before quiet tech) and a 2018. Heat is a definite problem on the 2018 as it causes issues over time. My 2013 was fine for over 25K miles but the 2018 had multiple issues. Drive belts wear much faster. I went through two clutches (original and OEM replacement) due to the heat scoring the internal rotating surfaces. The clutch still worked but it made an awful screeching noise that sounds like a fan belt when starting from a dead stop. When I took the old clutch apart you could see the obvious burn / scoring marks. The second clutch did the same thing after a short period. I then purchased an EZGO lithium and love it.

I would be changing oil more frequently also with all cooking going on in engine compartment, but that’s me….

[Topspinmo]

Another reason to go electric.

I wonder when 737 will go electric? Like NEVER. :wave:

[JGibson]

Golf carts weren't really made to work the way we use them.

They're designed for short stop and go operations.

They really need to be designed with a cooling system with a radiator and fan for the way we use them.

[Topspinmo]

I've owned a 2018 and took care of the heat issue by removing the spark arrester in the exhaust. That reduced the heat build up by allowing the exhaust gases to flow out easier and greatly improved the performance.

Anybody that had spark arrestor in exhaust IMO needs to remove it cause it will eventually plug up and cause low or no power from engine. Not worth $300 or 400 they charge to change it when it will eventually plug up again. Wash off money to replace it IMO.

[Topspinmo]

Golf carts weren't really made to work the way we use them.

They're designed for short stop and go operations.

They really need to be designed with a cooling system with a radiator and fan for the way we use them.

Does push lawn mower have radiator? Nothing wrong with air cooled design small gas engines Golf carts don’t have stress of lawn mower engines. Yamaha engine are glorified lawn mower engine design.

[Topspinmo]

But! but!....:icon_wink:



But, but we been electric since 1901…. With little progress other than comfort.

[MidWestIA]

A cart repair guy claimed that some people going from way down south to up north burnt the engine. Not sure about that I cut a vent to the back of my old one it did let alot of heat out the vent. Some carts have them. Dealer told me don't worry

[Topspinmo]

A cart repair guy claimed that some people going from way down south to up north burnt the engine. Not sure about that I cut a vent to the back of my old one it did let alot of heat out the vent. Some carts have them. Dealer told me don't worry

They probably never check oil level and it was ran with little oil in it?

[sowilts]

Golf carts weren't really made to work the way we use them.

They're designed for short stop and go operations.

They really need to be designed with a cooling system with a radiator and fan for the way we use them.
Best reply i have ever read., thanks

[frayedends]

I agree that the carts weren't designed for how we use them. But air cooled VW Bugs did fine. I will definitely be making some changes to vent the engine bay a bit better. But that is more for my comfort than the engine. I can put the shroud back in the cold weather to heat the cabin.

[tophcfa]

Golf carts weren't really made to work the way we use them.

They're designed for short stop and go operations.

They really need to be designed with a cooling system with a radiator and fan for the way we use them.

While I agree golf carts were not designed for use as personal transportation vehicles, they work just fine for that use without a cooling system. Yamaha made a great change by adding independent rear suspension, but needs to change the negative camber in the front end alignment and rewire the voltage regulator setup as those are both designed for slower speed stop and go driving on turf.

Air cooled engines do just fine in the heat, especially when they are not running when the vehicle is stopped (not getting air circulation). Look no further than all the air cooled zero turn lawn mowers that are working very hard for several hours daily during the summer heat.

[coffeebean]

Golf carts weren't really made to work the way we use them.

They're designed for short stop and go operations.

They really need to be designed with a cooling system with a radiator and fan for the way we use them.

My electric Yamaha doesn't have a cooling system and it stays cool as a cucumber. No heat what so ever comes up from the seat. And it is quieter than those Quietech gas carts. Having said that, I don't drive our electric Yamaha far enough to have to worry about range. I understand the need for gas carts for those who travel long distances without the opportunity to recharge an electric cart.

[coffeebean]

Does push lawn mower have radiator? Nothing wrong with air cooled design small gas engines Golf carts don’t have stress of lawn mower engines. Yamaha engine are glorified lawn mower engine design.

And they sound like lawn mowers, especially when in the tunnels. YIKES!

[coffeebean]

While I agree golf carts were not designed for use as personal transportation vehicles, they work just fine for that use without a cooling system. Yamaha made a great change by adding independent rear suspension, but needs to change the negative camber in the front end alignment and rewire the voltage regulator setup as those are both designed for slower speed stop and go driving on turf.

Air cooled engines do just fine in the heat, especially when they are not running when the vehicle is stopped (not getting air circulation). Look no further than all the air cooled zero turn lawn mowers that are working very hard for several hours daily during the summer heat.

But.......aren't the air cooled engines OK for the engines but make life uncomfortable for the occupant of the cart? Why add heat to the passenger compartment in the heat of the summer, especially where a person sits?

[tophcfa]

But.......aren't the air cooled engines OK for the engines but make life uncomfortable for the occupant of the cart? Why add heat to the passenger compartment in the heat of the summer, especially where a person sits?

The heat underneath the seat is unnoticeable unless you lift the seat. Having a dark colored seat, absorbing sunlight, would make a much bigger difference on the people sitting on the seat in any type of cart. Seat color and seat heat really make a difference if you park in the sun or constantly get in and out of the cart (golfing).

[CybrSage]

And they sound like lawn mowers, especially when in the tunnels. YIKES!

Mine is very quiet. Not as quiet as an electric, but I only filled the tank in six months.

I also have no fears of range reduction when adding more electrical components to my golf car.

Electric is nice, but the gas ones are very quiet these days.

[jmaccallum]

Golf carts weren't really made to work the way we use them.

They're designed for short stop and go operations.

They really need to be designed with a cooling system with a radiator and fan for the way we use them.

That is true, though some manufacturers are recognizing the transportation side of the market such as Star EV, GEM, Crown and others, which are all electric, and therefore have no need for engine cooling system. They are designed more as LSV’s with transportation as the main function.

As far as Gas Golf Carts, you are basically sitting on top of a 13.5 HP lawn mower engine (the newer QT’s are even less HP) that’’s put into a hulking fiberglass body with fancy seats, and a sheeve belt drive. If you drove your John Deere or Cub Cadet mower like you do your Yamaha QT, they’d overheat, too. They are basically the same as the little Go-Carts we built and raced in the 60’s.

[jmaccallum]

Mine is very quiet. Not as quiet as an electric, but I only filled the tank in six months.

I also have no fears of range reduction when adding more electrical components to my golf car.

Electric is nice, but the gas ones are very quiet these days.

Yours is quiet because they seal off the engine area so you don’t hear the engine noise. The problem with that is that an Air Cooled Engine needs Air in order to Cool. Probably fine if you are just playing a close by 9 hole Executive course, but not good if you are running from say Spanish Springs to Southern Star for a tee time. Doing that, the engine will run Hot - too Hot - but of course they weren’t designed for that anyway.

[Miboater]

I had heat coming up between the el tigre bucket seats in our new Yamaha. I took it back to the Villages golf car store at Everglades and they installed additional foam insulation where the seats meet the engine compartment. This solved the heat radiating issue.

I still had concerns about the heat in the engine compartment. The golf car store told me some people removed the skid plate under the engine compartment for heat dissipation and it works well. It is not as quiet but doesn't get as hot. I have not tried this yet but probably will when I get back down to the Villages.

[mrf0151]

All this talk about Yamaha Quiet Carts running too hot. I really don't understand all the hoopla. Our 2017 is on its 7th year of running now and we run all over TV in it and never see this issue. Are there just some model years that have this issue? I think for the past 7 years they are built all the same but maybe I am wrong. ??

[frayedends]

The heat underneath the seat is unnoticeable unless you lift the seat. Having a dark colored seat, absorbing sunlight, would make a much bigger difference on the people sitting on the seat in any type of cart. Seat color and seat heat really make a difference if you park in the sun or constantly get in and out of the cart (golfing).

Engine heat from my 2023 quiet tech does indeed come up between the cushions. It may depend on seat type. I have the nice bucket seats.

[Topspinmo]

And they sound like lawn mowers, especially when in the tunnels. YIKES!

No they don’t. GCs have quieter muffler that about as big as the engine. GCs engines are governed lower RPM.

I bet That sound don’t bother you when mowing your yard?? :sing:

[TSO/ISPF]

Engine heat from my 2023 quiet tech does indeed come up between the cushions. It may depend on seat type. I have the nice bucket seats.

I got a sheet of foam insulation from lowes and cut it into a couple strips that I slide between the bucket seats. Works for me.

Insulation foam board at Lowes.com: Search Results (https://www.lowes.com/pl/Foam--Board-insulation-Insulation-accessories-Building-supplies/4294858106?searchTerm=insulation%20foam%20board&refinement=4294517026,4294511582)

[tophcfa]

Yours is quiet because they seal off the engine area so you don’t hear the engine noise. The problem with that is that an Air Cooled Engine needs Air in order to Cool. Probably fine if you are just playing a close by 9 hole Executive course, but not good if you are running from say Spanish Springs to Southern Star for a tee time. Doing that, the engine will run Hot - too Hot - but of course they weren’t designed for that anyway.

That’s total B.S. Today was scorching hot and I drove my Quiet Tech from my home near Tierra Del Sol down to Evans Prairie and played 18. When done golfing, I drove to Eisenhower to swim laps but the pool was closed, so I drove up to Laurel Manor and got in my swim, then went to Sprouts to grab something for dinner, and headed home to watch the Celtics. The engine on my cart never ran hot. You have no idea what you’re talking about.

[frayedends]

I got a sheet of foam insulation from lowes and cut it into a couple strips that I slide between the bucket seats. Works for me.

Insulation foam board at Lowes.com: Search Results (https://www.lowes.com/pl/Foam--Board-insulation-Insulation-accessories-Building-supplies/4294858106?searchTerm=insulation%20foam%20board&refinement=4294517026,4294511582)

Maybe I'll do this if I add a vent to the back. I do think excessive heat will eventually harm the engine or other components in the engine bay.

[Rocksnap]

Another reason to go electric.

Ahhhhh, no.

[Rocksnap]

All this talk about Yamaha Quiet Carts running too hot. I really don't understand all the hoopla. Our 2017 is on its 7th year of running now and we run all over TV in it and never see this issue. Are there just some model years that have this issue? I think for the past 7 years they are built all the same but maybe I am wrong. ??

Apparently a lot of couch quarterbacks who think they know more than Yamaha engineers. But that’s just me. Yamaha builds their carts to run 36 holes a day, 7 days a week, for 25 years. Can any electric cart manufacturer make that claim? I think not. Time has yet to tell just how long EV carts motor, charger, controller, battery will last.

[Bill14564]

///Bad Math///

[JMintzer]

I got a sheet of foam insulation from lowes and cut it into a couple strips that I slide between the bucket seats. Works for me.

Insulation foam board at Lowes.com: Search Results (https://www.lowes.com/pl/Foam--Board-insulation-Insulation-accessories-Building-supplies/4294858106?searchTerm=insulation%20foam%20board&refinement=4294517026,4294511582)

A skinny pool noodle from the dollar store, tucked in between the bucket seats, works very well. I bought one for a dollar, cut it to size and had enough left over for two of my neighbors...

You remove it when you flip the seat up to get gas and then tuck it back in...

[biker1]

Have you ever heard of anyone having an engine failure attributed to heat when the engine was maintained as recommended? I haven’t. Yamaha warranties the engine for 5000 hours if you follow the recommended maintenance schedule and use Yamalube. There are some caveats and a certain amount of marketing in this warranty but at some level they believe the engines are bulletproof. 5000 hours would equate to something like 80,000 miles. My own Yamaha is 10 years old and has over 2000 hours on the engine. There is no discernible oil consumption, the top speed has not decreased, and the fuel economy is unchanged.


Golf carts weren't really made to work the way we use them.

They're designed for short stop and go operations.

They really need to be designed with a cooling system with a radiator and fan for the way we use them.