Making an Older Yamaha Quieter

[rretzer]

I love to tinker with cars and now I have started doing that with my golf cart. It is a 2013 EFI and I want to make it quieter. I love the cart and have no desire to trade/sell it at this point.

My question is, has anyone tried to retro fit it with a few parts from the Quietech models to achieve a similar result? I know it will not be the same but the parts are readily available and not too expensive, seems like a fun project.

I tried searching but I cannot find a thread addressing what I want to try and I thought maybe someone has tried it.

[Topspinmo]

You can insulate under seat and sides with fire proof dreading material used for firewalls in hot rods?, I don’t know it you can buy panel for bottom or it will fit? I also don’t know if the exhaust system (muffler) different? Might try insulation first see if makes difference before spending big money on panels/exhaust?

[tophcfa]

I love to tinker with cars and now I have started doing that with my golf cart. It is a 2013 EFI and I want to make it quieter. I love the cart and have no desire to trade/sell it at this point.

My question is, has anyone tried to retro fit it with a few parts from the Quietech models to achieve a similar result? I know it will not be the same but the parts are readily available and not too expensive, seems like a fun project.

I tried searching but I cannot find a thread addressing what I want to try and I thought maybe someone has tried it.

I have basically the exact same cart except it’s a 2014. Don’t ever get rid of it, it’s a great and incredibly reliable cart. I haven’t tried to make it quieter as the noise doesn’t bother me in the least, but I wish it had the rear independent suspension like the Quiet Techs.

Like you, I also like to tinker and would recommend the following projects for your cart.

First and most importantly, change your rear differential oil and use Yamaha Friction Modified gear oil. The cart has wet brakes that are lubricated with the differential oil. The brake system is excellent but does require periodic oil changes.

Check your charging voltage. My 2014 EFI was charging at about 17 volts, which can significantly shorten battery life. If you do a search, Villagetinker started a thread on this with a wiring diagram of how to fix this issue. After his fix the cart now charges at 14 volts.

Replace the brushes in your starter/alternator. They are probably getting close to the wear lines on a 2013. There are YouTube videos that show how to do this.

Think about replacing your secondary clutch, the older clutches are held together with only 4 rivets and can blow out when they get older. The newer 6 rivet clutches are much stronger and more reliable. While you’re doing the project, put a stiffer spring in the clutch and replace the drive belt with a better heavy duty aftermarket belt. Your cart will have much better torque after the fix, which is noticeable going up hills with two passengers and golf bags. This won’t increase your high end speed, just the torque. While you’re doing this, throw in a new starter belt just to be safe. All the parts for this project can be purchased online from powerequipmentman.com.

Ride on : )

[KennyP]

So i get asked this quite often and I have seen some things tried....long story short, i havent seen anything that worked and Ive seen alot of stuff.
As far as the quiet tech itself is concerned, they did more than just foam and a under pan..
But, id say dont let my comments stop you from trying....give it a shot, maybe you will hit on something and it will be a big success.

[rretzer]

Thanks for the suggestions on upgrades. Some of them I’ve done and some are on my to do list.

I’ve found where I can get the updated muffler w/cover and under panel for about $400. I’ve added foam and it helped to a degree by reducing reverberation on some of the hard parts. The under panel should be relatively straightforward but I’m not sure of the compatibility of the muffler. I heard it is the same engine and that makes me think it would work.

It’s one of those things that isn’t really necessary but I love the challenge of figuring it out. Thank you all for the help and suggestions.

[Brwne]

I love to tinker with cars and now I have started doing that with my golf cart. It is a 2013 EFI and I want to make it quieter. I love the cart and have no desire to trade/sell it at this point.

My question is, has anyone tried to retro fit it with a few parts from the Quietech models to achieve a similar result? I know it will not be the same but the parts are readily available and not too expensive, seems like a fun project.

I tried searching but I cannot find a thread addressing what I want to try and I thought maybe someone has tried it.

A couple of years ago, I asked Willie of Willie's Cart Service and Repair, about some of the ideas expressed on this thread. His answer - don't you think, with the thousands of older carts we work on, if there was a "package" way to upgrade them (make them quieter), we'd already be doing it?

My 2011, bought 4 years ago, is running great. My biggest problem is keeping the exhaust pipe from falling off...

[tophcfa]

My 2011, bought 4 years ago, is running great. My biggest problem is keeping the exhaust pipe from falling off...

Try using metal zip ties.

[villagetinker]

Pay attention to the way the exhaust is ported on your modified cart, you do not want this getting back into the cart when you have the enclosure closed during bad weather.

[Bilyclub]

There is a villages custom cart club on Facebook that has a bunch of knowledgeable people in it. They might have some expertise to share.

[Topspinmo]

I have basically the exact same cart except it’s a 2014. Don’t ever get rid of it, it’s a great and incredibly reliable cart. I haven’t tried to make it quieter as the noise doesn’t bother me in the least, but I wish it had the rear independent suspension like the Quiet Techs.

Like you, I also like to tinker and would recommend the following projects for your cart.

First and most importantly, change your rear differential oil and use Yamaha Friction Modified gear oil. The cart has wet brakes that are lubricated with the differential oil. The brake system is excellent but does require periodic oil changes.

Check your charging voltage. My 2014 EFI was charging at about 17 volts, which can significantly shorten battery life. If you do a search, Villagetinker started a thread on this with a wiring diagram of how to fix this issue. After his fix the cart now charges at 14 volts.

Replace the brushes in your starter/alternator. They are probably getting close to the wear lines on a 2013. There are YouTube videos that show how to do this.

Think about replacing your secondary clutch, the older clutches are held together with only 4 rivets and can blow out when they get older. The newer 6 rivet clutches are much stronger and more reliable. While you’re doing the project, put a stiffer spring in the clutch and replace the drive belt with a better heavy duty aftermarket belt. Your cart will have much better torque after the fix, which is noticeable going up hills with two passengers and golf bags. This won’t increase your high end speed, just the torque. While you’re doing this, throw in a new starter belt just to be safe. All the parts for this project can be purchased online from powerequipmentman.com.

Ride on : )


My cart 2012 1/2 if has 6 rivet clutch. In my case it was snap ring groove that wore out and let clutch separate.

[kkingston57]

You can insulate under seat and sides with fire proof dreading material used for firewalls in hot rods?, I don’t know it you can buy panel for bottom or it will fit? I also don’t know if the exhaust system (muffler) different? Might try insulation first see if makes difference before spending big money on panels/exhaust?


Be careful with any modifications. Insulation could trap heat in the engine compartment.