Why Yamaha Golf Cart Motor/Engine is Too Hot (Overheating)

Yamaha Golf Cart Motor is overheating

How hot should a Yamaha golf cart motor get?

Generally, a temperature of 170ºF is considered reasonably safe for your Yamaha golf cart motor.  If the temperature exceeds 250ºF this indicates a serious problem.

In simpler terms, if you can touch and hold your cart motor for 5 secs without burning your fingers then there is no reason to worry.

 

Common reasons for a golf cart motor overheating:

  • Continuous acceleration leading to excessive heat generation.
  • Hauling too much weight.
  • Poor driving can lead to extra strain for the engine and cause overheating
  • Collection of mud and dirt under the shroud or around the vent.

 

Why is my Yamaha golf cart motor getting too hot?

The main reasons why a Yamaha golf cart motor can get too hot is because of blocked tank vent, blocked shroud or dirty cooling fins.

 

Problems with the tank vent:

The tank should have a vent to let out the pressure, if that is blocked or not working properly, then that could lead to heat build-up and result in your motor getting hot.

 

Blocked Shroud:

Next, you should check the shroud on the passenger side of the engine. It allows for air circulation and ventilation. Pull it out and check it for any mud or dirt deposits and mouse nests. Sometimes cleaning and replacing the shroud is all you need to get your motor back on track.

 

Dirty Cooling Fins:

The main purpose of the cooling fins and blower fans is to keep your motor cool. If the cooling is not occuring as expected, then check the fins. In most cases, cleaning the fins and blowers will solve your problem. If not they may need replacing.

 

Faulty Bearings:

Another common reason for the engine overheating can be the faulty bearings. If the bearings are faulty or loose and rubbing against other parts, then that can lead to excessive friction and heat. This may need a professional to check and assess the extent of the damage.

 

What are the symptoms of a Yamaha golf cart engine overheating?

Apart from not being able to touch the hot surface for more than 5 seconds, here are some other symptoms that could indicate an overheating problem with your engine.

 

  1. Cart shutting down

If your cart is shutting down midway, then it could be due to overheating. With excessive heat, the controller may also get heated leading to the cart giving up on you.

 

  1. Loud Exhaust

If your exhaust is suddenly making more noise than usual, then that could also be an after-effect of an overheated engine.

 

  1. Slow-moving cart

If you think your cart has slowed down, then that could also be due to the overheating of the engine. The cart tends to lose power when it is overheated, this is the reason for it to slow down.

 

How To Stop Yamaha Golf Cart Golf Motor Overheating?

Overheating is a common problem with the carts. Here are some of the things you need to check if your Yamaha Golf Cart motor is getting overheated frequently.

 

  1. Replace the Damaged fins

One of the most common reasons for the overheating is the dirty fins. The obstruction in the fins leads to excessive heat. The best solution, in this case, would be to first try to clean them, if that does not work, get them replaced.

 

  1. Repair the dragging breaks

Another common reason for overheating can be the dragging breaks. When the brakes are brushing against something, it can not only generate heat but also lead to damage. So, be careful and check your breaks regularly.

 

  1. Check the cooling system

Every cart comes with its cooling mechanism. Yes, the coolant. Make sure you have enough liquid to keep your engine cool. Make it habit to check the liquid levels regularly.

 

  1. Tighten the loose Connections

Sometimes, loosely wound wires and improper connections can also be the reason for overheating. It is advisable to check the connections if you see your engine getting overheated often.

 

Yamaha G1 Engine Overheating Troubleshooting

Overheating is a common problem experienced by many. Sometimes the solution can be very simple and easily doable too.

Let us now look at some basic troubleshooting you can do if you see your G1 is getting hot frequently.

 

  1. Check the cooling system

This is the first thing you should do if you see some heating issues with your G1. Ensure there is sufficient liquid available.

 

  1. Check the fans and shroud

Next, pull the shroud and check for any debris or deposits under the shroud or around the fan. Look for anything that can block the fans from working properly. Cleaning the fans regularly should be on the monthly checklist for your G1.

 

  1. Check the oil pump

Sometimes, the overheating can also be due to a damaged oil pump. Check it out as well.

 

Yamaha G2 Motor Overheating Troubleshooting

Now, let us look at some troubleshooting that you can do for your G2.

 

  1. Check the tank vent

The tank vent should always be open to allow air circulation, that acts as a cooler to prevent your engine from fuming. Sometimes the vent is too tight and needs more pressure to open. This leads to overheating till the vent is opened.

 

  1. Check the fins and shroud

Dirt and mouse nests are common on the fins and under the shroud. Make sure to check them out and clean them before moving to the next level of troubleshooting for your G2.

 

  1. Check the spark plug

Overheating can also be the result of a lean spark plug. An overused or damaged spark plug could also lead to overheating. Check if yours needs a replacement.

 

Yamaha G9 Motor Overheating Troubleshooting

Now we look at another popular model, Yamaha G9. Let us look at the troubleshooting that you can do for your G9 if it is getting heated up.

 

  1. Clogged muffler

If the overheating in your G9 is accompanied by noise, then it could be due to a clogged muffler. Try to clear the vent using a water gun while the engine is not running. This is likely to solve your problem.

 

  1. Loose silencer

A loose FMF silencer could also cause overheating. Check the connections and ensure that it is tightly screwed to the manifold. This will resolve the heating problems caused by the silencer.

 

  1. Dirt and dust under the shroud

With use, it is very common for dirt and dust to accumulate over different parts of the machine and block the air circulation. This can lead to overheating.

Check out under the shroud, the vent, and the fins to ensure they are clean. In most cases, cleaning is a sure-shot solution for heating problems.

 

Conclusion

It is very common to run into issues with your cart. With frequent use, the machine and its parts wear out. It is very important thus, that we maintain our carts well for longer and better use. Some maintenance activities must be done regularly. These include cleaning the fins, mufflers, and the vent.

You should also ensure there is no dirt or deposits elsewhere that can interfere with the working of the engine. A frequently washed and oiled cart will not only have a long life but will also give you less trouble.

Ernie

Ernie loves documenting interesting facts about golf.

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