Hey everyone, I’m in a bit of a pickle here. I’ve been trying to swap out the engine in my EZGO golf cart for a Predator engine, but I’m running into some issues. The cart’s not performing as expected, and I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. Has anyone successfully done this swap and can offer some advice?
Hey there! I totally get your struggle; I’ve been there with my 1997 EZGO TXT. A couple of quick tips: First, if you’re lacking power, consider adjusting your RPMs and maybe upgrading parts like the cam and carburetor. Second, don’t overlook the tension of your drive belt; it can make a big difference. Lastly, if you’re missing a reverse function with the Predator engine, a winch could be a solid workaround. Good luck!
Solutions Table
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjust RPMs and Upgrade Parts | 1 | Upgraded cam, carb, and added a billet rod | $100-$200 | 60-120 |
| Replace Some Parts for Reliability | 1 | Replaced cam, heavy valve springs, billet rod, and bigger carburetor | $100-$200 | 60-120 |
| Check Drive Belt Tension | 1 | Adjusted the drive belt for better performance | $0 | 10-20 |
| Adjust Drive Belt | 1 | Fine-tuned the drive belt tension | $0 | 10-20 |
| Maintain Some Deflection in Drive Belt | 1 | Ensured the drive belt wasn’t too tight | $0 | 10-20 |
| Consider Engine Direction | 1 | Checked the direction the engine runs | $0 | 5-10 |
| Use a Winch for Reverse | 1 | Installed a 2500lb winch for reverse functionality | $50-$100 | 30-60 |
| Opt for Higher CC for Speed | 1 | Chose Predator 420cc for better speed | $100-$200 | 60-120 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart lacks power after engine swap
- Golf cart doesn’t have a reverse function after engine swap
- Golf cart’s drive belt tension seems off
Possible Causes
- Incorrect RPM settings
- Inadequate drive belt tension
- Lack of reverse functionality in the Predator engine
Solutions that Worked
1. Adjust RPMs and Upgrade Parts
What I Did: Upgraded the cam, carb, and added a billet rod for better performance.
Outcome: The golf cart’s power and speed improved significantly.
Personal Experience: After upgrading these parts, I noticed a considerable improvement in both speed and power.
Estimated Cost: $100-$200
Time Needed: 60-120 minutes
Steps:
- Purchase the necessary upgrade parts like cam, carb, and billet rod.
- Replace the old parts with the new ones.
- Test the golf cart to ensure the upgrades are effective.
Expert Tip: Upgrading specific parts can significantly improve your golf cart’s performance, especially if you’re not satisfied with the power output after the engine swap.
2. Replace Some Parts for Reliability
What I Did: Replaced cam, heavy valve springs, billet rod, and bigger carburetor.
Outcome: The golf cart became more reliable and performed better.
Personal Experience: After replacing these parts, the cart felt more robust and reliable.
Estimated Cost: $100-$200
Time Needed: 60-120 minutes
Steps:
- Identify the parts that need replacement.
- Purchase the new parts.
- Replace the old parts with the new ones.
Expert Tip: Replacing worn-out or inadequate parts can make your golf cart more reliable and improve its performance.
3. Check Drive Belt Tension
What I Did: Checked and adjusted the drive belt tension.
Outcome: The golf cart’s performance improved.
Personal Experience: The cart felt smoother and more responsive after adjusting the drive belt.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the drive belt.
- Check its tension.
- Adjust as needed.
Expert Tip: The drive belt tension can significantly affect your golf cart’s performance. Make sure it’s neither too tight nor too loose.
4. Adjust Drive Belt
What I Did: Fine-tuned the drive belt tension.
Outcome: The golf cart ran more smoothly.
Personal Experience: After fine-tuning the drive belt, the cart felt much better to drive.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the drive belt.
- Loosen or tighten it to the optimal tension.
- Test the golf cart to ensure it runs smoothly.
Expert Tip: Fine-tuning the drive belt can make a world of difference in how your golf cart performs.
5. Maintain Some Deflection in Drive Belt
What I Did: Ensured the drive belt wasn’t too tight.
Outcome: The golf cart started without issues.
Personal Experience: Making sure the drive belt wasn’t too tight prevented starting issues.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Check the drive belt tension.
- Ensure there’s some deflection in the belt.
- Test the golf cart to make sure it starts properly.
Expert Tip: A too-tight drive belt can cause starting issues. Make sure there’s some deflection in the belt.
6. Consider Engine Direction
What I Did: Checked the direction the engine runs.
Outcome: Understood the limitations of the Predator engine regarding reverse functionality.
Personal Experience: Realized that the Predator engine runs in one direction, affecting the reverse function.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Research the engine’s specifications.
- Understand its limitations regarding reverse functionality.
Expert Tip: Knowing the direction your engine runs can help you understand its limitations, especially when it comes to reverse functionality.
7. Use a Winch for Reverse
What I Did: Installed a 2500lb winch for reverse functionality.
Outcome: The golf cart now has a reverse function.
Personal Experience: Installing a winch solved the lack of a reverse function.
Estimated Cost: $50-$100
Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Purchase a 2500lb winch.
- Install it on the back bottom of the golf cart.
- Test the reverse function to ensure it works.
Expert Tip: A winch can be a practical solution for the lack of reverse in some Predator engines.
8. Opt for Higher CC for Speed
What I Did: Chose Predator 420cc for better speed.
Outcome: The golf cart runs faster.
Personal Experience: Opting for a higher CC engine made the cart faster.
Estimated Cost: $100-$200
Time Needed: 60-120 minutes
Steps:
- Research different Predator engine options.
- Choose an engine with higher CC for better speed.
- Install the new engine.
Expert Tip: If speed is a concern, opt for a Predator engine with higher CC.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 1997 EZGO TXT
- 1989 EZGO
I hope this guide helps you in your engine-swapping journey. If you’ve found other solutions that work, feel free to share them in the comments below!