Recently, my EZGO golf cart has been revving at a high enough RPM but is moving really slow. I need some help fixing this problem.
Response
I’ve encountered the same issue with my EZGO golf cart revving at high RPM but moving at a snail’s pace. After some investigation, I found a few solutions that worked for me and others. One thing that really helped was adjusting the governor. Let’s dive into the details.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjust the Governor | 2 | Adjusted the governor and it worked | $0 | 10-15 |
| Check the Drive Belt | 1 | Replaced the drive belt and the issue was resolved | $20-30 | 20-30 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart revs high but moves slowly
- Inconsistent speed even on flat terrain
- Sudden drops in speed while the engine still revs high
Possible Causes
- Governor maladjustment
- Worn or loose drive belt
- Clutch issues
- Carburetor problems
Solutions that Worked
1. Adjust the Governor
What I Did:
Adjusted the governor to allow higher RPMs.
Outcome:
The golf cart started moving at a speed that matched the RPMs.
Personal Experience:
After adjusting the governor, I noticed a significant improvement in speed.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the governor, usually near the carburetor.
- Loosen the nut on the governor arm with a wrench.
- Turn the governor shaft clockwise to increase RPMs or counterclockwise to decrease RPMs.
- Tighten the nut back onto the governor arm.
- Test the cart by driving it on various terrains to ensure the adjustment is effective.
Expert Tip:
Adjusting the governor can be a quick fix, but make sure not to set it too high as it can put stress on the engine. Always test the cart thoroughly after making adjustments.
Handy Tip:
If you’re not comfortable adjusting the governor yourself, consider taking your cart to a professional to avoid damaging the engine.
2. Check the Drive Belt
What I Did:
Replaced the worn-out drive belt.
Outcome:
The golf cart started moving faster.
Personal Experience:
I replaced the drive belt and the cart’s speed improved.
Estimated Cost:
$20-30
Time Needed:
20-30 minutes
Steps:
- Park the golf cart on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
- Open the access panel to the drive belt, usually located under the seat.
- Remove the old drive belt by loosening the tensioner.
- Install the new drive belt, making sure it sits properly on the pulleys.
- Tighten the tensioner to secure the new belt.
- Close the access panel and test the cart to see if the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
Always opt for a high-quality drive belt as a cheaper one can wear out quickly and you’ll be back to square one.
Handy Tip:
After installing a new belt, it’s a good idea to check its tension and alignment after a few hours of use. Belts often require a break-in period.
Safety info
- Governor Override: Some advanced users opt for a governor override switch, allowing them to manually control the governor. This is not recommended for everyone and should only be done by those who are familiar with golf cart mechanics.
- Clutch Tuning Kits: If you’re still experiencing issues after checking the governor and drive belt, consider a clutch tuning kit. These kits can optimize the performance of your clutch, leading to better speed consistency.
Golf cart models where this worked
- EZGO TXT 1997
- EZGO Workhorse 2000