Recently, my gas golf cart has been losing power, especially when going uphill or when it gets hot. Can anyone help?
Response
I’ve been through the same ordeal with my gas golf cart losing power. After spending hours researching and tinkering, I’ve found a few solutions that not only worked for me but also for others. These solutions range from checking the voltage regulator to adjusting the valves.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check Voltage Regulator | 1 | Replaced the voltage regulator | $20-$50 | 30-60 |
| Adjust Valves | 1 | Adjusted the valves much looser | $0 | 15-30 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart loses power when going uphill
- Golf cart backfires
- Golf cart loses power when hot
Possible Causes
- Faulty voltage regulator
- Incorrect valve settings
- Clutch issues
- Fuel delivery problems
Solutions that Worked
1. Check Voltage Regulator
What I Did:
Replaced the voltage regulator.
Outcome:
The golf cart stopped losing power.
Personal Experience:
After checking the voltage, I suspected that the voltage regulator might be the issue. Replacing it solved the problem.
Estimated Cost: $20-$50
Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Identify the Location: Locate the voltage regulator in your golf cart. It’s usually near the engine or battery compartment.
- Safety First: Before proceeding, disconnect the battery to avoid any electrical mishaps.
- Remove Old Regulator: Disconnect the old voltage regulator by unplugging the electrical connectors and removing any screws or bolts.
- Install New Regulator: Place the new voltage regulator in the same location and reconnect the electrical connectors.
- Secure It: Use screws or bolts to secure the new voltage regulator in place.
- Reconnect Battery and Test: Reconnect the battery and start the golf cart to see if the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
Always monitor the voltage levels when diagnosing power issues. A faulty voltage regulator can cause fluctuations that lead to power loss. Also, consider using a multimeter to confirm the voltage levels before and after the replacement to ensure the issue is resolved.
2. Adjust Valves
What I Did:
Adjusted the valves much looser.
Outcome:
The golf cart stopped losing power when hot.
Personal Experience:
After adjusting the valves, the issue seemed to improve.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 15-30 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the Valves: Open the engine compartment and locate the valves.
- Preparation: Make sure the engine is cool to the touch before proceeding.
- Measure Current Clearance: Use a feeler gauge to measure the current valve clearance.
- Loosen Locknut: Loosen the locknut that holds the valve adjuster in place.
- Adjust the Valves: Turn the adjuster to either tighten or loosen the valve clearance.
- Tighten and Re-measure: Tighten the locknut and re-measure the valve clearance to ensure it’s within specifications.
- Test: Start the golf cart to see if the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
Incorrect valve lash can cause the engine to lose power, especially when hot. Always double-check your valve settings. Also, consider doing this adjustment during your regular maintenance to prevent future issues.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 1999 EZGO Gas
- Club Car DS
Handy Tips
- Always Disconnect the Battery: Before performing any electrical work, always disconnect the battery to prevent accidental shocks.
- Use Quality Parts: When replacing parts like the voltage regulator, always opt for quality over savings. Cheap parts can fail sooner and cause more problems down the line.
- Fuel Quality: Bad fuel can also cause power loss. Make sure you’re using fresh, high-quality fuel.
- Air Filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, leading to power loss. This is often overlooked but can make a significant difference.