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Old 01-02-2010, 10:13 PM   #1
pjshane
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Default 4 x 12v vs 6 x 8v

I need new batteries after only 2 years. Although starting out with a full charge, I barely made it home today after a single round of golf plus 4 miles round trip from the course.

Last year, I souped the cart up by installing a D & D motor and a high amp controller and have a 27 mph top speed. Did this somehow kill my batteries?

I like the 4 x 12v batteries setup in the newer carts. Can I convert my 6 x 8v setup to the newer configuration and still use the same charger? Any advantages or disadvantages to making this change?

tnx/pjs
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Old 01-02-2010, 10:35 PM   #2
dougmcp
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Default Re: 4 x 12v vs 6 x 8v

Big motors, big tires and big controllers are battery charge killers. You basically get the same distance out of the charge but more speed = less time.

4x12v batteries will reduce your run time from the current 6x8v batteries you have now. I think the figure is something like 25% less run time.

Are you sure your batteries are coming up to full charge?
You may even have 1 battery that is going bad.
Can you post your total pack voltage and the individual battery voltages after a full charge and a rest of at least an hour.
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Old 01-02-2010, 10:41 PM   #3
scottyb
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Default Re: 4 x 12v vs 6 x 8v

I agree
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Old 01-03-2010, 01:23 AM   #4
mikesmotortoys
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Default Re: 4 x 12v vs 6 x 8v

If money is no object, you could go with Eight 6 volt Trojan T-145 batteries, That's enough storage capacity to get to Florida - LOL!

Well, not florida, but I would just stay with the original setup of Six, 8 volts. Buy Trojan T-875's, they should last at least 6 years...

What brand were your old batteries?

Factory EZGO - Bad Boy Buggy - Dixie Chopper Mowers
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Old 01-03-2010, 11:05 AM   #5
ssdane
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Default Re: 4 x 12v vs 6 x 8v

I don't think you will be pleased with 4-12 when it comes to run-time. Sounds like you really use your cart and you would probably be more satisfied with the better Trojan 8-volts. From what I am hearing, CLUBCAR wasn't satisfied with the 4-12 system either and have switched back. This is only my opinion and it is your money and you are "paying the cost to be the boss!" Good Luck!
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Old 01-03-2010, 11:20 AM   #6
dougmcp
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Default Re: 4 x 12v vs 6 x 8v

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikesmotortoys View Post
If money is no object, you could go with Eight 6 volt Trojan T-145 batteries, That's enough storage capacity to get to Florida - LOL!
I think Mike is stretching it a little here, I doubt if you'd get 1/2 way through Georgia from South Carolina.
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Old 01-03-2010, 02:10 PM   #7
pjshane
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Default Re: 4 x 12v vs 6 x 8v

All

OK, I'm convinced to stick with the 6 x 8v setup.

I charged it overnight and and the charger shut down normally. The gauges indicated a full charge and I measured voltages. Then I took it out for a quick 6-mile run and the charge indicator dropped three notches. After I let it sit for over an hour, I measured again. (see attachment)

After all that work, I may have found the real problem. While reading voltages, I noticed the positive terminal on #2 battery was quite corroded. After cleaning it up with NAPA terminal cleaner and tightening the lug, the charge meter leapth back up to "full."

Time will tell if the problem was just one corroded terminal. It sure felt like the batteries were exhausted the way it was going good and then gradually petered out.
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Old 01-03-2010, 03:08 PM   #8
dougmcp
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Default Re: 4 x 12v vs 6 x 8v

The state of charge meter will reset if you disconnect the battery pack which is why it jumped back to full charge. It needs to be disconnected and reconnected after a full battery charge to get it back to reading correctly.

Based on your battery readings, they are only coming up to 90% of full charge which may be an indication that either your batteries are starting to go away or your charger is not bringing them up to full potential.

Each bar on your SOC meter is 8% of battery capacity.
The 3 notch drop is about 24%, so after a 6 mile drive, I would think the readings looks normal to me.
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Old 01-03-2010, 03:30 PM   #9
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Default Re: 4 x 12v vs 6 x 8v

Quote:
Originally Posted by dougmcp View Post
The state of charge meter will reset if you disconnect the battery pack which is why it jumped back to full charge. It needs to be disconnected and reconnected after a full battery charge to get it back to reading correctly.
Oh, OK. Thanks! I'd bet that not even one person out of a thousand would know that.

After all the above, I put the charger back on and it is mostly done. I'll do the reset when it is completely done.
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Old 01-03-2010, 05:33 PM   #10
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Default Re: 4 x 12v vs 6 x 8v

Glad everything's working out.
After your charger has stopped give the batteries a couple of hours t settle down before you reset the SOC meter and all will be well.
Here's a SOC chart to help you determine your batteries condition.

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