My New Old ride and a TON of questions!

hawkchucker · 10-16-2010, 12:55 PM

OK iI am really new to Golf carts and got this 85 Club car at a great price. However I have several questions.
1. What the heck model is it?
2. Why does it go only about 9 MPH?
3. I see people talk about Gears. It takes off like a raped ape, but it has a low top end. So Does that mean I have a bad selenoid somewhere?
4. Why is it bogging big time on hills? It will drop to about 5 MPH?

See attatched pics. I dont think I did bad for 300 bucks.

hawkchucker · 10-16-2010, 01:15 PM

Oh ya and the Number by the passenger side does not corilate at all with the sticky breakdown of numbers. It is a 85 according to the seller and the number is way longer. Almost like a vin number.

OLD MEC · 10-16-2010, 03:26 PM

#1-If serial number starts with "A" ( as it is ) its a electric, if first two numbers are "85" its a 1985, if its a different number that will be year model. ( unreadable in picture ) The rest of numbers show month build and assigned cart by progersive numbers.
#2-Old resistor carts were not made like newer models but should be able to go 10-14 ( which is speed designed at factory for safety on courses ) MPH IF IN GOOD CONDITION? Controls, solenoids, resistor bank, batterys, battery cables, motor, free brakes, etc? Note batterys very corroded and cables need cleaning and or replacements. Need battery check for condition ( see stickies above under title "State Of Charge Readings" for correct voltage and gravity spec's.
#3-#4- Dont worry about gears for now you need to get the power ( batterys and cables ) up in top condition first. As I said in #2 you need to go over all parts before doing any changes? Yes you could have some solenoid problems but thats another group of tests to do after getting batterys up into good condition. You are going to need a digital volt meter ( Harbor Freight $4-$6 ), a single float hydrometer with temperature correcting scale ( NOT A ANTIFREEZE MULTI FLOAT TESTER ) at any auto parts store $5.-$7. to test each cell in each battery ( write down voltage and hydrometer readings ) and post for forum to check for condition ) You have only 36 volt system with resistors that waste alot of power into heat in large resistor coils. This is how old carts controlled slower speeds? This causes slow speed and poor hill climbing as a norm?
Welcome to the fun world of carting, be ready with money and lots of time, dirty hands and clothes, cuts and bruises spent getting cart into shape. Once you are hooked we will run you through the "UP DATE GAME, and adding parts for looks and adding your own personallity? By the way great looking paint job for the start of "looks package".

SteveRand · 10-16-2010, 08:19 PM

Hey, Hawk - Welcome to BGW! You're in for quite a ride, and you'll find all you need right here!

You're off to a good start, Old Mec knows his stuff. Once you get all your connections like-new clean, and your batteries in good shape, it's much easier to diagnose any other problem there might be.

You got a nice little cart there. Good luck with it, and ENJOY!!!

Similar Threads
Thread	Forum
New Ride	Lifted Golf Carts
my ride	Members Rides
my new ride...	Gas EZGO

10-16-2010, 12:55 PM	#1
hawkchucker Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ma Posts: 25	My New Old ride and a TON of questions! OK iI am really new to Golf carts and got this 85 Club car at a great price. However I have several questions. 1. What the heck model is it? 2. Why does it go only about 9 MPH? 3. I see people talk about Gears. It takes off like a raped ape, but it has a low top end. So Does that mean I have a bad selenoid somewhere? 4. Why is it bogging big time on hills? It will drop to about 5 MPH? See attatched pics. I dont think I did bad for 300 bucks.

Today
BGW	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

10-16-2010, 01:15 PM	#2
hawkchucker Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ma Posts: 25	Re: My New Old ride and a TON of questions! Oh ya and the Number by the passenger side does not corilate at all with the sticky breakdown of numbers. It is a 85 according to the seller and the number is way longer. Almost like a vin number.

10-16-2010, 03:26 PM	#3
OLD MEC Gone Wild Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,391	Re: My New Old ride and a TON of questions! #1-If serial number starts with "A" ( as it is ) its a electric, if first two numbers are "85" its a 1985, if its a different number that will be year model. ( unreadable in picture ) The rest of numbers show month build and assigned cart by progersive numbers. #2-Old resistor carts were not made like newer models but should be able to go 10-14 ( which is speed designed at factory for safety on courses ) MPH IF IN GOOD CONDITION? Controls, solenoids, resistor bank, batterys, battery cables, motor, free brakes, etc? Note batterys very corroded and cables need cleaning and or replacements. Need battery check for condition ( see stickies above under title "State Of Charge Readings" for correct voltage and gravity spec's. #3-#4- Dont worry about gears for now you need to get the power ( batterys and cables ) up in top condition first. As I said in #2 you need to go over all parts before doing any changes? Yes you could have some solenoid problems but thats another group of tests to do after getting batterys up into good condition. You are going to need a digital volt meter ( Harbor Freight $4-$6 ), a single float hydrometer with temperature correcting scale ( NOT A ANTIFREEZE MULTI FLOAT TESTER ) at any auto parts store $5.-$7. to test each cell in each battery ( write down voltage and hydrometer readings ) and post for forum to check for condition ) You have only 36 volt system with resistors that waste alot of power into heat in large resistor coils. This is how old carts controlled slower speeds? This causes slow speed and poor hill climbing as a norm? Welcome to the fun world of carting, be ready with money and lots of time, dirty hands and clothes, cuts and bruises spent getting cart into shape. Once you are hooked we will run you through the "UP DATE GAME, and adding parts for looks and adding your own personallity? By the way great looking paint job for the start of "looks package".

10-16-2010, 08:19 PM	#4
SteveRand Yamahaulin' CC Rider Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Altadena, CA Posts: 684	Re: My New Old ride and a TON of questions! Hey, Hawk - Welcome to BGW! You're in for quite a ride, and you'll find all you need right here! You're off to a good start, Old Mec knows his stuff. Once you get all your connections like-new clean, and your batteries in good shape, it's much easier to diagnose any other problem there might be. You got a nice little cart there. Good luck with it, and ENJOY!!!