battery Cable question?

goldenknight

Quick question for you golf cart gurus. I am in the process of restoring an 80s ezgo. I have been looking for 4/2 gauge wiring. I noticed that AC delco (AMAZON) sells a complete golf cart set but are significantly cheaper than other options I have seen online. What should I be looking for when making the purchase? the price point is very attractive due to limited project funds. Thanks!

BGW

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JohnnieB

The cables have to be flexible, so welding cable is used.

The cart's frame flexes, so the batteries move around slightly even when well secured to the frame and if the cables are stiff, the battery terminals are stressed. The terminal studs are hex bolts with the hex head embedded in the lead battery post, so it doesn't take much stress to loosen the stud and you end up with a melted battery post. In other words, saving a few dollars on cables can cost you a lot of dollars in battery replacements.

What is the strand count of the cables you are considering?

Volt_Ampere

You gets what you pay for in this business. Buy good quality cables or stick with what you have now.

cgtech

Beware of cables with this type of end. The copper strands run all the way to the end (with a hole punched through). They compress & don't hold battery nut torque well. Also Sucks up acid like a sponge.

Attached Images

IMG_20161231_113935.jpg (5.9 KB, 0 views)

goldenknight

the description for the item is: # 2 GAUGE EPDM WELDING CABLE (624) STRANDS OF BARE COPPER, 600 VOLTS, EPDM JACKET - RESISTANCE TO (FLAME, OIL, GREASE SOLVENTS, OZONE AND ABRASION.(ROHS COMPLIANCE), HYDRAULIC CRIMPED CABLE ENDS, MADE IN THE U.S.A.

can't see from the picture what type of ends they have

JohnnieB

Are these the ones you are looking at?
https://www.amazon.com/Gauge-Z-GO-Ba.../dp/B01F7FRZAA

If so, they are for a TXT and I don't think they will fit your Marathon.

Also, where did the sold by AC delco come from?

Or maybe these:https://www.amazon.com/Gauge-Golf-Ba...V3XV4F2ZT9DBQH

Still same problem, made for a TXT

goldenknight

good information to know. what is the difference between the wiring for TXT and Marathon? Or I guess just wondering what I should look for?

cgtech

Cables are all different lengths between txt & marathon. Battery layout is different.

JohnnieB

TXT and Medalist battery packs are composed of of two rows of three 6V batteries in a single group as shown in first attachment.

Medalist 36V battery pack is composed of three batteries in an L shaped group on either side of battery compartment with a space in the middle as shown in second attachment.

The cable lengths needed are different and depending on which type drive system your Marathon has (controller or resister) the number of high current cables needed is different.

Attached Images

	Battery Wiring - TXT and Medalist - B+ B- connections.JPG (35.2 KB, 0 views)
	Battery Wiring - Marathon - Edited.JPG (32.5 KB, 0 views)

goldenknight

so I see the following options - Marathon, TXT, PDS, DCS. which one would I want to get for a 89 ezgo marathon?