more info on a marathon

rfincher86

I just recently purchased a 1988 ezgo marathon 2 cycle. This is my first golf cart and i do not know a whole lot about them and was wondering if you guys could point in the right direction in learning more, maybe some online literature. I would really like to understand how the forward/reverse switch works, i always assumed it was some kind of mechanical lever that engaged the clutch but upon further inspection i see it is electrical and i would like to know how that works. Thank you in advance

BGW

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Dave Box

Hello and welcome to BGW. For general information regarding two stroke engines here is a useful link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_stroke_engine

One of the features of a 2 stroke is that unlike a 4 stroke it is just as happy to run in either direction. This means that to select reverse all you have to do is stop the engine and start it backwards. This is accomplished by the reverse / forward switch that you have already discovered. All this switch does is to reverse the polarity of the voltage applied to the field coil. This causes the starter to spin backwards and start the engine in reverse. It is important to note that you should never switch from one direction to the other until the engine has come to a complete rest.

Also in common with most other carts the starter motor is also the generator. Once the engine gets above 1000 rpm or so the motor turns into a generator and charges the battery.

If you have any other questions just shout out.

Dave