What should I look for when buying a used gas cart?

Nmbr5

I'm about to buy a used gas cart. I've been out looking at options and test driving the ones that are within my budget.

What should I look for when assessing a used gas cart?

I've been visually inspecting the motor. Looking at battery condition, fuel filter condition, testing the suspension on each side with body weight and taking them for a short drive to feel the acceleration while checking the brakes and handling, and then checking the transmission by backing up and then forward.

Any tips from you experienced cart people? Any easy visual things to spot/check and better ways to test the carts function and reliability?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience(s).

BGW

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miker

I look at the front end to make sure it's straight and not bent from hitting something.the year and parts availability just a couple of things I look at, good luck

Lochlin

I actually think that body / seats / paint condition are just as important as mechanical condition, perhaps even more so. I have restored 5 of these carts now and am working on number 6. Body work, paint, seats are more expensive / PIA than most mechanical work.

Mechanically, follow the money:

Clutches are expensive. When you look at a cart take a bottle jack with you, lift the back of the cart up and watch the clutch action when the engine revs up. Those should be expanding / collapsing effortlessly in relation to rpm. When you test drive, there should be no "clutch hesitation." It's tough to describe this but when a clutch is going bad you can feel it taking a few seconds to kinda kick in. Almost like it's slipping. The engine is revving good but it takes a while for the cart to get going good. The ratio should be 1 to 1. When the engine revs up the cart speeds up.

Pistons / cylinders are expensive. If you don't have one go crazy and get a compression tester. They cost all of about 10 bucks at a parts store and it takes all of 30 secs to test an engine's compression. Good compression varies from cart to cart but, generally, if compression is over 80 psi you are ok. If it's lower then beware.

Look for any sign of oil leaks in the motor casing. Don't be afraid to ask where the cart is stored and check for oil on the ground there.

Lastly, checking the electrical system is simple too. While you have the cart up checking the clutches put a volt meter on the cart's battery. Run the motor at about 1/2 speed. There should be right around 14v, give or take a bit, at the battery. If much less then the charging system isn't right. Likely no big money there but the check is so easy you may as well do it.

rammunition361

I like to buy the cheap ones, cheaper the better. so much aftermarket stuff gets done anyway. I buy them not running and do whatever I want to them. chances are you wont be able to leave it alone