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Old 12-09-2014, 08:43 AM   #1
flylear45
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Default New member with 1971 and 1982 3 wheel gas project(s)!

Greetings from the North Coast!

My name is Jim Franks. I am a decent auto mechanic with several hotrod projects under my belt, and I love cool old stuff.

When I saw these two old Harley carts for cheap I just bought 'em and did the research afterwards!

I have been studying a lot of threads here and feel like this is the place to get the help I need to get one of these ready for next season. I want to end up with a reliable and unique daily runner to play golf with at my home course. Money isn't a problem, but I don't like to waste it either!

I have a heated garage to work in where both carts sit right now, and a fair set of tools. I have NO 2 cycle experience, and NO golf cart experience. I am comfortable with electronics and wiring.

OK, now to business!

I have a 1971 and a 1982 machine both rough and not running. It looks like the 1971 has a later engine since it has a Hitachi starter and plastic cowling like the 1982.

My first question: If it was you, how would you tackle getting one going?

My thinking is to just tear into one and attack a full rebuild to get the crankcase seals and check condition of piston and bore right from the get-go.

Or..... would you try to spin it to check compression first and just use it if it checks out OK?

I just have doubts about seals and rubber bits that are as old as this, and the carts were abused in the later part of their life and just pushed out to pasture behind the golf course after they were more trouble than they were worth. I'd hate to haul it out to the course and have issues next year.

The most complete one (the 1982) was seized when I got it. It freed up enough that I should be able to get it apart, but I feel binding from (I assume) rust in the bore. If I tear into an engine it would be this one.

The other engine is free, but has parts missing, telling me it had an issue when it was parked.

Thoughts??

I'll post pics shortly.
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Old 12-09-2014, 08:49 AM   #2
73eldo
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Default Re: New member with 1971 and 1982 3 wheel gas project(s)!

I would start with a compression check. Check it both directions, the difference between directions is a clue as to overall condition. Over 100 is great. Some people report decent running over 75. If the compression is good you may be able to get one or both running fairly easily. Crank seals usually won't keep them from running, just keep em from running well.

How about some pictures?
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Old 12-09-2014, 09:25 AM   #3
flylear45
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Default Re: New member with 1971 and 1982 3 wheel gas project(s)!

Thanks 73eldo. I've seen your name a lot in the helpful threads and look forward to working with you.

I created an album but being a new member can't link it in yet. I have a photobucket with pics as well. If you search under flylear45 username it should pop up. I'll see if I am missing something and will get them in ASAP.

I'll try to get the 71 wiring together enough to spin it and check compression. I don't dare try to spin the 82. It was really bound up.

The f/r switch is missing and the wiring is hacked on the 71, but it should be simple enough to get it to spin if the starter is any good.
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Old 12-09-2014, 09:33 AM   #4
flylear45
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Default Re: New member with 1971 and 1982 3 wheel gas project(s)!

Bah. Just a word of caution. Use Google to search 'flylear45 photobucket' If you use the photobucket search it won't work!!
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Old 12-09-2014, 09:56 AM   #5
flylear45
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Default Re: New member with 1971 and 1982 3 wheel gas project(s)!

I'm going to use bad form and ramble on a bit since there is a post count minimum I need to meet. LOL

I intend to rewire the starter circuit to use relays to take the current away from the f/r switch.

The key-style f/r switch feels tight on the 1982, and is missing completely on the 1971 so that seems like a reasonable solution to me. I need to study the circuit to see exactly how this works...... a bi-directional engine is a new concept to me!

I also like the idea of using the gm hei for ignition on the cart. I hate points. (I hate distributors!)

The piston stop idea to set timing looks like a fantastic idea, and I'll be making one of my own for sure.

I'll check back with the findings after a compression test.
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Old 12-09-2014, 09:03 PM   #6
73eldo
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Default Re: New member with 1971 and 1982 3 wheel gas project(s)!

The 71 should have a floor mounted FR switch. I believe they were on par with the ones used by others on the electric carts so they were over sized for the gas carts. Only thing that seems to happen to them is the plastic parts get brittle and cracks. The switch on the dash was also used on the electric carts so that is why it has a reverse option but it was not used on the gas ones.

The 82+ switch was always apparently a weak point especially if people did not wait for things to completely stop before they switched it.

All my switches are working and I don't have any spare parts so sooner or later I will likely have to deal with them. The relay conversion seems to be called a G2 (I think referring to a Yamaha model) but I have not been able to really find any details on it.
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Old 12-09-2014, 09:10 PM   #7
73eldo
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Default Re: New member with 1971 and 1982 3 wheel gas project(s)!

You can link photobucket photos here, I don't remember the label but its the 4th link box down when you are looking at the small thumbnail photos in your library. For me I have to click on it so it highlights then actually go to the copy button to make it copy so I can then go paste it into a thread.

Guess I could go the extra mile and post something to prove it works and verify how.

Its the one that just says IMG

This is the receiver style hitch I added to my carts. Its just that square tube stuff you get at the hardware store. Bigger stuff on the cart and smaller stuff for the attachments. Its also the same size as smaller regular receiver stuff.

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Old 12-10-2014, 07:22 AM   #8
flylear45
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Default Re: New member with 1971 and 1982 3 wheel gas project(s)!

Thanks for that!

The issue I am having seems to be tied to the fact that I am new and need to be here longer to post links of any kind. I can understand, it's to prevent spam.

The Foxbody Thunderbird site I go to is a vBulletin board, so I think I know how I should have to do it. I keep getting a message when I try, though.

I have found all the diagrams and schematics and printed them off to do the relay conversion and I'll post 'em up here when I do it. I am just going to rewire the whole cart since the old wires look pretty iffy, and I have spools of wire of all gauges laying around here.

One thing I haven't found by searching....... is there a casting number on the engine anywhere to show the build date? That would be helpful if I need parts down the line.
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Old 12-10-2014, 07:27 AM   #9
flylear45
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Default Re: New member with 1971 and 1982 3 wheel gas project(s)!

Hooray, it's working for me now!











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Old 12-10-2014, 07:34 AM   #10
flylear45
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Default Re: New member with 1971 and 1982 3 wheel gas project(s)!

Quote:
Originally Posted by 73eldo View Post
You can link photobucket photos here, I don't remember the label but its the 4th link box down when you are looking at the small thumbnail photos in your library. For me I have to click on it so it highlights then actually go to the copy button to make it copy so I can then go paste it into a thread.

Guess I could go the extra mile and post something to prove it works and verify how.

Its the one that just says IMG

This is the receiver style hitch I added to my carts. Its just that square tube stuff you get at the hardware store. Bigger stuff on the cart and smaller stuff for the attachments. Its also the same size as smaller regular receiver stuff.


Is that a metal fuel tank or is it just dark from discoloration? Neat and cost effective idea on the hitch. Not too heavy either.
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