Ongoing Maintenance Questions

zielritter

Hi, All -
Using this forum's infinite wisdom I've got my '76 3-wheeler running like a champ again. Replaced a crankshaft seal on the power side, new reed valve that was missing a petal, new Chinese made budget carb, and several new wires that were burnt to a crisp. Thank you for that.

Now, I'm trying to keep it running and reliable for pool trips this summer and beyond.

Couple of immediate concerns:

1) The differential (or whatever its called on a golf cart) that sends the power to the rear wheels may or may not be leaking (have leaked?) as there seems to be some oil on it (not under though). I notice it has a plug on it. What is the recommended servicing of this guy? Do I just need to drain it and refill with a quality gear oil as long as it's not leaking profusely at the seals?

2) My governor plate spring is worn and flaccid so was not staying on. So, I removed the governor plate entirely. I don't run it full out as I realize without the governor I risk overheating the motor. Any other concerns here?

3) I'm getting a lot of vibration in the body (shell) at higher speeds. From my car knowledge this feels like the motor mounts aren't absorbing the motor movements adequately. Is that a correct hunch? Maybe I didn't tighten them down enough when I put it back in after working on it. Any other suggestions or quick fixes here?


Sorry for the deluge of text and thanks again for your help. This cart was my grandfather's, who passed away back in February. Pretty cool legacy gift to share with my son during playground and pool trips. :)

BGW

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Lochlin

It appears as if you are in very good shape with your cart. All of your "issues" are both expected and normal.

1) The differential should be filled to that the plug with 90 weight gear oil. If you suspect it's leaking or if you want to change the oil you can take the back of the differential off to drain the old oil then put it back on. There are no gaskets there so you will need to seal it with differential sealer (similar to silicone). It can be found at any auto parts store.

2) No concerns with removing the governor whatsoever. Most people take them off anyway. You are correct in that you don't want to run wide open all of the time but here and there won't hurt anything.

3) Body vibrations are inherent in these carts. It's part of their charm. You motor mounts are likely fine. The vibrations are likely from the body-to-frame mounting points being worn. You can try to add new screws / bolts here or there to tighten things up but, to be honest, that's easier said than done. That cart is 40+ years old which is very cool. It is going to sound like a cart that is 40+ years old.

zielritter

Great info. Thanks!