Bad generator?/Starter?

[jglazer]

Ok, pulled my golf cart out of garage, first time this year. Doesn't start. BARELY turns over. ...battery..

Replaced the battery (it was due anyhow) with a really cheap econo-battery.

Cart started right up like a champ. Drove for about 30 mins. Now it won't start (barely turns over).

Got it home, luckily, and charged battery.

Next day, drove it about a mile down the road to auto store. They checked the batter and charging capability while running. "All seems fine" they say.

Half way home I stopped for a second... bad move. Won't start ... (barely turns over).

Ok, either:

a. the battery is bad and won't keep a charge (unlikely cuz its new and they said it was fine via tester).

b. the generator isn't charging the battery (unlikely, they tested and saw this was working too *AND* I disconnected battery whil cart was running and it still ran!

c. starter portion of generator is about fried. Hmm... looking for advice here.

d. no, didn't do much with the VR but while disconnected from battery and running I got a decent 12-14V consistant and again, auto parts store testing proved charging was occuring.

Any advice here??

Thanks!

[kogieblack]

Look for loose connection. Probably ground. And buy a good digital multimeter.

[jglazer]

I have about 13 digital meters. I am an Electrical Engineer. What kind of loose wire? Where? Suggestions?

[GoTeeMan]

check you ground strap from the engine to the frame, I have had a slow starter for a year but just figured it was an old cart so I never looked at anything. Took the motor out yesterday and found my mesh groundstrap was 90% rotted away.

Just a thought

[berthasquare]

Originally Posted by jglazer

I have about 13 digital meters. I am an Electrical Engineer. What kind of loose wire? Where? Suggestions?

Mr. Electrician, I told you check the ground.

[zlangdon]

I have the same problem with mine i have bought 3 new batteries and the same thing. It reads almost 14 volts but doesn't pass a load cell test???? But I charge the battery it works good for maybe ten minutes and then the starter barely turns over? Ive notice my ground cable getting warm. Could there possibly be something drawing off the battery?? If there is what could draw other than the solenoid? Thanks for any info I have been battling this for 2 years now and have had no luck!!! I NEED HELP BADLY!!!

[invalidsession]

Originally Posted by zlangdon

I have the same problem with mine i have bought 3 new batteries and the same thing. It reads almost 14 volts but doesn't pass a load cell test???? But I charge the battery it works good for maybe ten minutes and then the starter barely turns over? Ive notice my ground cable getting warm. Could there possibly be something drawing off the battery?? If there is what could draw other than the solenoid? Thanks for any info I have been battling this for 2 years now and have had no luck!!! I NEED HELP BADLY!!!

If the cable is getting warm then you likely have a poor connection somewhere that is causing excessive current draw. Check all your connections, wire brush them clean and make sure there is no cable damage such as a previous poster found on his cart.

Chris.

[COURTESYCART]

First thing is to check tightness of belt. If its loose the starter will spin and not crank engine. I here this everyday from customer calling stating their gas cart wont crank. also a worn/bad belt will cause the starter to slip.

You should have 14.5V with eng running. I have replaced a few voltage regualtors recently for not charging after 10-15 minutes. you may have a failing volt regualtor. I found these by taking my fluke meter and clamping to battery. Drive cart. when you see voltage fall to batt voltage than you have quit charging.

Check grounds, check green wire on bottom of starter/generator. The green wire signals the voltage regulator to activate and generator to charge.

[zlangdon]

thanks for the info guys. I cleaned all the terminals really good and checked the wires all seems good. Now that Ive done that Ive noticed my solenoid getting super hot??? Cant even touch it after about a minute or so of running the cart?? This is the second solenoid ive put in as well is it possible that is messed up?? I checked with a friends cart who has the same one and I have everything hooked up identical to his?? The green wire from the bottom of the starter looks good. I am very confused by this any other info would be great. Thanks again guys