1983 Ezgo Marathon 36 volt

[70cambgblk]

My son was attempting to work on our 1983 36 volt Ezgo Marathon, he was tightening one of the nuts on the panel that is behind the F/R selector switch and touched the wrench to another nut. By the time I got to the cart, (since I was under a car in the garage!), the wrench was cherry red and a few of the battery cables were smoking and one of the battery terminals was completely melted. I have replaced all the cables running to the batteries, motor, switch board and resistors. Everything else looks good, nothing seems to be burnt or melted that I can see. When I push the pedal, I'm not getting any response at the rear wheels, what should I check first, how do I check to see if the motor got fried, is that a possibility........help please!

[scottyb]

First of all, we are glad your son is okay. There is enough amperage there to weld with and it can deliver some serious burns if mishandled.

I suspect the solenoid is no longer clicking when you press the gas to go?

If no, this is where you should concentrate your efforts first.

[70cambgblk]

Thanks Scotty, it was the solenoid, replaced it and a few small wires and we are back up and running!

[Volt_Ampere]

Good for you. I still have a half inch open end wrench that was cut in half in in instant working on an electric car back in '73. It had a 120V pack. The guy that was handling the wrench soiled his pants I'm sure. I kept it as a reminder of what a high amperage battery pack can do. On that car, short circuit current was over 2000 amps.