Broken Terminal Off Motor

[DubK]

I just replaced the solenoid with a brand new SW180 from scottyb, and was in the process of changing the old cables out. The top nut on the motor terminal would NOT move. Sprayed it down with some wd40 and waited. I came back and then used 2 wrenches, one to hold the bottom and one to twist the top. Still wouldn't move. While holding the bottom nut still, when I twisted the top nut the whole terminal would spin. Even used some vice grips to hold the terminal which messed up the threads. But anyway the terminal twisted loose so much that it broke/twisted some wires on the inside and basically came out of the housing and was really loose. It was barely still attached so tried to see if it would work enough to make it back to the garage. Nope. Smoke and sparks went flying everywhere as soon as I pressed the pedal. Burnt some of my lighting wire insulation but that's it. The lights still work.
How do I fix this? Do I have to buy a new motor? Can I take it to an electric motor shop and they can fix it? I want to get the motor refreshed/rewound anyways. Help!

[radioman]

I was following you on your hot wire thread with all your frustration. I suggest the following:
Take the wires loose form the main positive battery connection so you wont set off another fireworks event. Since you are going to have to replace/repair motor you might as will remove it from cart. Find a place that repairs this type motor and ask them if they can fix it. Repairing Old motor would be my recommendation. While the motor it is in shop replace burned wiring and all those automotive type crimp and cables that caused the original poor connection to melt the battery terminal. The 40 year old motor might be better suited for this 40 year old cart than a new replacement provided it is properly repaired. Tag the wires removed from motor terminals where they were connected. Draw a little diagram/sketch as necessary to reconnect motor. If you cant get motor repaired or a suitable replacement you might as well upgrade the rest of the cart electronics.

[DubK]

Thanks a lot I'm going to take your advice on all of this. I'll try to get the motor pulled this week and get it to the shop and get to work on replacing the burned wires/cables. I'll report back soon