G1 struggles to turn over

[Lukedlv]

Grateful for this site!

I recently bought a 1982 customized G1. It ran well for a few days but started having an issue: when the accelerator was pushed the engines did not engage. I read through this site and determined it was a solenoid issue. I swapped the fwd and rev solenoids and the fwd worked well while the reverse does not work at all. I bought an aftermarket solenoid (white Rodgers type from Mexico with the 4 prongs on the open end rather than the closed end). I tried connecting it, but couldn't get any kind of engagement of the engine. I put the old ones back on, but now the cart barely turns over as if the battery is weak (which it is not).

Any guidance on this issue? After reading the solenoid threads on this site, I'm still a bit confused on how to connect the aftermarket solenoid.

How do I test various parts of the wiring harness? Could the weak turn over of the engine be due to something else like spark plug?

(It has gas in it) ;)

[Lukedlv]

Ok, I just ran the helpful test in the thread to determine if the starter generator is good.

When I connect the starter posts directly to the battery, the engine still struggles to turn over. It turns, but slowly at about 1 turn per 2 seconds. It will not completely rev the engine into starting mode. Does this mean the starter is bad? Is it salvageable or need to be completely replaced if this test won't cause the engine to engage completely?

Keep in mind, we have been running this cart for the past week, so I am confident the engine is in decent shape, just can't seem to get enough power to it. Any help is appreciated!

[Spicyunicorn]

Check all connections from battery to starter and check starter brushes

[Lukedlv]

Originally Posted by Spicyunicorn

Check all connections from battery to starter and check starter brushes

Thanks. I'm not an experienced mechanic, but enjoy toying around the garage. Can you tell me how to check the starter brushes? What am I looking for when I check them?

[Lochlin]

You'll see 4 rubber cap things on the side of your starter. They just pop on and off. The brushes are under those caps. Pop the rubber caps off and you`ll see the tops of the brushes being pushed against the starter's armature by way of springs. There should be a decent amount of brush sticking up above the casement. You'll see what we mean when you pop a cap off. If the brushes are level to the casement, or close to it, they'll need replaced. It's a pretty easy job but you'll have to take the starter out.

Brushes are wearing parts. They need replaced every few years.