Oh no, What Now!?

[CP241]

In addition to what FT said, those cables look like they have some kinda crappy crimps. Also make sure that fuse isn’t open. If it is nothing will work.

[WalterM6]

I am not sure if there is an OBC

Follow the Bat- cable coming off of the last battery. If it goes through a hole in a metal plate then you have a OBC.

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by WalterM6

Follow the Bat- cable coming off of the last battery. If it goes through a hole in a metal plate then you have a OBC.

I’m assuming the positive cable, it does not go through a hole in a metal plate.

Thanks

[Mooncarter]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

I’m assuming the positive cable, it does not go through a hole in a metal plate.

Thanks

No it's not. Like Walt said, the - cable. Not the + cable.

[RNajarian]

Thanks for the clarification, I didn’t initially understand bat- to mean negative cable, now I do.

Neither battery cable goes through a hole in a metal plate. So no OBC

[RNajarian]

My research revealed there is a rebuild kit for the Alltrax solenoid, which got me wondering, what does the inside of my solenoid look like.

Attached are some photos. The contacts seem to have some build up “soldered on.”

Is that significant?

In any case I just ordered an upgraded 400a Alltrax Sw400 solenoid from one of our sponsors. The buildup on both sides of the contact can’t be helping.

[ThreeCW]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

The contacts seem to have some build up “soldered on.” Is that significant?

In any case I just ordered an upgraded 400a Alltrax Sw400 solenoid from one of our sponsors. The buildup on both sides of the contact can’t be helping.

The "build up" you refer to is due to "arcing" which occurs when the circuit breaks. The same thing happens every time you turn a light switch off ... a small spark or "arc" occurs when the circuit breaks which slowly deteriorate the metal conductor surfaces. Your solenoid contacts show regular wear and tear considering that your cart is 15 years old with likely the original solenoid.

I assume your mean that your ordered a 400 amp Albright SW200 solenoid ... to my knowledge, Alltrax does not make solenoids ??

Did you get a chance to bench test your old solenoid? Check resistances across small conductors. Check resistance across large studs on the bench. Connect 48 volts across the small conductors and test for function and conductivity across large studs. Not too much magic going on in a solenoid ... it is really just an electrically operated switch controlled by applying voltage to the small conductors which puts the two large studs in electrical contact ... that is why a solenoid is technically called a "contactor".

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by ThreeCW

. . . I assume your mean that your ordered a 400 amp Albright SW200 solenoid ... to my knowledge, Alltrax does not make solenoids ??

Did you get a chance to bench test your old solenoid?

You are correct. I typed Alltrax rather than Albright/Curtis

I have not bench tested the old one yet. Once I clean it up I will. But I think the amperage rating is lower than I should I have with my cart.

[RNajarian]

Thanks to this outstanding Forum I was able to get my Frankencart ACG H3 (Bastardized with CC parts) back on the road.

The problem was likely due to arcing from a bad connection. See photo.

I ended up upgrading my solenoid in the process. The cart seemed a little more spirited after the solenoid upgrade.

In the process, all the cables were replaced, terminals cleaned with baking soda.

Thanks everyone for the support

[WalterM6]

That melted battery was caused by a bad connection. In addition to your cleaning them you should make sure they're tight by torquing them to 100 ft/lbs. Harbor Freight has inexpensive torgue wrenches.