New to carts. Just bought a 1986 EZGO!

[paulvedderjr]

I believe it's a Marathon. The batteries are shot. I got a charger with it. Paid only $150. Did I get a good deal? I am totally new to the Golf Cart world. REALLY looking forward to getting this thing running again and taking my wife and baby out for a spin. Any recommendations for a new cart owner?

Thanks!
Paul

[Sumner121]

as long as your motor and controller are working I'd say you got a great deal. I bought my 94 club car for 100. Ended up replacing everything except the motor, but that was just preference because I wanted more speed. I think you'll have a lot of fun with it

[paulvedderjr]

Originally Posted by Sumner121

as long as your motor and controller are working I'd say you got a great deal. I bought my 94 club car for 100. Ended up replacing everything except the motor, but that was just preference because I wanted more speed. I think you'll have a lot of fun with it

Thanks! Yeah, I was able to drive it no problem for around 45 seconds at a time on a full charge. Everything works great...except the batteries. Going to work on getting those replaced this week. From what I can see on the forums, it's worth replacing the wires too, right?

[Sumner121]

If you have any possible concerns that your wires may be slightly damaged you might as well replace all the battery cables. It will be better on your new batteries and it will the save you the worry of doing it later. I went with 4 gauge on mine and I believe many others do the same. If all your stuff is stock still (275 amp controller or so) 6 gauge wouldn't damage anything, but if you are ever going to upgrade might as well go ahead with 4 gauge. Trust me... you will upgrade, and you will love it

[paulvedderjr]

Originally Posted by Sumner121

If you have any possible concerns that your wires may be slightly damaged you might as well replace all the battery cables. It will be better on your new batteries and it will the save you the worry of doing it later. I went with 4 gauge on mine and I believe many others do the same. If all your stuff is stock still (275 amp controller or so) 6 gauge wouldn't damage anything, but if you are ever going to upgrade might as well go ahead with 4 gauge. Trust me... you will upgrade, and you will love it

Awesome! Thanks for the input! Much appreciated!

[pggroves]

If your cart has a controller then it has been converted or is newer than 86. The two piece front clip is newer than 86.
A 1986 stock X440 (3 wheel) or X444 (4 wheel) car had a one piece front clip and was resistor coil controlled. Freedom and Spirit models excluded.

[paulvedderjr]

Originally Posted by pggroves

If your cart has a controller then it has been converted or is newer than 86. The two piece front clip is newer than 86.
A 1986 stock X440 (3 wheel) or X444 (4 wheel) car had a one piece front clip and was resistor coil controlled. Freedom and Spirit models excluded.

So you are thinking that its not an 86? I really am just learning. What does the controller look like/do?

[paulvedderjr]

I would love someones opinion. The batteries are shot. You can go maybe a couple of hundred feet on a full charge. I was thinking about replacing the wiring, but don't really have the cash at the moment. I don't want to crap out the new batteries I am getting this weekend with crappy wires. Attached are some pics. What are your thoughts? Also, the cart works GREAT while there is a small charge.

Also there is a picture of my charger. I am not 100% sure how the dial. Any suggestions on learning how best to charge my cart?

Thanks in advance!

[pggroves]

Post the Mfr. number on the plate just below the passenger dash.

May not be newer but may have been repaired with newer parts which is not uncommon as many parts were interchangeable thru 93/94 model year.

Take a picture of the battery bay and that will tell too.

[paulvedderjr]

Originally Posted by pggroves

Post the Mfr. number on the plate just below the passenger dash.

May not be newer but may have been repaired with newer parts which is not uncommon as many parts were interchangeable thru 93/94 model year.

Take a picture of the battery bay and that will tell too.

Here is the mfr number.