how does charging voltage get past solenoid to battery

[mrmike75]

working on a 2001 Club Car Pioneer 1200. In the service manual it shows a diode wired from one large post on solenoid to the other large post. However this bike does not seem to have a diode on it. The owner has used the bike for years without it apparently. I have looked on the I-beam under seat where it is supposed to be located but cant find anywhere. Also earlier year models dont show it using a diode, like the charge just goes through the large posts on solenoid and im guessing the solenoid would be energized anytime engine is running. Can someone explain to mean how these earlier bikes got charging voltage from generator to the battery and if i must have a diode or will the charge run through the solenoid large posts. I just put a new s/g and voltage regulator on it but not getting charge to battery. im fixing to put new solenoid on it but want to know if the charge will get to battery through solenoid or if will need a diode. Thanks in advance for your replies. Mike

[mrmike75]

also im getting 16v to s/g side of old solenoid but just battery voltage (12.6v) to battery side of solenoid

[mrmike75]

Anyone??? Any gas cart starter/generator gurus might can explain the route of charge from s/g to battery

[roady89]

Bike? The solenoid is a continuous duty cycle solenoid. When the engine is starting/running the solenoid is engaged . The diode is there for voltage spike suppression.

Not uncommon to get a bad voltage regulator. Key switches, any number of things can cause not charging.

http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/gas-c...-charging.html

[mrmike75]

Thanks Roady, I think that answers my question. So the solenoid basically stays engaged while running and the charge voltage from the generator goes back through the same way as when you start the cart?

when starting, the key switch momentarily energizes the solenoid coil allowing your battery voltage to go to starter and then the key springs back to the ON position. (on a normal solenoid this would open the circuit not allowing battery voltage to starter once engine is running)

So with this continuous duty cycle solenoid, is there 12v coming from key switch when in ON position keeping the coil on solenoid engaged (just like when starting) allowing the charge voltage from generator to travel back across the big posts on solenoid then to battery?

[mrmike75]

also older ones didnt have diode and cant find one on this one, is it ok to not use one