Cart wont reach top speed

[mudflap0000]

Hey guys, so I was at the campground the other day and pulled out on a side road and was talking to my buddy. Some kids on another cart were coming down the hill yelling that they didnt have any brakes (imagine that). In the panic I stepped on the gas then shifted to reverse before I came to a stop ( picture panic). I heard a decent "clank" when I shifted but it went in reverse and I was able to get out of the way. So I go on my way and I notice that the cart will not get up to speed. it will go forward but wont shift (seems like it needs to shift). Not sure if these carts shift or not but the rpm's seem to get real high now and only goes about half as fast as it did. I am thinking the shift "clank" has something to do with this. Any thoughts? 1994.5 ezgo gas txt

Thanks in advance for any help

[1989Marathon]

I would pull the secondary clutch apart and check the condition of the plastic buttons. The ramp probably jumped a notch because of the worn buttons.

[BrewCityMusic]

^ I concur ^ ... Depending. If the helix "jumped" it would take the pressure off the driven clutch spring, which would cause you to go into lower gearing and stay there longer (IE the clutch would be weak and not want to hold yourself in high gear for long) - where I differ opinion-wise is that if it jumped, you'd be getting more of a "bog-down" scenario than being stuck in high gear and high RPM's ...

Another common issue depends on if You were moving along fairly well when it happened - the axles like to strip on these carts and it's possible the axle jumped in the hub and partially stripped it, causing the exact symptoms You described. I'd still check the clutch, but I'd also jack the cart up and have someone keep the driven clutch from moving, then try like crazy to spin either wheel - if You get any slop (or for that matter, rotation) then you're looking at replacing an axle or hub.

Let us know how things go, Good luck