Diode???

[pjmia96]

Hi, On my 1991 Ezgo Marathon Electric golf cart I found one of the wires on my solenoid loose (Large Post To Battery). When I was tightening it I pulled a diode apart. (connected to the 2 Large Posts on Solenoid). The golf cart runs fine without this diode. My question is should I get another Diode that goes on the 2 large posts of the solenoid or is it OK to just use it without one?

Matt

[scottyb]

It is a resistor not a diode. Use 220-270 ohms for 36v. You need it to precharge the controller and extend it's useful life during everyday use.

[pjmia96]

Ok I will Order one now. Do you think it will be OK to run it without one for about a week or no?

Thanks Scotty,

Matt

[pjmia96]

Got the Part all Ordered. Thanks Again Scotty B.

[Andy4639]

It keeps the selonoid from arcing when engaged. It will run fine but may cause some pits on the inside of the terminal's.

[pjmia96]

The part is on its way.

Hopefully I can keep it running long enough for it to get here....

Today I added a 6 Volt battery to the 4 8volt 32 volt cart. And now I have a 38V golf cart. I figured usually the 36v golf cart chargers top the battery's off at around 38v so I figured it cant hurt much as long as I stay over 38V. I was amazed at the power increase and the Motor and F&R switch don't even begin to get warm anymore like they would at 32Volts, (As Expected).

All Is Good


Matt



EDIT:

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[scottyb]

Matt you know I have supported your experimenting with DC drive systems through numerous PMs and posts in many threads but, just for the kids at home let me say this:

Under-volting a DC system (36v motor on 32volts) creates an high amperage draw situation. This can lead to higher than normal temps resulting in F&R switch and controller damage.
Under-charging batteries (using a 36v charger on 38+v batteries) will result in the batteries not being fully charged which over time will result in diminished amperage transfer (in+out) capacity.

I think all golf cart techs experiment a little and some techs make great discoveries. Some cart components bite the dust in the process that is expected, it is part of the cost of knowledge, believe me I have pictures of some the stuff that composes some of my greatest discoveries ! ....

Be safe and enjoy!

[pjmia96]

Well I got it running in forward only for now with one micro switch for now until I order a new one.

I totally agree with you Scotty, Things were not really getting too hot on 32 Volts because I was only taking short rides here and there. Then I took a long ride around the farm coming up hills. I put my hand on the F&R and Motor and all I can say is WOW. So I added a 6 volt battery to the 4 8 Volts to make a 38 volt system. Went for a Nice Long Drive about an hour drove all the way around the farm the same way I did before when it was getting hot on 32V and nothing was hot at all everything was nice and Cool...Mission Complete. I'm doing some rewiring on the Cart now. Recently I have been having a small problem with the cart now because there seems to be a loose wire somewhere. Recently whenever I want to go I would have to stomp on the gas multiple times to get the solenoid to click. At first I thought it was the Red throttle wire coming from the Controller to the micro switch on the F&R switch but I made a brand new wire because the other one was barely together and that was not the problem. So next I took out the Micro switch next to the pot box and cleaned it out, I made a new wire coming from the solenoid small post to micro switch because that wire also looked worn out (Orange Wire), I also replaced a few other wires coming from the Controller with wires I made. I'm going to put everything together and charge it up and see what happens. Also Scotty, To charge the battery's in my 38V System I am using a (Multi Battery Charger). This charger will charge battery's of different voltage (6,8,12) setup in a series for as long as you need it to. It usually takes about 10-12 hours to charge the pack when they are almost dead a fully charged pack should be somewhere around 40 Volts Total I think?? so we usually put it on the charger at 7PM and remove it from the charger at 7 AM. We let it charge overnight. I will go outside now and post the model of this charger for everyone to see. Its a Nice charger. Charges this golf cart right up. My uncles workers Love this golf cart. Now that I added the 6 Volt battery this thing fly's up hills like nothing.


I will be Back,

Thanks Guys,

Matt