12V Batteries vs 6V Question

[tennsion]

The new little cart I just got (1995 model) EZGO has 3 12V batteries in it rather than 6 6V batteries. This cart had been junked and taken apart and was about to be scrapped when a friend found it for me and re-assembled it. Someone had "crossed two wires wrong" and when the cart wouldn't work, they just assumed it was trash (?). So, got a pretty good deal and was able to get my first cart.

It came with no batteries and before I bought it, the fixer-upper had installed 3 12V batteries with "seconds" imprinted on them. I have read in some of the posts here that the 12V's won't last long. Does this mean it won't stay charged as long or the batteries won't last as long?

What can anyone tell me about the difference in using the 12V's vs the 6V's? Obviously the 12V's were less expensive and that was how it was put together when I got it. After running it a short time, I do seem to smell just a FAINT hint of burn smell, no idea what it might be as I know nothing yet about these carts.

Thanks for any help and/or ideas! :)

[scottyb]

This is my patented answer...
3/12v = 36v?
Or can I use 3 12v batteries in my 36v golf cart?
You can use 3/12v batteries in series to create a 36v power supply. However this supply will be lacking in amperage capacity and deep cycle ability. The result will be poor run time and shortened battery lifetime.
The batteries used in your cart should be golf cart specific batteries.
Golf cart batteries are designed to hold a large amount of amperage and to be discharged relatively slow over a long period of time.
Automotive batteries do not store as much amperage and are designed for shallow discharge and immediate recharge. Like starting a car and having the alternator immediately begin recharging.
Battery construction differs and plate thickness and count per cell varies with regard to discharge characteristics and designed usage. The thinner plates of automotive or marine batteries give up their amperage much quicker than Golf cart batteries.
You can connect 3 automotive 12v batteries in series and get 36v. You will not have the same amperage reserve or operational characteristics needed to make the batteries perform well or last satisfactorily in a golf cart.
But, it will work for testing or short run usage...
I hope this helps ...

[racin161]

Good job Scotty

LOU

[tennsion]

Yes, that helps VERY much! So well explained and I understand the difference completely...the cart came to me with the 3 12V so I may just stick close to home and wear them out while I save a little for the right batteries! Thank you a lot for taking the time to give an excellent explanation!!!