1996 Yamaha 36V Rotton Egg Smell

[snuf13]

Hello, I'm a newbie and not really very proficient at repairing golf carts, but I am mechanically inclined. I work for a University and the golf cart I use has been having some issues. It started by the top speed gradually slowing over a few months to the point that we had to push the cart to get it rolling before it would move under its own power. After charging, the batteries give off a rotten egg smell and the charger cable feels pretty hot. Now when we plug the charger in, the gauge doesn't even register that its charging at all.

The batteries were checked out by our garage as well as the charger and they said both checked out fine. Any idea what else it may be?

We've also purchased a another 2007 EZGO as a replacement, but I'm curious if its ok to plug it in after every use, only if its a quick run across campus and back or does that cause too much charging on the battery?

Thanks in advanced for any insight any of you can give.

-Snuf

 

[dougmcp]

Older batteries will tend to smell a little like rotten eggs.
How old are the batteries?
What are the individual voltages of the batteries?
Have you tested with a hydrometer?

Regarding charging, batteries do not have a memory and should be charged each time you have more than 15 minutes of pedal time. Keeping them fully charged and proper maintenance is the key to longevity.

 

[snuf13]

The batteries are about 2 years old. I tested with a multimeter tester and they tested with a good charge. I did not test with a hydrometer.

The batteries were a little low on water, so we refilled them with distilled water. We plugged it in to sit overnight. The charger only went to about 7amps when usually it goes to about 30 for about 30 minutes. The charger is only about a year and half old and is a Lestronic II.

This morning the charger was off indicating a full charge however when we tried to drive it, we could feel the motor trying to push the cart, but it barely moved.

The rotton egg smell has disappeared.

Not sure what to look at next.

-Snuf

 

[dougmcp]

Put a voltmeter on the total pack, if it's a 36v system it should be 38.2v at full charge.
Leave the voltmeter attached and try to drive the cart, note the voltage and post it.

 

[snuf13]

Charge is what you suggested and when we put a load on, there is no change.

 

[dougmcp]

Is this an ezgo cart? Series motor or PDS version?
When you put the load on, was this with a load tester or the actual cart driving?

 

[snuf13]

It's a 1996 Yamaha, but I have no idea of anything else. I'm pretty sure it isn't a PDS, because I know they're fast and ours, even when we first bought it 9 years ago, was only a 15mph cart.

The load is with us "trying" to drive it... like I said, it won't move under its own power even though we feel the motor trying to push the cart.

-Snuf

 

[dirtysouth]

Sounds like the brakes are locked up on the yammy.

 

[snuf13]

How can I test to see if that's it and how do they lock up?

 

[Nubs]

Welcome Snuf

lift both rear wheels off the ground and see if they rotate freely, if not check the brake cables to see if they move when you push the pedal. dirt/mud can get inside the cables or something may have snagged the cable and kinked it.

 

[dirtysouth]

 

[snuf13]

We jacked up the rear end and put it in forward and pushed on the accelerator, the wheels spun freely, though the passenger side wheel seemed to spin a little slower. I was able to turn both tires by hand.

I did notice that when plugged in the wheels turned significantly faster.

-Snuf

 

[dirtysouth]

Snuf, are you sure the smell isn't coming from the motor? If the batts check okay and the brakes are free, then check all the motor connections. Motors can give off a rotten egg smell too.

 

[snuf13]

The rotten egg smell seems to have disappeared, so maybe it was just because the batteries were a little low on water?

I still can't seem to figure out why the cart won't move under its own power. I have to give my supervisor an answer on if it's cost effective to fix today, so any help would be appreciated.

-Snuf

 

[dougmcp]

If you need to put together a budget for repairs without really knowing what is wrong, here's my suggestion:
New controller - $450
New batteries - $750
New cables - $100
New motor - $600
OR
Sell the cart not running for $300.
Without knowing the mechanic's competence level, that will cover just about anything you will need to do to repair the cart. Any savings achieved from this will be when you get it repaired for less.

 

[snuf13]

Awesome, thank you Doug! Unfortunately, I know they won't approve that amount for repair, with budget issues and such, so it looks like it will be shipped off to the Surplus yard.

Thank you all for your help, it was much appreciated!

-Snuf

 

[HotRodCarts]

From what you describe I'd give the batteries another test. When you checked them what was the individual voltage readings? Charge the cart until the charger shuts off, wait 1 hour and takes the voltage readings again and post your numbers.

 

[snuf13]

We took readings after it hadn't been charging for over a month and they still had a good charge on them, so I know they're holding a charge. Individual readings both before and after charge were close to 6 volts.

Unfortunately I have run out of time to try and save the cart, I have to give them a report today as the yearly insurance is due tomorrow.... so again, thanks to everyone who helped!

 

[dougmcp]

Now you can buy the cart from the scrap heap for $100 and fix it for cheap and sell it for $1500.
I'd call that win/win.

 

[snuf13]

Sell it!? Hell if I do that, I wanna modify it and have my own sand cart!