Problems with battery power

W

Warrior26

New Member
I have a 36 volt electric Club Car golf cart. I changed the motor to increase the speed, however; the speed is greater but it is very slow when going up any kind of incline. Just recently, it seems to lose a charge after only a very short time (10 to 15 minutes). After the last time that happened I put a volt meter and checked the voltage in all six batteries. The first battery in the series, (the one everything is hooked to) showed 4.25 volts, the other five ranged in voltage from 5.95 to 6.0. Is this common, or are the batteries supposed to drain equally?
As you can probably tell, I am not very mechanical, however; I can follow simple directions and has some limited ability.
Warrior 26
 
Sounds like your batteries are shot or at least one of them.
How old are your batteries?
1) What is the voltage of each one after a charge and rest of a couple of hours?
2) What is the voltage of each one after a 15 minute cruise?
 
The batteies after a overnight rest all showed voltage of 6 to 6.12 volts or better. I did noticed that there was some corrosion around the positive post of the first battery in the series. I cleand the post and sandpapered the connectors and tightened everything down tight. Then went on a 15 minute ride and after the ride all the batteries were tested and all were between 5.90 and 6.12 on the volt meter.

The problem may have been the corrosion. Any ideas on how to increase the speed when going up an incline?

Warrior 26
 
If those voltages are after a full charge and resting over night you have battery problems. Have you checked to make sure the plates are covered and added distilled water if needed? If the plates are covered and all your cables/connections are good and those numbers were after a full charge either the batteries are bad or your charger isn't working correctly.
 
If I have a 36volt system, and all six batteries are showing 6+ volts doesn't that equal 36+ volts. If not what should the batteries be showing after an overnight charge?

Warrior26
 
6.37 volts is a fully charged good battery voltage for a 6 volt battery. This would be after at least one hour of resting after a full charge. 6.0 volts would be less than 50% charge on a 6 volt battery and will cause performance issues, especially with a motor wound for speed like you have. Here's a chart that give you specific gravity and voltage on good batteries.
StateOfChargePercentages.jpg


Also most speed motors are wound for higher RPM's for speed and will cause a decrease in torque unless you go with a higher amp controller. A higher amp controller will help bring back the torque you loose with a motor wound for speed. This also depends on the motor you're using. A high speed motor will also cause a weak battery to shoe signs of problems caused by the weak battery(s) because it's putting more strain on the total battery pack.
 
yes i have to agree those #,s arn,t good at all.........and if you put a high speed motor in your gonna loose torque it happens.......1st thing you need to do is replace batteries and replace all 6 gage cables with 4 gage.....that will help you out some...................
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