
If you have a gas powered golf cart then you need to be aware of the length of the starter generator brushes. You should also know how to check the starter generator brushes as well as check for signs of damage. The starter generator works in two ways; the starter portion cranks the engine and the generator portion recharges the battery.
What are the symptoms of a starter failure on a golf cart?
For a gas golf cart, the most common symptom is the starter failing to engage, so the engine doesn't turn over. Starters have the responsibility of activating the flywheel. When the flywheel starts to work, the starter is supposed to disconnect.
How do I check the brushes on my starter motor?
Most starter motors have to be removed and partly dismantled (See Stripping the starter motor ) to inspect or replace brushes. However, some have a removable band which lets you check at least two of the brushes with the motor in place.
What does a starter generator do in a golf cart?
A starter generator performs the following functions in a golf cart : Here are the main signs to look for to check if there is a problem with the starter generator: When you turn the key to start your cart but nothing happens or hear only a clicking sound, there could be a problem with your starter or your battery.
How to tell if your electric golf cart motor is bad?
Here’s how to tell if your electric golf cart motor is bad or if the problem has another source. When your golf car doesn’t start, it’s tempting to jump straight to the perceived problem area: the motor. But the issue could be a simpler one concerning another part of the car.

How do you tell if the brushes are bad on a starter?
It either makes a weird squealing noise without cranking, or cranks very slow. If the motor fires on the very slow cranking, it will start. No changes have been made to the ignition timing (DMC).
What happens when starter motor brushes wear out?
Basically what happens with the worn brushes is they don't make as good of contact which means resistance goes up between the brushes and the commutator for the starter to engage and crank the engine causing the requirement for the battery to go up and have to work harder for electrical flow…
How do I know if my starter is bad on my golf cart?
A simple check with the lights on your cart will help you locate the fault again. A bad starter generator gets hot quickly when the cart starts moving around. Within a short time, it might start letting out smoke as well. Once the smoke starts coming out of it, you know that your starter generator is damaged.
How do you test a golf cart starter?
Touch the other end to the F2 stud on the starter generator. As soon as the positive cable touches the F2 stud, the motor should start to spin in a counter clockwise rotation. If the motor spins, then it is working correctly. If the motor fails to spin, then it is defective and needs to be replaced.
How do you tell if brushes need replacing?
0:111:09When to Change Carbon Brushes in Power Tools - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have to shake your tool or hit it for it to start it's usually the brushes. If you get aMoreIf you have to shake your tool or hit it for it to start it's usually the brushes. If you get a banging sound in the motor. If you're losing rpms. Where you're using the tool or its stalls.
How do you test a motor brush?
Slowly rotate the motor shaft, keeping the tester in position. If the tester doesn't light or buzz, or if it flickers or stutters when you turn the motor shaft, the brushes should be replaced. If the springs behind the brushes are damaged, they should be replaced as well.
Why does my golf cart click but not move?
A Club Car golf cart can start clicking but not move, due to dust accumulating inside the battery ports. Opening the battery ports and checking whether there is any dust accumulation can tell you if this is the case. Cleaning it thoroughly with a cloth can resolve the problem.
Will a bad solenoid click?
One possibility is the solenoid. A single “click” sound comes from the engine compartment or from under the car. This could mean that the solenoid is trying to engage but that the internal components are stuck and unable to work properly. Repeated “clicking” sounds usually indicate a dead battery.
Do golf cart motors have brushes?
0:001:21Servicing golf cart motor / brushes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo here's our motor of both car tension. And apart and you can see the end with the brushesMoreSo here's our motor of both car tension. And apart and you can see the end with the brushes commutator the housing with the magnets.
How tight should golf cart starter belt be?
How Tight Should a Golf Cart Drive Belt Be? The drive belt should not be too tight. If it's too tight it can risk wearing off faster and it's also harder to shift gears.
How does a golf cart starter work?
The starter generator works in two ways; the starter portion cranks the engine and the generator portion recharges the battery. When the gas pedal is depressed the starter cranks the engine over. When it begins to run on its own, the generator portion of the unit begins to charge the 12-volt battery.
How do you polarize a starter generator on a golf cart?
0:391:10How to Polarize at the Generator - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake your live jumper lead and touch it touch touch. You're going to get a small spark. When that'sMoreTake your live jumper lead and touch it touch touch. You're going to get a small spark. When that's happened that's the end of it lay. Your field wire back on where she belongs. And the job is done.
What causes the starter worn brushes?
Causes of brushes to wear in starter motors: In the case of starter motor brush faults, sparks can occur between the starter motor and commutator and the brushes due to unsmooth contact of the brushes.
What do brushes do in a motor?
A carbon brush, also known as a motor brush, is the small part of the motor that conducts electrical current between the stationary wires (stator) and the rotating wires (rotor) of a motor or generator. The brush is typically made up of one or more carbon blocks and can come with one or more shunts or terminals.
How long should carbon brushes last?
between 2 and 10 yearsCarbon brushes will usually last between 2 and 10 years in most power tools, depending on how much they are used. Some brushes can last longer than others all depending on the power of the tool (aka how much wear it puts through the brushes per use).
How do I get my brushes back in the starter?
3:5511:55How To Install Brushes in a Starter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAgainst the frame and it holds that brush back you can see that brushes back just lather rinseMoreAgainst the frame and it holds that brush back you can see that brushes back just lather rinse repeat do that all four so I'm going to do that here real quick.
Dash Lights
The dashboard warning lights come on when you try to turn on your car, but the engine does not crank or spin over. This is a classic sign of a bad starter.
Clicking
If you experience the dreaded “clicking” noise when you try to turn the key, this is a good sign of starter failure. Keep in mind though that even if you do not get the clicking noise and nothing happens when you try to start the car, the issue may still be with the starter.
Slow Cranking
Another symptom of a failing starter is an engine that cranks over very slowly, the starter seems to drag or struggle to spin the engine over.
Smoke
Since there are so many electrical components connected to the starter system, if you try to turn on the car and the only result of this is a ton of smoke, you definitely need to put the key down and call a mechanic. This could be a sign of the starter causing the electrical system to overheat.
Oil-Soaked Starter
You may also want to take the time to pop open the hood and see if you can locate the starter. Sometimes, the oil system can spring a leak which soaks the starter, leading the starter to malfunction. If this is the case, you may be in for some very expensive repairs.
Starter Parts
Select the parts you need, and enter your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine to find the part that fits.
