1989 V-Glide, what do you think?

[timflury]

Well, it's that time of year to get the cart out of hibernation and get it tuned up for the '15 camping season.

Anyhoo, last year I noticed when I was climbing hills that the cart would really slow down. I would "tap tap tap" on the GO pedal and the cart would pick up speed still going uphill.

Now I'm going to dive in to the V-Glide and clean it up. So I was wondering what if anything I should lube the contacts with. Should I use the dielectric grease that I use on my trailer lighting?? or is there some special grease I should get right from Club Car??

[golfcartg]

This is actually a really great topic, thanks for mentioning it timflury
Regular V-Glide maintenance can significantly extend its life and improve overall accelerator performance. By keeping the contacts clean and well lubricated you'll prevent common issues related to wear and corrosion. The industry standard involves using either a conductive grease or a dielectric grease each with its specific applications and benefits.

Conductive grease is designed to improve the electrical conductivity between contacts while providing lubrication. This type of grease reduces electrical resistance and wear for smooth operation. A popular choice for conductive grease is No-Ox-ID "A-Special." To apply it, first power off the cart and the make sure the batteries are disconnected (starting with the pack negative) to prevent accidental short circuits. Clean the contacts and wiper arm thoroughly with a contact cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt, old grease, or corrosion. Then, apply a thin layer of No-Ox-ID to the contact surfaces and wiper arm using a small brush or your finger. Be careful not to over apply, as excess grease can attract dirt and debris, potentially causing further issues. Finally, reassemble the V-Glide and reconnect the batteries to test the cart for smooth operation.

On the other hand, dielectric grease is used to protect electrical connections from moisture and corrosion. Although it is non conductive, it can still be used to lubricate the contacts in the V-Glide because it provides a protective barrier without affecting the electrical connection. Permatex Dielectric Tune Up Grease is a widely recommended product for this purpose. The application process is similar: start by turning off the power and disconnecting the batteries. Clean the contacts and wiper arm with a contact cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Apply a small amount of Dielectric to the contact surfaces and wiper arm. This grease will prevent corrosion. Reassemble the V-Glide, reconnect the batteries, and test the cart to make sure it operates smoothly.

Petroleum jelly like Vaseline can be used as a temporary lubricant for the contacts in a V-Glide. It is an accessible and household option that provides some lubrication and protection against moisture. However, it's not specifically designed for electrical applications like conductive or dielectric greases. While petroleum jelly can work in a pinch, it's recommended to switch to a proper conductive or dielectric grease for long term maintenance.