I need help!

[Tyler Bruno]

Just bought a gas club car
guy told me it was a 1995 but from what I read online the vin number starts with ag88 witch means it's a 1988? Can anyone lead me in the right direction. Also idk if I need a new belt or a clutch or just a good cleaning or oil the clutch? Takes a few seconds to go then u almost feel it shift then once it does it has no balls. And it doesent like hills. Can anyone help!?

[golfcartg]

Congrats on the new cart! You can plug your serial number into the club car serial number decoder to get the exact specs

The drive clutch connected to the engine, engages when you press the accelerator, causing the belt to transfer power to the driven clutch which is attached to the rear axle. As the RPMs increase, the drive clutch closes, and the driven clutch opens, allowing the belt to move higher on the drive clutch and lower on the driven clutch, which increases speed.

Over time, these clutches can wear out, causing issues like delayed acceleration or loss of power especially on hills. Common problems include worn out clutch surfaces, weak or broken clutch springs, or a belt that has stretched or glazed over from use. When the clutches or belt are worn, the drive clutch might not engage as quickly, causing the "lag" you feel before the cart starts to move. Similarly, if the driven clutch isn’t functioning properly, it might not provide the necessary torque to climb hills, leading to the feeling you mentioned.

In your case, it sounds like the drive clutch might be slow to engage, or the belt could be worn or slipping, which would explain the delayed start and poor performance on hills. Inspect the clutches for wear, look for grooves, cracks, or a polished surface on the clutch faces, which indicate wear. The belt should also be checked for signs of wear like fraying, cracks, or glazing. If the belt is more than 1 inch wide, it might be stretched and should be replaced.

Another thing to consider is the age of the cart. Since it's likely an older model from 1988, it's possible the clutches and belt are simply showing their age. Regular maintenance is key. Oiling the clutch is generally not recommended, as it can attract dirt and lead to further issues, so stick to cleaning and inspection.

Lastly, it’s worth checking the condition of the engine and confirming it’s producing enough power. Worn clutches and belts can exacerbate a weak engine’s struggle to maintain speed on inclines.