Battery question

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rafal199414

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Hey,
so my battery was dead on my go kart and I replaced it with a car battery (12V). I'm pretty sure the original one was only 6V. Does that really matter? Will that have any affect on the alternator? After running the go kart on that battery (the 12V) for about half an hour, the go kart will not start by itself. I need to jump start it. I'm not sure what's causing problem if it's the battery (12V instead of 6V) or is it the alternator? Any way to test the alternator?

Thanks for responses.
 
anderkart

anderkart

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I might be able to help, what brand and model engine do you have there?
(you might find its model # stamped in the side cover or on a tag somewhere)
 
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Badot

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Erm... at the very least, if the kart has a charging coil it would be incapable of charging the battery and the battery will become damaged/useless rather quickly, especially if there's a constant load like lighting.

Running too high a voltage can easily damage literally every electrical component of the starting/charging/auxiliary system.
 
qtband

qtband

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Don't use a 12v if it came with a 6v. Bad tyhings will happen, if they haven't all ready. Your charging coil is probably shot.
 
ryf

ryf

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if it has a on engine charging system, get it fired up with a pull start and put a voltmeter on it. do you have a battery part number?

if you are "pretty sure" its a 6v system, why did you put a 12V battery on it. u can burn up the charging system, coil, starter, lights... if you can't determine what kind of motor it is, then your pretty much screwed as far as getting parts, in other words, clean the motor and look for a part number etc. help us help you
 
Doc Sprocket

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crazyman said:
The easiest way to tell is how many cells the battery has. 3 cells, 6v. 6 cells, 12v. 1.5 volts per cell.
Click to expand...

I think my calculator is busted-
I get

3 (cells) x 1.5 (volts) = 4.5 volts
6 x 1.5 = 9 volts.

Perhaps you mean 2 volts/cell? I know that little batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) tend to be 1.5.

Rafal- What maybe happened-> Charging system (if really 6v) could not charge 12v battery. What could happen-> Burning out your starter, maybe more. Where the truth lies-> I would be very surprised if it's a 6v system. Possible, but not probable. Perhaps your charging system is not working properly, wiring is not right, or a fuse is blown. The battery may be in poor condition.

Bottom line-> We need to start by identifying your engine. Start by posting pics. If the need arises, powerwash the engine to find ID marks.
 
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