1989 EZ-Go Marathon Charging Question

[suttonsigep]

I just purchased my first golf cart last week, an 89 EZ-Go Marathon (36v). When I purchased it, it was not running. I replaced the batteries and solenoid, and it seems to be running fine now (a little slow, but I’ll worry about that later). My question is around charging though. As I said, this is my first cart so I’m still learning the best practices. The cart came with a Lester Electrical model 09611 charger. As far as I can tell, this charger will not automatically shut off when the batteries are at 100%. Is that correct? When should I charge my batteries and how do I know when they’re finished? I keep reading about leaving your cart on the charger all the time, but I gather that they have automatic chargers that maintain the charge. I will likely order one of those soon, but in the meantime, I would appreciate any tips.

[Andy4639]

Depending on what your battery pack voltage is will determine how much charge you need. With the older timer chargers it's a guessing game at best. You can take battery pack voltage readings and set the timer per the voltage reading. The higher the voltage reading is the smaller the run time. Starting @ 36 volts. If the cart is reading 36 volts then I suggest about 5/6 hours on the charger. If it's reading 37 volts knock at least 2hr off that and so on. This isn't set in stone just what I have found to work for me over the past 30 years fooling with them.