Golf carts are a popular mode of transportation on golf courses, and Yamaha is one of the most trusted brands in the industry. Yamaha golf carts come equipped with a governor that limits the speed of the cart to a safe and manageable level. However, some golf cart enthusiasts may want to remove or bypass the governor to increase the speed of their cart. In this article, we’ll discuss the Yamaha golf cart governor bypass and what you need to know before attempting it.
What is a Governor on a Yamaha Golf Cart?
A governor is a device that regulates the speed of the engine by limiting the amount of fuel or air that enters the engine. In a Yamaha golf cart, the governor is designed to limit the maximum speed of the cart to around 15 miles per hour for safety reasons. This is to prevent accidents and ensure that golfers can safely navigate the course without causing harm to themselves or others.
Why Bypass the Governor on a Yamaha Golf Cart?
There are several reasons why someone may want to bypass the governor on their Yamaha golf cart. One of the most common reasons is to increase the speed of the cart for recreational use. Golf carts are not just for golfing, and many people use them for transportation around their property, campground, or neighborhood. By bypassing the governor, they can increase the speed of the cart, making it more fun and practical for their needs.
Another reason why someone may want to bypass the governor is to improve the performance of their Yamaha golf cart. When the governor is in place, it can limit the engine’s power, making the cart feel sluggish and unresponsive. By bypassing the governor, the engine can perform at its full potential, resulting in better acceleration and overall performance.
How to Bypass the Governor on a Yamaha Golf Cart?
Bypassing the governor on a Yamaha golf cart is not recommended for everyone, and it should only be attempted by those with experience working on engines and electrical systems. If you are not comfortable with this type of work, it is best to seek the assistance of a professional mechanic.
Here are the general steps to bypass the governor on a Yamaha golf cart:
- Locate the governor on your Yamaha golf cart. It is typically located near the carburetor or throttle body.
- Disconnect the governor from the carburetor or throttle body. This can be done by removing the linkage or cable that connects the governor to the carburetor.
- Remove the governor from the engine. This can be done by unscrewing the bolts that hold it in place.
- Install a new throttle cable or linkage that bypasses the governor. This will allow you to control the speed of the cart directly.
- Test the cart to make sure it is running correctly and that the speed has increased as desired.
It is essential to note that bypassing the governor on a Yamaha golf cart can be dangerous and can cause damage to the engine if not done correctly. It is crucial to follow the steps carefully and ensure that everything is properly installed before attempting to drive the cart.
Yamaha Golf Cart Governor Bypass Methods
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Remove the governor gear or modify it to bypass governor | Cheap and effective | Can cause engine damage or safety issues | Difficult |
| Electrical | Install a speed controller to limit speed | Easy to install | May not completely bypass governor | Easy |
| Software | Reprogram the engine’s computer | Complete control over speed limit | Requires specialized software and knowledge | Difficult |
| Hybrid | Combination of mechanical and electrical methods | Flexible and effective | May not completely bypass governor | Moderate |
| Experimental | Unconventional methods, such as nitrous oxide injection | Potential for significant speed gains | Unsafe and may cause engine damage | Extremely difficult |
Mechanical Bypass Methods
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove governor gear | Remove the governor gear from the engine | Cheap and simple | Can cause engine damage | Difficult |
| Modify governor gear | Modify the governor gear to bypass the governor | More precise control than removal | Can cause engine damage | Difficult |
| Remove governor springs | Remove or adjust the governor springs | Can increase speed without modifying gears | May not completely bypass governor | Moderate |
| Replace governor | Replace the governor with an aftermarket part | More reliable than modifying stock parts | Can be expensive | Difficult |
| Manual throttle | Use a manual throttle control instead of the governor | Simple and effective | Can be unsafe | Easy |
Electrical Bypass Methods
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed controller | Install a speed controller to limit speed | Easy to install | May not completely bypass governor | Easy |
| High-speed motor | Replace the stock motor with a high-speed motor | Increases speed without modifying governor | Can be expensive | Difficult |
| Voltage reducer | Install a voltage reducer to decrease speed | Simple and effective | May not completely bypass governor | Easy |
| RPM limiter | Install an RPM limiter to prevent over-speeding | Prevents engine damage | May not completely bypass governor | Easy |
| Throttle governor | Install a throttle governor to limit throttle range | More precise control than other electrical methods | May not completely bypass governor | Moderate |
Software Bypass Methods
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reprogram ECU | Reprogram the engine’s computer to remove governor | Complete control over speed limit | Requires specialized software and knowledge | Difficult |
| Piggyback ECU | Install a piggyback ECU to modify engine signals | More flexible than reprogramming | Can be expensive | Moderate |
| Flash tuner | Use a flash tuner to modify ECU programming | More convenient than reprogramming | Can be expensive | Moderate |
| Speed governor defeat module | Install a defeat module to bypass governor signals | Easy to install | May not completely bypass governor | Easy |
| Fuel controller | Install a fuel controller to adjust fuel flow and speed | More precise control than other software methods | May not completely bypass governor | Difficult |
Experimental Bypass Methods
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turbocharging | Install a turbocharger to increase engine power | Significant speed gains | Can be expensive and complex | Extremely difficult |
| Supercharging | Install a supercharger to increase engine power | Significant speed gains | Can be expensive and complex | Extremely difficult |
| High-flow exhaust | Install a high-flow exhaust to increase engine performance | Can provide slight speed gains | May not completely bypass governor | Moderate |
| Porting and polishing | Modify engine ports and cylinder head for increased airflow | Can provide significant speed gains | Can be expensive and requires expertise | Extremely difficult |
| Oversized carburetor | Install an oversized carburetor for increased fuel flow | Can provide significant speed gains | May not completely bypass governor | Difficult |
Pros and Cons of Yamaha Golf Cart Governor Bypass Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Cheap and effective | Can cause engine damage or safety issues |
| Electrical | Easy to install | May not completely bypass governor |
| Software | Complete control over speed limit | Requires specialized software and knowledge |
| Hybrid | Flexible and effective | May not completely bypass governor |
| Experimental | Potential for significant speed gains | Unsafe and may cause engine damage |
Yamaha Golf Cart Models and Recommended Governor Bypass Methods
| Model | Recommended Bypass Method |
|---|---|
| G2 | Mechanical or Electrical |
| G9 | Mechanical or Electrical |
| G14 | Electrical or Hybrid |
| G16 | Electrical or Hybrid |
| G19 | Electrical or Hybrid |
| G22 | Software or Hybrid |
| G29/Drive | Software or Hybrid |
Note: The recommended bypass method for each model is based on the availability of parts and expertise, as well as the specific limitations of each model’s engine.
Common Symptoms of a Faulty Governor
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Slow Acceleration | The golf cart takes longer to reach top speed than usual. |
| Inconsistent Speed | The golf cart’s speed varies, even when the accelerator is fully engaged. |
| Limited Top Speed | The golf cart cannot reach its maximum speed or is limited in its top speed. |
| Engine Stalling | The golf cart’s engine may stall or shut down unexpectedly. |
| Engine Overheating | The golf cart’s engine may overheat due to increased strain from the governor. |
Note: It is important to note that experimental bypass methods can be dangerous and can cause damage to the engine or the vehicle itself. These methods should only be attempted by experienced individuals who have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform these modifications safely and effectively. Additionally, modifying a golf cart in any way may void the manufacturer’s warranty and may be illegal in some jurisdictions. It is important to consult with local laws and regulations before attempting any modifications to a golf cart.
Conclusion
Bypassing the governor on a Yamaha golf cart can be a fun and exciting modification for those who are comfortable working on engines and electrical systems. However, it is not recommended for everyone, and it should only be attempted by those with experience in this area. Always take safety precautions and ensure that everything is installed correctly before driving the cart. By following these tips, you can enjoy a faster and more powerful Yamaha golf cart.
