How to Convert a Golf Cart From Electric to Gas Powered

golf cart
  • 10-20 hours
  • Advanced
  • 2,000-5,000
What You'll Need
Conversion kit
Gas tank
Wrenches
Screwdriver
Pliers
What You'll Need
Conversion kit
Gas tank
Wrenches
Screwdriver
Pliers

Converting a golf cart that is electric powered to a gas powered golf cart is not an easy project for a do-it-yourselfer. That is not to say it cannot be done, but understand there is a lot of process involved in the conversion. To begin, if you own an electric golf cart you will need to obtain a conversion kit that allows you to change the engine and transmission that is currently being operated on electricity. You will also need a way to jack up the golf cart in order to get to the transmission and work on making the new connections for your gas powered golf cart.

If you choose to do this type of project, here are the steps and processes that should help you accomplish the conversion from electricity to gas.

Step 1 - Acquire Materials to Accomplish Conversion

You will need to purchase a conversion kit that allows you to change the electric golf cart to a gas powered golf cart. This includes a new gas tank, transmission, and engine that will be fitted onto the existing golf cart. If you cannot locate such a kit, you will need to find a used golf cart that is gas powered and strip it for its parts in order to accomplish your conversion.

Step 2 - Disconnect the Battery and Other Electronic Components

Place the golf cart on jacks while it is still being operated as an electric golf cart. With the golf cart properly secured on the lifts, you need to disconnect the battery and remove it from the golf cart, along with the starter and other components that are incompatible with a gas powered golf cart. Use the owner's manual as a guide to see what components and parts need to be removed and replaced.

Step 3 - Take out the Engine and Transmission

row of golf carts

You will need to remove the engine and transmission from the electric golf cart. These parts should be placed on the side and sold as spare parts or given to a salvage yard. With the removal of the engine and transmission complete move the gas transmission and engine from the conversion kit or used gas powered golf cart in place for installation.

Step 4 - Install the Gas Transmission and Engine

You will now need to fit the transmission and engine for the gas powered golf cart in the housing that held the electric parts in place. Secure the transmission and engine with the appropriate mounts that came with the conversion kit.

Step 5 - Install the Gas Tank

You may need to drill a hole in the engine compartment or rear of the golf cart in order to mount the gas tank. Make sure the gas tank is located in a place on the golf cart where it is not near any combustible materials and it can be accessed in order for you to refuel the gas powered golf cart.