How to Change Golf Cart Oil

Gasoline-powered, E-Z-GO golf carts are equipped with an internal combustion engine similar to the motor installed in passenger automobiles. A golf cart must undergo regular maintenance like vehicles powered by traditional engines. E-Z-GO recommends that owners change the engine oil every 125 hours of operation or a minimum of twice a year. To keep your cart in the best condition possible, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual as well as the tips provided in this guide on how to change golf cart oil.

Tools and Materials

Before beginning the process, you will need to gather some tools and materials. Essential items include:

• Lint-free rag
• Wrench
• Oil drain pan
• Funnel
• 10W-30 grade motor oil
• Replacement oil filter
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses

How to Change Golf Cart Oil

It is easier to change the oil when the engine is warm. As a safety precaution, wear heavy work gloves. Put on eye protection to avoid splashing oil in your eyes.

1. Park the golf cart on a level surface. Start the engine, and allow it to warm up. Once the engine is warm, apply the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the ignition key.
2. Use the lint-free cloth to clean off the engine oil cap along with the area surrounding it. This will help prevent debris from inadvertently entering the engine when the cap is removed. Put the cap aside in a safe location.
3. Place the drain pan under the oil filter. The filter is installed within a triangular-shaped housing, which is attached to the engine by three bolts.
4. Use the wrench to remove the retaining bolts. Pull the filter out of the engine. Set the rubber O-ring off to the side. Let the oil drain into the pan.
5. Wipe the area surrounding the oil filter mounting point with the lint-free rag. Replace golf cart oil filter with a correctly sized new one using the O-ring to seal it. In some cases, you may be able to clean the oil filter with engine degreaser or compressed air. When using a degreaser, allow the filter to air dry before reinstallation. If you use compressed air, do not exceed 30 pounds per square inch, and keep the nozzle at least 3 inches away from the filter.
6. After sliding the oil filter into place, reinstall the three retaining bolts with a wrench.
7. Insert the funnel into the filler cap opening. Pour small amounts of 10W-30 grade motor oil into the funnel. Stop periodically to check the fluid level on the engine oil dipstick. It has two lines. The bottom line indicates the minimum amount required for safe engine operation. The top line just below the letter “F” indicates the full mark. Pour oil into the engine until the level is between the two lines.
8. Remove the funnel, reinstall the cap and wipe away any spilled oil.

When you change the oil and replace golf cart oil filter as recommended, you will prolong the service life of your cart.