How to Remove the Governor From a Golf Cart

In this blog post, you'll learn how to take off the governor from a golf cart. It's a fairly easy task and you'll need a few tools. If you don't own these tools, they can be conveniently purchased at your local hardware store for around $15.

What is a governor and how does it work ?

A governor is a device that automatically restricts the flow or speed of a machine. In case you consider applying this modification to your golf cart, note that it will make the engine run faster and with greater thrust which, in turn, will result in higher speeds. Even though this may sound very tempting (especially if you consider the trick potential), you need to know that making changes to the engine of a golf cart is strictly forbidden by law.

Therefore, unless you own all the rights to your vehicle (and are willing to take the risk), you should not try this modification. Besides, for most average golfers who don't want higher speeds and only seek more power for climbing hills or pulling heavy objects (like a log splitter), the modification of the governor is not recommended.

How to remove the governor from a golf cart

Step 1: Releasing the air pressure from the tires

The first step is to remove all air from the tires of your golf cart. This is done so that you can place it on a jack without the possibility for it tipping over and falling off. Refer to your owner's manual if you're not sure how to do this since each model uses different methods.

Step 2: Removing the gas cap

The second step is to remove the gas cap. The first thing you need to do is remove the screws from the fuel controller (located right next to it). Disconnect all wires and pull out its housing. Then locate and detach the two hoses leading from this device to your carburetor and transfer pump.

Step 3: Controlling the fuel supply

The third step is to isolate the circuit controlling your fuel supply (which is located underneath your gas tank). In order to do this, you need to detach a hose which leads from the carburetor. Then take off any bolts or screws securing it and place a bucket underneath to keep the fuel from spilling. Once this is done, remove the hose.

Next, disconnect all electrical connectors running to this circuit and pull out its housing (this will allow you to reach every screw that secures it). Unscrew and take out everything inside of it. And once you're finished removing these pieces, detach the rest of the hoses. You should now have an empty and exposed circuit which will allow you to easily detach any wires running to the governor (located on top of the gas tank).

Step 4: Removing the connectors from your golf cart's engine

The fourth step is to remove all of the bolts from your engine cover and then disconnect all of the wires running to it.

Step 5: Finding and detaching the governor wire

Once you're finished removing these electrical connectors, look for a black or white wire which is connected to them. It should be present from one side of your engine cover (going inwards) and then out again on the other side (on top of your gas tank). If you want to verify that this is the right wire, check if it has a black plastic box on one of its ends.

Step 6: Disconnecting the switch from your golf cart's engine

The sixth step is to disconnect all wires running into and out of your engine itself. This can be done by simply pulling them off their connectors since some wires go directly into your engine while others pass through the carburetor and gas tank.

Step 7: Removing the governor

The seventh step is to find and detach the mechanical lever which is connected to your golf cart's governor. This can be done by simply pulling it away from its hinges (which are mounted on top of the gas tank). Once you do this, remove all screws securing it to your engine cover and then pull it out. You should now have all the pieces necessary to completely detach your governor.

Step 8: Finishing touches and putting it back together

The final step is to reattach some wires and hoses which you previously detached. You should now be ready to put your golf cart back together again.

Why would you want to do this ?

There are two reasons why some golf cart owners decide to remove the governor from their vehicles.

They do this either because  they want more power or they want better climbing capabilities . Some people claim that modifying your governor can also make you go faster. But this is simply a myth and it's based on nothing more than some guesses. The truth is that since your engine cannot run without a governor, removing it will cause it to burn out much sooner - which means you lose the ability to use your golf cart for anything other than basic transportation.

However, modifying your engine's carburetor can allow you to enjoy more power and better climbing capabilities. You simply need to check and modify the carburetor's specific gravity settings and you should be done. If you want more power, then you can also install bigger batteries in your golf cart .

However there is a catch. You see, modifying your governor will only disable it for as long as you don't turn on the engine (which is probably why some people mistakenly believe that removing your governor can make you go faster). The moment you start the engine again, it will automatically engage and you'll lose your ability to enjoy more power or better climbing capabilities. So if any of these two things are what you're after, then keeping the governor on is the way to go. 

But if you want to disable your governor permanently , then you can do that by removing it entirely and welding/gluing its assembly in place. If you don't know how to do this, then pay a mechanic for the service or consult a local repair shop.

Tools needed for removing the governor from a golf cart :

A screwdriver, socket wrench set, wrenches, a hammer and pliers.

The time needed for removing the governor from a golf cart : 30 to 60 minutes (depends on experience).

There is one other method for removing your governor which doesn't involve breaking any wires . It involves using a type of tool known as a 'choke puller'. This is the same tool you can use to remove carburetors from engines and it's usually attached to another set of specialized pliers. You simply need to use these tools in order to remove your governor. But since you can't use these tools on a golf cart, I won't go into greater detail about this method.

However if you want to know more about it , then simply Google 'choke puller' and check out the first few results . You'll be able to find everything you need there.

Safety tips when removing the governor from your golf cart

Removing the governor from your golf cart is a job which requires that you respect certain safety precautions.

Below, I have listed some of them so that you can avoid accidents and make sure everything goes smoothly:

Stay safe.: Always turn off your engine before starting any repair work. This works both ways - not only will it reduce the risk of an accident, it will also prevent your golf cart from accidentally starting on its own.

If you need to remove a battery, connect the posts with tape or clip them together in order to avoid sparks.

Don't let any exposed wires touch each other and always twist wires together - preferably using electrical wire connectors which are designed for this purpose.

Always wear protective clothing . This means goggles, gloves and rubber shoes which are meant for working outside or using dangerous substances/machinery (I would suggest getting a pair of thick boots with rubber soles).

Final Thought

Now that you know more about how to remove your governor from a golf cart, go out and do it. However keep in mind that doing so will permanently disable the governor on your golf cart . This means you will lose control over the speed of your engine no matter what you do .

If this is a disadvantage for you , then either leave the governor where it is or find a mechanic so he can permanently disable your governor . If you do choose to remove your governor, then you will be able to benefit from more power and better climbing capabilities. Whether this is worth the trouble for you or not is an entirely different question.