Please Help with Trolling Motor

KVH · 08-05-07, 12:45 PM

I really am handy with tools and mechanical things, including motors, but this one has me stumped!!

My Motor Guide 55 lb thrust became "dogmeat" about a year ago. I keep trying things: new batteries, tightening the cables, etc. I took it into a shop and the mechanic could only say, "It seems OK, maybe you just need a new one."

But even though it's now 8 years old, I really hardly used it.

Here's the thing: It's plain weak. Power is definitely better on 24 volts, but the big roar on 24 volts is mostly gone. I'm convinced something is wired wrong but I can't seem to located or find a problem.

On 12 volts the changing speeds (1 through 3) don't seem to do much. On 24 volts the speeds seem to change better, and high speed seems OK, but in the water the thing is a complete dog.

The shop says a new one is $800. I'm not ready for that. Is there something I'm overlooking. Do I keep cross wiring the thing wrong? Have I blown a component?

Advice please. thx

PS I have a dual charger in the boat.

Rebbasser · 08-05-07, 01:43 PM

Welcome to the forum!

Did it work when you took it to the mechanic? If it did, it sounds it may be the wires from the batteries to the tm. Check the plug and see it you are getting juice to the TM. If you are, and it didn't work for the mechanic he may be right and you may need to get a new TM.

If you have to get a new one rather than getting it from the shop check out Cabelas. No sales tax and free shipping-I bought one from then a couple years back with no problems.

zooker · 08-05-07, 06:19 PM

check your plug in replace it if original.. alot of the WEIRD stuff that trollers do happens around the plug..

zooker

KVH · 08-05-07, 08:55 PM

I'll try that; any other ideas? It runs, it's just weak.

Anything with a tester?

1FASTLASER · 08-06-07, 08:06 PM

Ok what you may very well be experiencing is low amperage to the batteries. You said its 8 years old so I am assuming the wires are at the least that old. When a wire and this includes ALL wires are left connected to a 12v source it sets up electrolosis which in laymen terms means corroision on 12 wires. It happens in ALL boats. Its the green stuff seen on the wires. Now what you have explained in your post sounds like a good case of this. Check all the connections not only at the batteries but behind the plug as well, and also check along the wires for any places in the wires that appear to be very stiff or swollen. If you suspect an area in the wiring pull out the ole pocket knife and check to see if the wire is green or very black in color. If it is REPLACE your trolling motor leads. Any corrosion on 12v wires will cause a drop in amperage getting to the device be it a troller,fish finder lights, anything.

Captmikestarrett · 08-07-07, 08:11 AM

Have the brushes ever been replaced?

8 years old it more than likely has corroded the armture contact area and the springs that hold the brushes tight are weak now.. Brush issues have a growl that comes from the motor you can hear.. kind of a GGERRR sound when you first step on the switch.

Capt Mike

Bender · 08-07-07, 11:10 PM

I agree with Laser, but to go one step further check where any terminals (spade or ring) have been crimped onto the wires. I normally cut them off and strip the wires back a couple of inches to get to clean copper. After a few years the whole area gets corroded. Check and replace all connections before making the plunge on a new TM.

08-05-07, 12:45 PM	#1
KVH BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Out West Posts: 2	Please Help with Trolling Motor I really am handy with tools and mechanical things, including motors, but this one has me stumped!! My Motor Guide 55 lb thrust became "dogmeat" about a year ago. I keep trying things: new batteries, tightening the cables, etc. I took it into a shop and the mechanic could only say, "It seems OK, maybe you just need a new one." But even though it's now 8 years old, I really hardly used it. Here's the thing: It's plain weak. Power is definitely better on 24 volts, but the big roar on 24 volts is mostly gone. I'm convinced something is wired wrong but I can't seem to located or find a problem. On 12 volts the changing speeds (1 through 3) don't seem to do much. On 24 volts the speeds seem to change better, and high speed seems OK, but in the water the thing is a complete dog. The shop says a new one is $800. I'm not ready for that. Is there something I'm overlooking. Do I keep cross wiring the thing wrong? Have I blown a component? Advice please. thx PS I have a dual charger in the boat.

08-05-07, 01:43 PM	#2
Rebbasser BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 10,141	Welcome to the forum! Did it work when you took it to the mechanic? If it did, it sounds it may be the wires from the batteries to the tm. Check the plug and see it you are getting juice to the TM. If you are, and it didn't work for the mechanic he may be right and you may need to get a new TM. If you have to get a new one rather than getting it from the shop check out Cabelas. No sales tax and free shipping-I bought one from then a couple years back with no problems. __________________ It's happened to the best of them: John 21:3

08-05-07, 06:19 PM	#3
zooker BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: denton nc Posts: 13,441	check your plug in replace it if original.. alot of the WEIRD stuff that trollers do happens around the plug.. zooker __________________ the godfather.. aml in remission since 7-20-09

08-05-07, 08:55 PM	#4
KVH BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Out West Posts: 2	The plug I'll try that; any other ideas? It runs, it's just weak. Anything with a tester?

08-06-07, 08:06 PM	#5
1FASTLASER BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: crossett,arkansas Posts: 2,777	Ok what you may very well be experiencing is low amperage to the batteries. You said its 8 years old so I am assuming the wires are at the least that old. When a wire and this includes ALL wires are left connected to a 12v source it sets up electrolosis which in laymen terms means corroision on 12 wires. It happens in ALL boats. Its the green stuff seen on the wires. Now what you have explained in your post sounds like a good case of this. Check all the connections not only at the batteries but behind the plug as well, and also check along the wires for any places in the wires that appear to be very stiff or swollen. If you suspect an area in the wiring pull out the ole pocket knife and check to see if the wire is green or very black in color. If it is REPLACE your trolling motor leads. Any corrosion on 12v wires will cause a drop in amperage getting to the device be it a troller,fish finder lights, anything. __________________ Laser's rule with Merc's doing the pushing..........KEEP THE WETSIDE DOWN AND THE DRY SIDE UP!!!!!!

08-07-07, 08:11 AM	#6
Captmikestarrett BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2006 Location: Accokeek MD Posts: 3,315	Have the brushes ever been replaced? 8 years old it more than likely has corroded the armture contact area and the springs that hold the brushes tight are weak now.. Brush issues have a growl that comes from the motor you can hear.. kind of a GGERRR sound when you first step on the switch. Capt Mike __________________ Capt Mike Starrett light tackle guide Potomac River http://www.indianheadcharters.com

08-07-07, 11:10 PM	#7
Bender BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Brighton, MI Posts: 2,414	I agree with Laser, but to go one step further check where any terminals (spade or ring) have been crimped onto the wires. I normally cut them off and strip the wires back a couple of inches to get to clean copper. After a few years the whole area gets corroded. Check and replace all connections before making the plunge on a new TM.

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