Dead Trolling Motor

[Rebbasser]

OK, guys-Flyrod and I were out on the water today and the TM just died-no power at all. It is a Motorguide 24 V 71 lb thrust. I've got juice at the plug and it isn't the switch-swapped it out to an older TM and it worked fine. Suggestions?

And please no "Motorguides are crap-we have no trouble with our Minnkota" answers-I ain't in the mood.

[zooker]

flip over the pedal and check the screws with your 12volt probe.
bet you have a rusty connecter

zooker

[Rebbasser]

Nope-that was the first thing I checked before the switch.

[Jolly]

Check the trolling motor 3 prong plug. Open it up and make sure it is all connected, not rusted, etc.

[Rebbasser]

Did that, too. I think what I will do is take it in and find out how much it will cost to fix it, and if it is cost prohibitive get a new one.

[Jolly]

Yeah, that's prabably a good idea... before we break it more or something! LOL!

[pig n jig]

Originally Posted by Rebbasser

And please no "Motorguides are crap-we have no trouble with our Minnkota" answers-I ain't in the mood.

Rebbasser, I am not sure,just guessing, I would say the brushes in the motor, or seal let water in, or for a longshot,the shaft bushing wore ?I have both a Minnkota and Motorguide trolling motors. I don't think there is a dimes worth of difference between the two. P N J

[Rebbasser]

That was easy-took it in to the shop, the tech took it back and about 5 minutes later came back out and handed it back to me. Turns out a wire had pulled loose in the upper unit. Asked him what I owed him and he said "Merry Christmas". Sure made my day!

[skeeter944]

its good that you got it fixed for free! merry christmas!

[bassintom]

on motorguides especially...always check the wiring in the top of the motor first.it's only 4 screws..but it can save a load of guessing.i have seen the connectors corrode,melt or disconnect on a few occasions..and it does happen to minnkotas also(not as often,but it happens)...i had to say that reb.on maxxums at least,always check the momentary/always on switch first.i have replaced many of these on my motors until i started buying the switches at ace hardware.they're cheaper and last longer.

[Rebbasser]

Learned my lesson, Tom-if it happens again I'll check that upper unit as part of my troubleshooting. I'm just glad it was so simple to fix.

[WTL]

Motorguides are crap, I have no trouble with my Minnkota.




Ok, maybe not. One thing I'm fairly grateful for is that trolling motors arent too complicated. A lot of times you can crap engineer them to work and get a few more years out of em.

[commanche]

most of our motorguides that go are following..brushs in lower unit stick which grounds out motor..

the foot pedal switch heats up and goes..

melted wire in the foot pedal..

less you use the on and off with your foot, longer it will last..we put it on slow speed most of time and they will last longer..

i also stop for a few minutes heading back to dock..if you run full speed with no stops,its hard on TM..

[Rebbasser]

Had the foot switch go a couple of weeks back. Could run it on steady but not with the switch. $12 for a new switch and it was good to go.

[commanche]

Originally Posted by Rebbasser

Had the foot switch go a couple of weeks back. Could run it on steady but not with the switch. $12 for a new switch and it was good to go.

i think ,only guess, that a lot of the TM i see break are do to being to small for weight they are pulling..

they overheat..switch/wires melting/fuse usually start acting up..

i got burned on fingers so many times touching wires under the foot control on boats at tournaments etc..

lately, i run mine then stop, run it more,stop going back to dock..

[zooker]

reb
remember that lil rubber boot over the foot switch... knowing about that lil feller has saved my butt a time or two..i now have a spare in the boat as should any one that owns a moter guide..it takes 3 mintues to replace but can really mess up your day with out a spare..the troller will NOT work if the boot is worn thru..

zooker

[1FASTLASER]

LOL Found that out the hard way my buddy ZOOK. I could get voltage to the switch and it would do its thing but when installed NO GO. That little ole boot means go or no go fer sure.

[commanche]

Originally Posted by zooker

reb
remember that lil rubber boot over the foot switch... knowing about that lil feller has saved my butt a time or two..i now have a spare in the boat as should any one that owns a moter guide..it takes 3 mintues to replace but can really mess up your day with out a spare..the troller will NOT work if the boot is worn thru..

zooker

what boot are you talking about?my motorguide has switch out the left side that has 3 positions /on,fast,switch one..

thanks

[zooker]

comman
it is under the on/off switch you step on, right side on moter guides. this lil rubber boot that fits over the on/off switch wears thru and your screwed..a new boot cost $11 or so. i ordered 3 one got put on 2 more spares.it takes 3-5 mintues to replace. no big deal..but if it is worn thru the troller will NOT work AT ALL on pulse mode..consaint on yes..

zooker

[Rebbasser]

Zooker-the boot was fine-got a spare switch and extra boot in the boat. Had a short in the switch. Replaced it and end of problem.

[commanche]

Originally Posted by zooker

comman
it is under the on/off switch you step on, right side on moter guides. this lil rubber boot that fits over the on/off switch wears thru and your screwed..a new boot cost $11 or so. i ordered 3 one got put on 2 more spares.it takes 3-5 mintues to replace. no big deal..but if it is worn thru the troller will NOT work AT ALL on pulse mode..consaint on yes..

zooker

will have to go look at that..thanks

[elite64a]

I have an OLD motor guide 2800. Well I broke the switch off of the foot control not too long ago and had to replace it. Whenever I got the switch the old man told me that motor was older than I was and im 29. Is there any minn kotas out there that have been around that long?

[Recon8541]

I believe I have an old minn that I had since I was 10. its a little portable tiller steer job with like 5 speed settings. it used to push my first boat, a 10ft jon...dont know why but I still have the trolling motor even though the boat sunk....duck hunting....dont ask.....hehehe

[commanche]

Originally Posted by elite64a

I have an OLD motor guide 2800. Well I broke the switch off of the foot control not too long ago and had to replace it. Whenever I got the switch the old man told me that motor was older than I was and im 29. Is there any minn kotas out there that have been around that long?

my minn kota is 36 years old,i also have a maximizer for it also that is almost same age..