Trolling Motor - Loss of power

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jon Werner on July 17, 2011 at 7:57pm

How long have you owned it?

 

Permalink Reply by Jay Johnson on July 17, 2011 at 8:33pm

I have had it for 3. But it is at least 5 years old. Reading some online and it has been suggested bad 5 speed switch as a possibility.

Permalink Reply by Tory Weigel on July 17, 2011 at 8:52pm

Just had that happen to me. No power in reverse. Replaced the switch for $20. Easy fix. Found the replacement on line. Hope this helps

Permalink Reply by Chris Blandi on July 17, 2011 at 8:57pm

When you go from 4 to 5, is there a big jump in power, there should be.  Sounds like your motor is giving up.

Permalink Reply by Jay Johnson on July 17, 2011 at 9:31pm

That was my thought at first. On Reverse 1 - 3 work fine.  On Forward 1 - 3 work fine ... 4 and 5 basically stay at 3. Though 5 seems to drop in speed without the load of being actually in the water.

Permalink Reply by Harold Erickson on July 18, 2011 at 5:49am

anglers choice in Mt.Lake Terrace is a repair shop they can get you the parts you need.

Permalink Reply by Chris Blandi on July 18, 2011 at 11:20am

His is a transom mount

 

Permalink Reply by Jay Johnson on July 18, 2011 at 12:47pm

Yes it is a transom mount but it did happen right after digging my way through the soup.  I am going to open up the switch housing tonight to see if I can see the damage.  Found the switch on EBay for $19 shipped so will have to see what the exploratory surgery shows me tonight.

Permalink Reply by Jay Johnson on July 18, 2011 at 1:11pm

I agree. Have checked wiring and all seem to be in good shape.  Gut feeling is saying that inside the switch is smoked.

Permalink Reply by Jay Johnson on July 19, 2011 at 8:40am

So removed the switch from the trolling motor and cracked it open.  At first glance all seemed in good order and thought I was going have to get a whole new trolling motor.  So I stepped away, had a beer and then took another look at it.  Noticed on one contact it had a bump of melted plastic on the edge of it.  Ground off the plastic, clamped the switch back together and trolling motor runs like a champ.  Ordered up new switch instead of trying to glue this one all back together.  Ordered it for $19 online ... so much better than $200 for a new trolling motor.  Will let you guys know how the installation goes when the new switch arrives.  Thanks for all of the help and advice everyone!

Permalink Reply by Steve Hastings on July 19, 2011 at 12:29pm

Sounds like your on your way. Just wanted to mention. Dirty switches will increase resistance the dirtier they get, which causes a greater voltage drop across the switch and less voltage hitting the load aka motor drive circuit.  When they do, they will heat up above levels they should be reaching and you get the melting.

I'd expect you're in the right spot.   Just watch the switch for heating and melting your next trips out, just in case you have something more.

 

You can have shorted windings in a motor, which reduces the overall impedance and current increases, which could also cause your melting issue.  The former is the right place to start. If its still heating up, replacing the motor brushes and or armature may be required.

 

Partially writing this for future readers.

 

Steve

Permalink Reply by Jay Johnson on July 19, 2011 at 12:46pm

Steve ... is a good read and great information to be tucked in for later.  Thanks!