Electric Trolling Motor Diagnose and Repair

[@donricki1]

Two years later this motor is going strong kzbin.infoUgkxBZWgzfpS2Jj7JqIHyaSZjyVHNUgCKCBf Just uploaded a video of it after 2 years. We use it probably a dozen days each year on our small raft.-original review- We got this motor the other day and tested it out. I don't have anything to compare it to, but it seems good to me. It has all the features advertised - the motor housing is metal. We will see how it performs longer term and I will revise this review if needed. Some initial observations:- Good thrust, moves our boat around really well- It comes with a circuit breaker but no switch - so there's no way to kill the motor other than yanking the connection off the battery. I installed an inline switch.- The mount bracket is plastic and I worry it might break- There are a number of plastic parts that I worry about, but the most important ones are metal or some kind of composite

[@chadwiggins4633]

If Bob Ross were a mechanic....Great video!

[@tomasweber307]

Ha ha. I was just about to wright “”and we’ll just clean up this little brush right over here”. Lol.

[@nyabingirasta]

Wow can I send my trolling motor to fix

[@grantdevries8648]

Thank you Dan Aykroyd for the tutorial. Da bears

[@mdwdirect]

You make everything look so obvious and simple.

[@joshbest-green27]

I got mine working thanks to you! Saved me $500 or so

[@buzmey9]

Attention to detail. Anyone that has you service their equipment or autos is quite lucky.

[@musicaslaw]

I was not looking forward to tearing my motor apart, but now I am, armed with this friendly, common sense approach.

[@carlmend619]

FYI the motor was too loud for me the way to fix that is to loosen the two long bolts and turn the housing it will be quieter and perform better on the water turn it left and right until you hit the sweet spot.

[@bobkrohn3700]

love your straight forward teaching methodology! Great use of the camera so your viewers can see what's going on. Also enjoyed learning how to check the power supply. Thanks Jeff!

[@hardset-vi3ze]

There's a time to go fast and a time to go slow....knowing the difference makes you a pro!! I learned that myself over a 45 year career and see you've learned that too. Nice straightforward, easy to follow work. Kudos to you!!

[@dennisedwards8954]

In high school drafting class decades ago I learned from Mr Schultz that in life there seems to be never enough time to do something right but always enough time to do it over. And all these years since then I have also learned that many people have not been exposed to that. philosophy.

[@irench]

Love the loaded custom testers. I am a 32yr Master ASE and specialize in exercising poltergeists. I use many a tool I developed especially when you find a common testing situation. I have 3 different bulbs, I use an old halogen high low with a switch wired in to make it single or dual load, I use 3157 also with a switch and a 921 for low current loads. cooling fans to pwm fuel modules, works wonders.

[@mustie1]

great repair, love that shop too,

[@2jeffs1]

Thank you. We do enjoy challenge of keeping things from those recyclers! ;>)

[@icantthinkofaname4682]

Look who I found while trying to fix a free trolling motor lol. Love both your guys' videos

[@jp040759]

Minn Kota's are really great. I repaired mine once and the customer service was great. When I found out where to get parts list I was actually able to get replacement decals and side plate to make my motor look brand new. They definitely designed their products for repair ability. It was cool to see how got into the motor head itself. I thought it was going to be more difficult. Easy peasy.

[@wildncrazyguytv]

Who’s the man? Your the man! Thank you for explaining this is such great detail. I wish I was one half as organized as you!🤙

[@stevewright2653]

Great video. Got to see what was wrong and how you fixed it as well as how you took everything apart. Just one thought. The pin in the propeller you made out of a drill bit. I thought those pins were a much softer metal and were meant to break when the propeller is stressed to keep the shaft or propeller from being damaged. Love the video. Thank you for taking the time to make it so worth watching.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Diagnosing is half the fun. Nicely done.

[@2jeffs1]

Thank You! Sure is. Was surprised on how nice it was designed for working on.

[@thenault20]

What a handy fella lol I envy this guy tho cuz he gets to do what he enjoys doing and he's obviously quite stress free in his element 🙌👏👏 Great video btw! Liked n subscribed😉

[@josephschury7861]

I would like to see how the brushes are held in by the springs then released, thanks, Kyle. I liked your video.

[@10OZDuster]

how is the metal casing sealed to rear casing just grease ? no seal[o-ring] or something...isn't water gonna penetrate metal to metal no seal ?

[@chrisstrutton3796]

Great video. What are you using for a power supply?

[@fishinjunkee1701]

Thanks for the info , my trolling motor is up and running now!

[@ncm55449]

Nice to see a guy who can use his hands and head to solve problems like the old days.... Love your videos...keep it up....

[@frankdi5151]

Great video, detailed, informative, simple and good lighting. Can’t ask for anymore! Keep up the good work👍

[@edwardjohnson6748]

Well done! Best break down and repair explanation I've been able to find. I'm a DIY novice when it comes to this kind of thing. Thanks for the help.

[@2jeffs1]

Your welcome Edward. Much appreciated too on my end when people take time to leave a comment.

[@johanv4668]

i was wondering what would be inside of a cheap chinese trolling motor.... now i know. i am wondering these small and simple rubber O rings how to make sure all is water tight. if you get some water or salt water inside., things are not getting better inside. but very nice video.

[@jestes7]

Does water end up getting into the motor housing? Doesn't look very seal proof.

[@paulmassey1089]

What is a Shmig-mite? Hahahahaha!

[@pauladams3789]

Love your trouble shooting skills. Throwing parts at something and hopefully it fixed it can be expensive and timely. (I have been guilty of doing) Great repair at little cost. Well Done!

[@5150mxVW]

just fixed mine ! thank u

[@PetClipdog]

Grade project very instructive for me. Thank you

[@thomaswagner4198]

If you look in the back of the brush housing, there is a cardboard ring. That ring is meant to keep the brushes pushed out until you push the armature in place.

[@fishinfool3795]

Very helpful and informative. I have an older one that has very little wear, just has sat for a long time. This gives me a bit more confidence to get it going. Thanks.

[@CarlosPerez-ju8rt]

Wish I had a friend like you around! Great video!!

[@truestoryz]

GREAT VIDEO. THANKS!

[@waynestead607]

I want to live next door to you.

[@xoio]

If Nelix from Star Trek Voyager was a mechanic.... :-D

[@johnsnow6022]

Really good video. I'll try my best to explain my situation. I have a 70 pound in Kota foot operated trolling motor, It's getting power everywhere I took the blade off, So I could get to the motor. I noticed just below the little pin that holds the blade on the shaft but just below it is what looks like a fixed washer surrounded by a piece of rubber it looked like it was sticking out so I tapped it back down so it was flush and level and my trolling motor started working fine. It's pretty new not even 2 years old

[@dusktropic]

Awesome tutorial. Thank you for a helpful video. Now lets see if I can repair my trolling motor aswell =)

[@sethvance1289]

I wanted to do some major modifications to a couple of trolling motors and wasn’t sure how they was built before buying them and taking them apart, I just wanted to thank you I know how they work now so I can put together a plan well before I buy them. Thank you man great video.

[@2jeffs1]

Thank you for stopping by Seth. So appreciate the feed back!

[@MobsterNine]

You make it look easy. Looking forward to the upcoming vids!

[@2jeffs1]

Have lots that I wish to cover on the shop one.

[@gfoxer]

Well done sir. I truly enjoyed that presentation. I only wish it was still daylight...I'd go pull mine off the boat right now because I know I'm gonna fix it!

[@Deqster]

This is exactly what I needed for the old troller I picked up on craigslist. Thank you!

[@Northernstar9370]

Great informative video! I'm a little out of my element working on an electric motor but this gave me a great understanding of what I'll be looking for when I dig into my Endura tomorrow. Thanks!

[@2jeffs1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jasonyannuccelli2499]

Well that was great ! I really like the way you explain what you’re doing, why you’re doing that way and explaining other methods to fault find and your process of elimination. Great video. Many thanks I’m Subscribed !

[@jasonwar859]

Great video.....Unfortunately I might have "fixed" something that was not broken. I took everything apart just as you did. Sanded and cleaned everything only to have it still not work. I then sanded down the battery clamps there were rusty and it started working great. At least I know everything is clean and lubed....plus no more fishing line.

[@AbrahamRomney]

I need a friend like you!

[@roberta.6295]

Very nice video. It has given me a nice view of the inside thanks! I just bought a used one today. It runs smooth but its always nice to know whats inside should I have to service mine in the future. Most all parts are available online. Good job!

[@whitebread1011]

Bob Ross working on a trolling motor.. fucking awesome... thank u for the lesson

[@fisherlism8774]

I can't take out ARMATURE. I think bearing has rust with BRUSH PLATE W/HOLDER. Do you have any idea?

[@jimwilliams8229]

I just saved one from the dumpster. Thought I'd check your video out. Excellent information here so I'm ready to proceed.

[@DocD0C-ps2ik]

Just fixed my Newport Vessels trolling motor (46 lbs.) using the video as a guide. The spring mechanism was slightly different but otherwise this guide was very helpful. Thanks Jeff.

[@jakewaslaski2832]

About to try this on mine. Explained so well I bet I can do it. Please make videos of everything.

[@AtimatikArmy]

Perfectly executed, of course!

[@JohnGallen]

Do you worry about grease and the rubber O rings degrading faster?

[@2jeffs1]

Good question John. Yes - might be a concern with certain type greases. I have been using trans gel (for assembling automatic transmissions) and synthetic brake grease, both are for rubber seals, o rings, etc which has been working quite well with no issues on these type of repairs.

[@MrWhiltetail]

It's nice to see someone that actually FIXES something instead of simply replacing entire assemblies. Fixing things seems to be a lost art form. Wish I had a friend like you around here to fix my 20 year old Min Kota Power Drive that hasn't been used in 15 years and the foot pedal has been laying in the boat for at least 12 years. Might be a little more challenging for you but I bet you could fix it no problem.

[@lsgt5132]

Damn wish you lived next door lol. Great video and care for detail.

[@Antipodean33]

Good info. I've got a brand new watersnake 34lb it's done no more than 3 hours of light work. Today it just cut out and stopped. Then a couple of minutes later the volt meter came back on and I put it in gear and after 10 seconds it cut out again. It did this repeatedly on my long paddle back. The volt meter on the motor was reading over 10 volts and when I got home I tested it on my multi meter and it said 10.50 volts. I'm at a loss, the motor was fine then just cut out. Any ideas/help will be greatly appreciated

[@tonybaggett1984]

I wish my mind worked like yours. You just break it down so simply you make it look easy (which it's not). Can't wait for the shop tour!

[@2jeffs1]

Thankx Tony. I integrated many things into the building that will be shown/explained on that video. Should be a few ideas for others to grab.

[@markrogers4765]

mark r pa fished 4 many yrs Ontario also this was a superb instructional vid excellent nuff said

[@celestaronin]

Can i have a job lol. Good vids keeps it up.

[@victorremick9721]

IT'S MUCH EASIER TO POUR A GALLON OF Gas into the bike then it is to run out 300 ft of cord down the driveway and hook up a battery to a charger and Waite for it to charge. Then put all that crap away. I'LL stick with the gasoline

[@RobertKingofMaine]

You are remarkable! At 3:39 I think I heard "brush holder". I believe I heard you say that the brush holder is wearing out. Then you did say "That's your problem right there". I have a Traxxis 55 pounder and it has been difficult to get it to even spin on the first outing. I had to repeatedly tap it with something massive and then it would start and stop. This morning I made a decision to try to fix it, BASED ON YOUR VIDEO.. I consider myself smart and highly skilled with fine woodworking. But I have zero aptitude with anything electrical and not motivated toward mechanical stuff. I am now. LOL. After. taking that motor apart and doing what you said, I noticed that one of the spring loaded brush holders would not pop out freely. After using 400 grit to smooth a boogger (as you say) and lubing things (especially the one brush holder (?)) I reassembled it and when to the garage to test it. I made up my mind that if it did not work on the first attempt, I would make that 800 call and order a new Traxxis 55. IT WORKED!!! And it works smoothly in forward and reverse (one other problem was the shear pin had snapped and a piece was stuck in the shaft hole) It works like it was new. Of course, it is probably 3 years old now and I use it a lot for my loon work (please see my website below my name). This winter I am going to take it down cellar and service it completely. The plate, underneath those two brush holders is broken (separated) on one side, causing one brush holder to press unevenly. I will see if I can order it right after typing this reply. I love my electric motors (a Traxxis 40 too) and have been on the water my entire life. Now, because your teachings, I am going to actually enjoy servicing the motors myself. Thank you www.itsaboutnature.net

[@BretBunton]

Pretty sure your video will solve my problem. If I tap the housing on the prop, she comes on. Probably those dang brushes sticking!

[@shanharris5600]

Watersnake Shadow Trolling Motor FWDR54/54. Runs at will, unplug foot control and it still run randomly, have to unplug completely to stop it. What's the problem?

[@MichaelMerchantII]

That was exactly what I needed to see. I have that exact troller motor and ive started doing some of the things you did. However, I didnt know about the brushes, or those 2 pieces that have the wore attached to it. Ill sand it just like you did and see what happens. Thanks a lot showing your video.

[@FatherDaughterGamers]

Thank you for sharing the knowledge.

[@rxsonny]

Hi sir love the video, I did the same but when i put everything in and test the trolling motor it won't spend like no power, before it work fine please help if you have another Idea why this won't work after putting all back together.

[@stjohnsriverrat7161]

Excellent video, I bought a Newport Vessels 55 lb thrust, and I rotated the handle 180 degrees to mount on my kayak. In the process of putting the bolt back through the shaft, The bolt cut one my wires. I had to pull the motor out and un hook the wire to allow me to pull the wire out enough to heat shrink it. I don't know how to reinstall the motor as the brushes are spring loaded.

[@scottt3491]

Great vid! I came across this while looking for a video on removing a stuck sheer pin. I think I might pull mine apart and give it a full service now. Thank you!

[@johntuson3562]

Why does my 12v trolling motor trip on 5th forward when they recommend 50amp breaker minimum. I have a 60 amp breaker and motor, both new, thanks John

[@jeremyhollamon1343]

Awesome vid my man. Loved it. But am trying to find why my 2!! intex trolling motor bm4212 shut off just a few seconds after running. Both brand new. Never in water

[@keirhcamardelle128]

Thanks so much for the info I feel much better of doing a rebuild on my trolling motor I have 245.00 in parts Shaft broken and lost my prop So I decided to replace brush assy O rings. Shaft assy etc It’s a Rip tided 110lb thrust 36v Thanks again

[@PhillipsKrew]

Great video on the repair. Seems like a DIYer could do this. I know the video is older but maybe you can help me out. How freely should a prop turn by hand. Mine started blowing breakers a full power. The prop spins pretty easy but is it normal to feel the magnetic resistance at you spin it? It make it feel choppy. It's hard to explain.

[@larryleisuresuit9584]

Wow! That armature and case looks the size of the one I have here but this ones for a 48 Volt E Drive. Might just be the way it looks in the video hu? They want over 200 bucks for the replacement for the minn kota e drive everywhere I look. I have a smaller Min Kota 55 that i got a hold of for only 10.00 but the problem with it is, it got run over LOL still works but all teh plastic mount hardware is busted up and the cords are a ripped apart. I just ordered a new handle for 10 bucks. I think I should get new o rings and take that case apart like you did and make sure its still water tight. Great video. I have never tore into one of these. That E drive costs a Fortune. the guy I got my boat from said it ran fine but they got the boat from a estate sale and when the previous owner passed away the family left the boat with the motor in the water for 5 years. I'm hoping I can restore the guts in there and that all that fancy battery op computer board parts are all ok since they were covered and insulated. They are selling those e drives for thousands of dollars! YIKES! I'm hoping I can get it going and fund the restore on the old pontoon and then just run my 40hp Gas merc on it. LOL I dig the drill press trick, I will try that if it's repairable. Thanks.

[@mentorpowell]

Great video thank you. I wonder if you know of a way to test if the thrust of a trolling motor. Upgraded to a wifi/Bluetooth enabled Minkota Terrova. Everything works great but it just feels sluggish and slower then before. Have not found a way to test if it's at full thrust/capacity.

[@bassinpassion9313]

I had to beat off the prop of my MotorGuide tour 109,in doing so..Now the trolling motor won’t come on,what could I have damaged?Thsnks for your help

[@alisrodriguez3134]

Awesome Job, I have an old town predator XL kayak with the Minnkota Trolling motor. The motor has recently started cycling on and off. Any ideas what might be causing that?

[@matthewduncan5419]

Dude that was a great video I was just wish more people did ones like that not just a subject matter but some people are horrible ,great job

[@ernestmarkel1418]

I have a trolling motor problem. It is a Minn Kota 24 volt 70 lb thrust. It had been working well. Cleaned the prop shaft of debris and worked well. Now it want to shut off a few times a fishing trip. It run well in 5th gear then shut off. Run well in 4th then shut off then in 3rd the same. Then all of a sudden it would shut off in 3rd after a minute of running. Wait 30 seconds then it would run. Again then shut off again. Not sure what is causing this. Just operating in windy conditions.

[@maxwein2711]

Professional Great video! But there is one question that, in my opinion, should concern everyone. How to check that no water enters into the motor after disassembling and assembling the motor? I had to disassemble my motor because my magnet came off. I glued on the magnet, cleaned everything, covered all possible places where water could enter with silicone. I tested the boat (motor) 2 times on the water and decided to see if water was coming in, I disassembled the motor again there was 100 -150 ml of water inside... actually I disassembled the motor, not because I was wondering if there was water, but because my new battery showed half the charge 5 minutes after I started driving. I very carefully read all the comments and am surprised why No one is interested If the water inside after assembling the motor.

[@TheLoojlis1]

Awesome video! I have a minnkota endura 30 trolling motor similar to the one in this video. It makes a loud squealing noise in speed 5. What do you think is the problem and what should I do to fix it? Thank you. 😊

[@melcase8153]

I have a Motorguide XPS 6000 67# trust. 12v/24v option. Has very little power

[@tomturkey3613]

I have tried some basic repairs to no avail.....I am looking for some advice and/or direction on repairs to a flueger phantom M-2 trolling motor I have. I am in north carolina and really want to get this repaired. Greatly appreciate any advice you may have, thanks in advance for your help Tom Beasley

[@michaelpearse7519]

Thanks for your post. I will pull my one apart to have a look. Had a problem with turning it on then waiting a few seconds before it starts. It is a 12 volt DC motor. Have you any ideas why this happens?

[@mckaax]

Do you know anything about the motor guides. They have 4 wires going into the lower unit. What are the two extra wires for.

[@mikeharness8196]

My prop is froze up and won’t turn on the same model motor in video I’m thinking it’s brushes or armature bearing any input on this issue is appreciated

[@j.l.daltoin2238]

The only thing i would have done different i would have put back the original shear pin in the prop because with that drill bit it is case hardened and you may destroy the prop or bend the shaft because the shear pin is case hardened it is to protect the propeller and shaft from damage if you hit something otherwise great job i'm working on a 709 motorguide that's not working at all i'm really hoping its not the circuit board because the customer did not want to pay the 168 dollars for the last one he had that a circuit board in it go bad so he scraped it and bought this one that's now gone out and the older one was 55 lbs thrust 12 or 24 this one is 109 pound thrust and takes 36 volts i've done 12 and 24 but this is first 36 volt one lol

[@muccisbistro]

So mine had a magnet in armature housing that was cracked in half and chipped

[@stephenalibozek1058]

Good job very thorough and helped me out a lot. Thank you very much. Keep up the good work.👍👍

[@sparkiekosten5902]

That pin that holds the prop against the shaft is a shear pin designed to fail if it hits rocks or gets fowled!

[@TheBabaYagas]

To protect the prop? Or motor?

[@tomturkey3613]

Hey there. I'm am kinda looking forward to getting some help fixing a plueger phantom trolling motor. It has sedimental value 👌

[@zouzmadi3899]

my trolling motor its getting weak it can be repair or i shall replace the motor

[@shanetuscarora]

2jeffs1cup! great video!

[@johnwomack8762]

Most excellent video. Thank you so much! This is getting me out of a jam right now. Thanks again.

[@marklandry2509]

Drill bit for a shear pin? The next rock or stump he hits at full throttle he’ll be shopping for a $40 prop. Other than that, great video, thanks!

[@d.coleman828]

Just watched your video and a bunch of others covering the same thing and have come to the conclusion that you may send your version to all others trying to explain the same thing so they can learn what they are doing. Great work, wished I'd came across yours first. The others were entertaining though

[@thatonebeone]

nice... how many hours of use before the brush got worn down to be replaced ?

[@shanetuscarora]

I just had an epiphany about rainbows are just a bow prism when it's raining thanks 1cup!

[@2jeffs1]

Perfect!

[@AndrewD50297045]

What a Champion. Tore mine apart, and had the exact same issue. Works like a charm now

[@gearheadgraphics]

great video. ive got a motor I need to fix, you got me set on the path

[@robertsullivan9501]

i just rebuilt a powermax 47 minnkota trolling motor all went great except that the communtator and brushes do not line up, the armature goes to far back into the brush plate or if you pull it out the bearing does not engage it's bore. i if you measure everything out it looks like it is designed that way or i am missing seeing something, any ideas