HOW TO Assemble Small SPS Swamp Runner Mud Motor Kit (Step by Step)

This video is a step by step guide on how to install the SPS Swamp Runner Kit (Small).
All of the necessary components for the motor come in the kit, minus some basic tools and hardware.
Here's where you can find the motor kits: www.mudmotorki...
Tools needed:
Adjustable wrench
Ratchet and sockets
Allen wrench set
Philips head screwdriver
Crimping pliers
Wire strippers and cutters
Heat shrink (or electrical tape)
16 gauge wire
16 gauge ring terminal connector
16 gauge male and female snap connector
0, 1, or 2 weight grease
Threadlocker blue
Anti seize
Rubber mallet
If you need any of these tools, or want to price out some tools I used in this video, click on these links below. There is also a link for a free 30 day Amazon Prime trial, if you want to get these items quick, fast, and in a hurry.
FREE 30 DAY PRIME TRIAL: amzn.to/2MVxqj0
ADJUSTABLE WRENCH: amzn.to/2MSAOv6
CHEAP SOCKET SET: amzn.to/2BNfl0a
ALLEN WRENCH SET: amzn.to/2q5qTZZ
CRIMPING PLIERS: amzn.to/2MT9woq
WIRE STRIPPERS I USE: amzn.to/32VaUMR
HEAT SHRINK I USE: amzn.to/31XiXr4
RING TERMINAL CONNECTOR: amzn.to/31RaRQU
SNAP CONNECTORS: amzn.to/31RySXN
#2 GREASE: amzn.to/36cyTZV
THREADLOCKER BLUE: amzn.to/34dXT1d
ANTI SEIZE: amzn.to/2JJVzY3
RUBBER MALLET: amzn.to/2pZpBQt
MINI TORCH: amzn.to/2ouo2cQ
MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC IMPACT I USE: amzn.to/31NA26Q
Follow me on Instagram! @polk_fishin
Thanks for watching! Let me know if this video was helpful to you! More content is coming weekly, so consider subscribing if you enjoy bass fishing in the great state of Florida.
*The links above are affiliate links, which means this channel receives a small commission when you buy through them. They do not cost you anything extra.*
I am not affiliated with SPS North America, the makers of this mud motor kit.

[@ShotByDEBO]

Your video was very helpful! Hopefully, this comment of my experience can help someone too! i Spent the day today assembling my swamp runner large kit with my 22hp predator motor on my boat, and your video walked me through pretty much step by step through the whole process. i did run into some problems that you didn't experience. (1) the coupler shaft seemed to not slide all the way flush with part of the output shaft, and so the coupler housing didn't fit flush either. i kind of tried different things to figure out if it should be flush before bolting the coupler housing to the engine, and was unsuccessful until i just bolted the coupler housing to the shaft without it being flush, and when tightening the bolts, the housing eventually became flush. It just wasn't really clear in your video if it should have been flush to the rear of the engine before bolting the coupler housing. (2) feeding the kill switch and ground wires through the tiller handle was a HUGE pain! The tiller handle has 2 relatively sharp bends in it near the engine so it was very difficult to get those flimsy wires through the bends and out of the back of the tiller handle. To fix this, i drilled (with a bit larger than the size of the original hole) into one of the holes near the handle part of the tiller handle where the wires and throttle cable go into the tiller handle pipe. That made it easier for me to feed my snake into the pipe and tape my wires onto the snake and push it through the bends and out of the back of the tiller handle pipe. (3) Removing and adjusting the throttle cable was very difficult. On my 22 hp predator motor, the phillips screw that holds the end of the throttle cable to the engine throttle body is in a tight spot. The head of the phillips screw faces toward the back of the boat and it is less than an inch away from the exhaust. This bade it impossible to get any normal screw driver in there to loosen and tighten the screw. To fix this, i got a pair of vice grips and clamped them perpendicularly onto a phillips head (removable attachment phillips head that is used for screw drivers that you can change the heads on) and got it onto the head of the screw and i was then able to loosen the screw and adjust the throttle cable on the throttle body. (4) [this isn't really a problem, but i think this was just a simpler way of doing it] So at about the 15-16 minute mark, when you wire up the kill switch, (instead of doing it the way you did and using another wire and using more connectors) i just spliced my kill switch wire straight into the oil wire and eliminated make that "Y" with the kill switch wire and splicing it with the oil wire. Your way was great and i think it looks good, but it just seemed like an unnecessary step (just my opinion) But besides these 4 things, it all came together pretty well and with ease. Honestly without this video, assembling this would have been very difficult and way more time consuming. i will be uploading my video of my build and installation of everything, if you want to check that out. I will reply to this comment when i upload it with the link to that video. OVERALL, thanks for making this video and i hope this comment can help out anyone who runs into similar issues and experiences.

[@aveenishsamuel4911]

Can't you duy a boat engine for me

[@aveenishsamuel4911]

A 15

[@ShotByDEBO]

Aveenish Samuel sure

[@aveenishsamuel4911]

God wil blest you

[@jimrobcoyle]

Use a vacuum to sock a string through backwards. The string pulls the wires through.

[@MrTonysantanajr]

I don’t even have a John boat. But after this video I want one so I can put that motor on.!! Super clear instructions. Does not get better then this..

[@andrewshipman4359]

Helped me wrap it up! Thanks for the video! (New SPS kit came with a double female end on the wiring. In other words, everything was included)

[@texaswoody1]

Absolutely awesome step-by-step video! EVERY how to video should be this well developed, no matter what its detailing!! Very professionally done. Good hunting this winter my friend.

[@yepyepuhhuh]

Well done video. Clear and to the point. No additional music, very clear camera shots, and although I am mechanically inclined, I appreciate the fact you did explain the simpler things. (Lining up the throttle cable grooves for the handle. ) hats off to a great video.

[@Munjibunga]

I have no interest in doing this but I watched the whole thing because of your excellent presentation.

[@PolkFishin]

Thank you!

[@joshanderson1019]

same but i just can't afford it

[@aveenishsamuel4911]

Well just make one

[@shanepowell5115]

Thanks, you have the BEST, MOST IN DEPTH VIDEO ON KZbin,,, ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!! AGAIN THANK YOU SIR.

[@kaisersose5549]

My neighbor's teenage son purchased one of these. He was able to assemble it on his own. The simplicity makes them durable & the maneuverability is really impressive. I'm not trying to say this is a bad product, because it's not. It's really a good product. I'm also not trying to dissuade anyone from purchasing this product. There's a serious flaw in this design though. I wouldn't recognize it if I hadn't made the same mistake myself. The "spline adapter nut" should be secured in a way that locks the threads. Something more substantial than nylock is needed to do the job. The consequences of not doing so are that the first time the engine backfires, that nut WILL unscrew. Any seals or bearings between there and the end of the prop shaft are toast. You're also going to have a whole lot more play in the end of the prop shaft than you want, assuming it doesn't blow the prop shaft out of the end of the housing. I've had the combination of twisting and pushing between two fixed points of a 170cc predator engine break a 3/4" grade 8 bolt... This type of engine is most likely to backfire when trying to start it while warmed up and with resistance. Something like weeds & debris on the prop, or a partially engaged engine brake. I never did find a way to solve the problem with my mud motor in this configuration, so I can tell you for certain what won't work: Welds, shear pins, locktite or carrier bearings/pillow blocks. What might bypass this flaw is reworking the spline adapter nut and the shaft it screws on to. Grind the threads off the shaft, and make flat spots on opposing sides of the shaft. Make the hole in the spline adapter nut match. Once the threads are gone, a circlip should be sufficient to secure it in place.

[@marjoriepayne5202]

I see a teacher and a leader.

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Great video! I like that I can hear you loud and clear, you have good tips and trick. It was quick, but you did rush through the important steps. I like that you walk us through the project as you would talk to a friend and a two year old. I liked the project itself. Thanks for sharing.

[@braylongann5503]

This was very helpful and showed me in and out on how to put a mud motor together

[@SPS-MOTOP]

It is necessary to lubricate the cone under the screw, so that it is easier to remove later, tested in practice

[@Just.Do.Something4]

Great step by step video! Gives me confidence that I can build one on my own!

[@dustinchadwick7640]

This is a great instructional video! Good camera angles, good sound, super straight forward. Thanks

[@threesetstofailure9941]

I would only add that I usually run a sqaush plate between my boat transom and the mount screws. I use either a 1/4" Aluminum plate or have used a 1/2" pine board as simple as a cutoff piece. The pine board is actually not bad. It is just soft enought to make the screws bite in and lock it in place into the wood. That causes it to not drift around at all. Anything to avoid a indention of a circle into your hull.

[@MrChongJones]

I want to thank you for doing such a great video .....the kit I got came without instructions and I just easily followed along with your video and got it done....thank you!!

[@b155730]

Great video. Very detailed. I think I'm going to go this route instead of a $1500.00 outboard that will give me tons of trouble

[@PolkFishin]

I still love these kits. Way more reliable than an outboard.

[@TrapperAaron]

A great add on to this kit is an electric clutch on the pto. They come in every size and hp rating u could imagine. Not only simple way to add a neutral "gear" to these simple designs but also provides for some slip when u inevitably jam the prop on that cypress knee that grew 3 inches since last year. Also works nearly instantly (prop and mass of shaft will give it a few spins even when disconnected) so when u feel that log kiss the bow u can hit the button and have the prop and shaft fully disconnected from power. Also i suppose u could wire it up so that u have to hold a button to keep it in gear and have it drop out when released, def b safer for kids and people new to the boats

[@PolkFishin]

Where could you get one of those? I recently broke my prop in the exact same manner lol

[@kidddogbites]

What about a centrifugal clutch

[@oamsfl73]

Torque specs,do as I say not as I do 🤣 awesome video.Working on getting this set up for myself...

[@cdacar1]

Presentation was so good....I had to watch it just like Mike C. No interest or need...just keep my interest up. Great job. Thanks

[@gyrosmith]

Thanks for the video! I’m getting one of these kits. It will be superior to the 9.9 outboard on my Jon boat: I’ll be able to go in much shallower water!

[@PolkFishin]

You'll be surprised how shallow these things can go

[@kingtut5923]

THis guy looks KOOL putting all parts on.

[@dexter2433]

just ordered this kit for my 1432 Alumacraft as i do allot of river fishing with it ..

[@PolkFishin]

You'll love it

[@juliosdiy3206]

This will def be my goto vid this Spring.

[@tommyalbrado7840]

Thx bro your video helped the install go very smooth. I just bought a large kit and it was pretty simple for an average joe like myself. Great video, very detailed, keep it going

[@FarmerTed]

Great video! Nicely done. I would never sieze the keyway and motor shaft. Those always freeze up when you try to replace motor on us.

[@rik4369]

Great video and information. Really easy to follow.

[@jakescorpion1]

Great video I'm ordering my kit tomorrow.

[@SmittyM14]

Any advice on getting the male and female splines to line up? I can get the shaft set so it doesn't slide in and out but the shaft will turn forward and backwards. So basically you can't loosen the nut for the prop.

[@oddballdynamics.9658]

“Everything you need to build this motor comes in this kit, minus a few things.” List off tons of stuff. 🤣😂. I’m looking into getting one of theses. Thank you.

[@PolkFishin]

lol

[@TrapperAaron]

If u don't have some wire, washers, nuts, bolts, cables, welders, pipes, grinders , etc. You dont need to worry about a swamp boat. I love that long props on air cooled commercial motors is making a comeback, we used to use old clapped out pressure washer honda 1cyl horizontal shaft motors, w a bare pipe (no shaft in a housing) that had welded into the end the taper cut off a busted outboard final drive to spin the screw. Its a fun project but put that money into buying some basic tools, some wire, and misc connectors, and a little known secret u can goto almost any u pull it, bring a bare minimum metric socket set and a pair of pliers, and a 5 gallon bucket. Spend a couple hours picking up matching nuts, bolts, and washers. Fill up bucket and pay by the lb. That bucket full of misc, connectors will last u a lifetime. In fact while ur there pick up a steel 5 gallon oil/grease drum use that to hold the bolts. Add a splash of used motor oil of the last 1/3 of a wd40 can that never dispensed properly, u can pass the bucket down to ur children

[@Beast-wi9jx]

Thank you this helped me how so much I liked how you explained every step in detail thank you

[@marcusguajrdo73]

Great video. Very informational.

[@terrycapehart6303]

Very thourel good vidio, have a blessed day bro

[@robertpowell2082]

Thank you for the great video I followed it and built my mud motor!

[@seomghoonPark]

This is an introduction to making your own boat. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4fUpI2saaudhNU

[@leojagawaga6481]

Fantastic Video Wiring Was A little Intimidating But Overall This Will Be My Go To Video ! I Want To Buy The Kit And The Predator 6.5 Motor. Wish The 8Hp Would Fit The $499 Kit Can’t Find A Predator 7Hp Thanks Again For A Great Learning Video

[@jasperbates6760]

Awesome kit. I have seen videos of these running in the lakes, and they really move.

[@angrykillerdeer9024]

Great instructional video, intending on purchasing one of the kits for my stealth 2000

[@MyEloys]

I just started looking into doing this so thank you for the kickass video. Excellent job!

[@PolkFishin]

Thank you!

[@lucianolucas3827]

@@PolkFishin que ra

[@tlegay9061]

Are there sleeves on both sides for left and right handed???

[@JeffRigney]

Great video. If your tightening the shaft wing nuts with a tool why not use bolts/nuts? Bolts/nuts would be much cleaner install. I guess why do they use giant wing bolts there anyways?

[@chrishunsucker5404]

Got me ready to buy one !! Great job good video

[@glentheman]

Dode send me all the info on what motor and all the accessories to build me one for my boat

[@philipmvula922]

Very good and I which to have one and how can I get it

[@PolkFishin]

website is in the description

[@diyguy2383]

I like the new throttle handle they have now. It's aluminum.

[@gunfisher4661]

Pretty cool had no idea anyone offered such a thing . As most know a ready to go unit is very expensive.

[@arno5183]

Thank you for sharing the video. It's great. I am also a fan. I hope to get your advice. I also want to build my own boat. Thank you.

[@jamespatterson8816]

You mind sharing the link for this kit please and thank you very much

[@PolkFishin]

It's in the description

[@Tampaboys]

Just got one of these kits can’t wait to try it out thanks for the step by step buddy I hit that bell to bud

[@huntingSC]

How often do you flush the shaft out? Also what kind of grease do you recommend

[@PolkFishin]

I never did unless I took it in saltwater. I used regular marine grease from autozone

[@gjsfishing383]

Can you cut the metal lontail part to make it shorter?

[@PolkFishin]

I wouldn't recommend it.

[@Drlumbarjack]

Did you notice issues with the throttle not returning? It feels like I am missing a spring but mine looks like yours.

[@PolkFishin]

The return spring was a little flimsy and would bind if I didn't keep it lubricated

[@FreshwaterSouL]

Been thinking about putting one on my 14' Lowe for hard to get fishing areas and what size would you recommend on motor and kit?

[@PolkFishin]

Medium kit would probably be best, but I had a 22hp (with a large kit) on a 14 footer and it was very fast. The only problem I had was my transom flexing when i would gun it. If your transom can handle it, then put on a 22hp large kit

[@ujtchanel3157]

Thank for information can i copy right

[@DRT-81]

So i dont need that clutch set when ordering this ? Not sure as im new to this motor build , the webpage has a option for a clutch thing .

[@PolkFishin]

You don't need a clutch, but you won't be able to cut the power to the prop without stopping the engine. It's not a big deal. You learn how to navigate with it.

[@jlukej2003x]

Is keeping the oil sensor connected the same as you going to make my engine cut off if the oil shakes around while I’m riding? I’ve heard of people having to keep theirs disconnected

[@PolkFishin]

I had that issue taking sharp turns down rivers. If I had to do it again, I would definitely bypass that sensor

[@sammaclachlan8711]

Does the cupler shaft housing have a bearing in it for the cupler shaft

[@PolkFishin]

Yes, it does.

[@dakotahicks4024]

I'm stuck on the kill switch, I bought the predator 459 and it has electric start. How can you tie that one in?

[@PolkFishin]

Locate the wires for your engines On/Off switch and tie into that. You'll want to wire it so that if the kill switch is pulled, it opens the circuit like if you simply switched the engine to "off". Does that make sense?

[@erdwaputracanistre8220]

Clearly and easy to understand... 👍👍👍👍😁😁😁😁😀😀😀😀

[@361VSE]

Just bought a kit second hand.. thinking about taking everything apart and evaluating parts to see what needs to be replaced. Kit is only about 2 years old

[@PolkFishin]

I would mainly just inspect the bushing and the bearings. Have you taken the kit apart yet? Or is it still on the motor?

[@ShiftyReaperGaming]

Make sure when you bolt motor up make sure you use lock tight they will rattle loose

[@dennisbest4979]

have a 212cc left over from go kart racing. Going to make one because I can.

[@stantonrogers1835]

How much did everything weigh?

[@timwright7938]

1 min 5 seconds What size shaft will the adaptor fit ?

[@PolkFishin]

I don't recall. I think it will fit all motors up to 10 hp (for the small kit). Go to their website (mudmotorkit.com) and it will have the specs for it

[@timwright7938]

I’m thinking about putting a 3hp or a 6.5 diesel engine on it .,, I think it would be a pretty cool build I don’t think it would be very fast but it would be durable I have a 14 foot jon

[@ibdaffy]

You got me! I'm hooked, what a wonderful and clear presentation! Thank you for sharing, God bless you and your subscribers with good health and good fishing for 2020!

[@miguellovino7679]

CAN YOU PUT A BRIGGS $ STRATTON ENGINE IN THAT KIT OR IS ONLY FOR DISPONSABLE CHINESE ENGINE

[@paullambert1485]

Hey bud I got one for you maybe u can help me I been running my mud motor since April and I took it out the other day and after about 2 min It started making a noise like when you start a car that already running grinding like a starter so I got it home first everything was good and tight so I took it all apart started my engine ran it for 20 min no issue put the shaft back on got that same noise what do u think have u heard of this anywhere else? I can send u a video of it if u want

[@PolkFishin]

Are you greasing the shaft? I've only ever had it make a noise when I didn't grease the shaft, or when I broke one of my props

[@garybrooks2753]

Awesome job 👍👍👍

[@SoeRahChah]

The best instruction

[@chuckspage3853]

This is a very good video, great job !

[@johnmckay9120]

thanks bud, good info and right to the point.

[@josebarrios3441]

Cómo le ago para obtener todos piezas para adaptar sin el motor

[@lukel4783]

Thank you for this video. It helped me a lot.

[@hectorfranco7400]

Will a 420 predator engine work on that kit

[@PolkFishin]

I believe that one needs the medium kit. Same company, though.

[@camaxtlichimalma759]

Wondered if I could do that great instructional video

[@garrettcobb1677]

Awesome video man!

[@dieseljunky8505]

Great video!!!!! Been curious about doing this cause I wasn't sure how good it would work on the rivers in northwest Florida but if I do you helped me tremendously.

[@PolkFishin]

It'll get you through the thick stuff with no problem.

[@MrAndrewholde]

Nice video mate thanks a lot for your time awesome!

[@danielrichardsfishing8838]

Awesome video brother and great presentation! Makes me wanna take out my Swamp Runner. It been a while Lol! Ringing the 🔔 and Tight lines!

[@shaneprescott432]

Cool. I would like to do one with a motorcycle engine with you

[@rodolfojrgardon6126]

Where did you get the shaft assembly

[@luisobertoherranreyes787]

Buenas tardes donde puedo comprareste tipo de motor

[@edwinconcepcion4060]

Donde venden este kit

[@Telephony954]

I have to agree with Mike C below. I have no interest in this, but others should take note of the excellent presentation.

[@michaelshover2962]

If I decide to get a bigger motor how much to put one together in Polk County

[@PolkFishin]

Depends on the size of the motor, I guess. Are you asking if I could assemble it for you, or how much it would cost to be shipped to your place?

[@michaelshover2962]

I live in Polk County Florida

[@michaelshover2962]

@@PolkFishin yes I have a small one now and maybe looking for a bigger one

[@PolkFishin]

@@michaelshover2962 I'm not too sure. Shoot me an email: [e-mail]

[@davekimbler2308]

I’m kinda wondering why you didn’t trim your throttle cable and kill switch cables ? It don’t matter but just asking ! Will that kit hold bigger 4 stroke motors ?

[@PolkFishin]

No particular reason, I just didn't feel like doing it. The kit will hold much bigger motors, but you'll need to get the large size kit for it to work.

[@davekimbler2308]

Polk Fishin' 👍

[@BlueBloodCstm]

What about running two of these on an 18’ mod v Jon?

[@trofazz]

Buy their large kit and put on a 22hp predator. Less than $2k and you will be up and running.

[@RKTVPH]

Nice video sir,,,new subsriber

[@justinrichburg5218]

Is this the just gas or carb motor?

[@PolkFishin]

I'm not sure what you're asking. The engine runs on regular gasoline, and has a carb.

[@josephferlito3006]

Do you have a link for the sps kit

[@jenky1044]

By typing into Google search, you actually have half of the sentence right there. Links are good for specialty or hard to look up items.

[@fcatcheway5746]

you did a very informative job with the prep and step by step guide. I'm interested in making one for myself. who , where do I get in Canada

[@PolkFishin]

I honestly don't know. You could hit up SPS North America and see if they'd ship to Canada, but I'm not sure.

[@361VSE]

Thanks for the video man.

[@osoutdoors2833]

I need help down where the prop is the black seal slid out how do I fix it

[@PolkFishin]

OS Outdoors Here’s a video about replacing that bushing. Let me know if that’s what you’re talking about kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJLUlp6bmb6UmqM

[@Tableaux15]

You show stuffing grease in that tube and then sliding it over that shaft and attaching to the motor. Then later you show putting thread lock on the coupling and reattaching to the shaft. Am I missing something, the threads on the shaft are going to have grease on them. Is the locktite on a greased thread actually doing anything.

[@PolkFishin]

Paul Ogea It’s not loctite that goes onto the coupler shaft, it’s anti seize.

[@brendanmoser747]

Very helpful! Thanks 👍🏻

[@ShiftyReaperGaming]

Do you have to have the kill switch?

[@PolkFishin]

I suppose not, but it helps if you're ever by yourself and fall off the boat.

[@ShotByDEBO]

It’s a mud boat bro. Yes

[@Picard80]

Great job!

[@cuchulain1647]

Thank you sir!!!

[@WASHITAwalker]

Thank you!

[@cjbassin1538]

Great video...you’ve got a new sub

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

👍 Sehr gut und schön, danke!

[@southerncajun9297]

When you turn the engine on , is the prop already turning ? Or do you have to squeeze the throttle

[@PolkFishin]

Southerncajun92 The prop turns whenever the motor is running