Does Mercury trolling motor need oiling???

[rrauch503]

I have a trolling motor that was given to me and i have mounted on a pontoon boat recently, Now recently i have heard a nopise coming from it when we are pulliny it up out of the water while it was running so i took the prop off and found fishing line etc around it and cut that away also. spun it and still i hear a noise like drag, i notice that there is a allen screw on that same area where the prop goes onto is there oil that goes in there or are they sealed?

Ron in St louis

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Does Mercury trolling motor need oiling???

The fishing line has very likely damaged the seal around the prop shaft so water has migrated into the housing and the bearings now have some corrosion on them. If you go to a pharmacy, you can buy a very small hypodermic needle. Using that hypodermic needle, you can carefully get under the seal just far enough to inject a small amount of oil. It will prolong the life of the motor a little bit but that bearing is probably damaged and will not last long.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Does Mercury trolling motor need oiling???

Those needles that come with printer cartridge refilling kits are great for lubing things like that.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Does Mercury trolling motor need oiling???

Harbor Frieght sell needle oilers...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Does Mercury trolling motor need oiling???

The seal on the motor shaft is really small and its unlikely you'd be able to get either of those needles under the seal without doing more damage. I suppose one could point the shaft upward, use a straight pin to "lift" the seal just enough to allow oil to work its way in.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Does Mercury trolling motor need oiling???

Why not replace the seals? I imagine you could find parts for mercury TM somewhere.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Does Mercury trolling motor need oiling???

The seals are only part of the problem. Rough bearings are also an issue. If the bearings are bad, it won't be long and the motor will be toast regardless what is done as water has already made its way inside.