minn kota loss of power

[jstan1984]

my minn kota maxxum 54 has very little power on or off the water. it barely moves the boat. i wouldnt be scared to stick my hand in the moving prop its that weak! any ideas? thanks, josh

 

[Silvertip]

Remove the prop and check for fish line wrapped tightly around the shaft. With the prop installed, turn the prop by hand (power off of course). The prop should turn relatively easy but may have a slight jerkiness to it. That's normal. If it seems to turn hard, then the bearings have tightened up and repair is required. But before doing any of this, make sure you are using a good battery. Just because you charged it does not mean it's a good battery. A battery must "hold" a charge and all cells must be doing their job for proper motor operation. A good test would be to put a voltmeter on the battery while you run the motor. If the meter is not showing 12 - 12,6 volts under load you have a bad battery. You could also use your car battery or have the current battery load tested at the local auto store -- usually for free.

 

[jstan1984]

i checked the shaft there is no fishing line. the batteries are good they run my other troll motor perfect for 8 hours no power loss. prop turns fine too. it has the dial to run from 100% to 10% power. its set at 100% . could it be something in foot control?

 

[gm280]

Does sound like bearings. So IF you go into it, I'd change the bearings AND the brushes and seals. If everything else is good, it should run like new again...

 

[jstan1984]

thanks, is there anywhere i can find bearings, brushes and seals? i am having a hard time finding parts. any info out there on how to perform this task?

 

[Silvertip]

Other than the replacement props and accessories, I didn't see internal parts here on IBoats. Go to the MinnKota web site for a list of companies that service Minnkota motors. You can also google Minnkota trolling motor parts. I won't post direct links to iBoats competitors but one will pop up that has parts.

 

[gm280]

Having rebuilt a few trolling motors now, some of the bearings are general off the shelf bearings. Meaning you can buy replacements most anywhere. Just read the bearing numbers and research. Pretty cheap and available all over the place. Now the seals can be another issue. But I was able to find direct replacements from the manufactures. So not a really hard job with those parts. If the bushings are needing replaced, that could be a problem unless you are creative and buy some general replacements as well if they are no longer available. I mean brushes are...well...brushes and not very hard to find something that will work as well. You have to remember that these manufacturers use off the shelf parts so they can keep their cost down building them. Any specific part cost more to obtain, so they like standard parts... JMHO!

 

[jstan1984]

do i need to replace the magnets or armature? figured while i have it apart and ordering parts i would ask

 

[Silvertip]

Magnets - no. Armatu're - only if it is bad.

 

[gm280]

do i need to replace the magnets or armature? figured while i have it apart and ordering parts i would ask

You would only replace the armature IF it is needed. If it is burnt or looks and smells like burnt wires, then probably it is needing replaced. However, if it is toast, I would seriously think about buying a new model trolling motor and forgetting about refurbishing yours. Armatures can get pricey depending on the manufacturer's cost. There are lots of places on the net to order parts for your trolling motor. Just research your model number and see what comes up. And if you do go into the motor section, they have a seal. Usually a type of "O" ring type seal. So if you work carefully, it can be reused again... Let us know what it looks like when you get to open it up... :thumb:

 

[jstan1984]

thank you both very much for the tips and info i will update once i have it taken apart

 

[jstan1984]

found out it was a 24v system. the first two years they made maxxums they made the 54# thrusts 24v. thanks still to everyone who tried to help. ill take all the knowledge i can get