Help with a Minn Kota bow mount motor

[jsfinn]

Hello,<br /><br />I've got an older 40 lb thrust Minn Kota (I think it's a power drive - at least that's the current name for this series). I went to use it for the first time this season and nothing happens. I tested it with 2 batts and no power at all - the built in batt. meter doesn't even light up. <br /><br />Are there fuses in this motor? I've never taken one of these apart but am planning to next weekend. Anyone have any suggestions?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Help with a Minn Kota bow mount motor

Ther should be a fuse on the end of the power wire, where it connects to the battery. <br />A small block about 1/2 inch square, 40 amp.<br />Some automatically reset, some don't. Some are a circuit breaker with a reset button.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Help with a Minn Kota bow mount motor

Nope. No fuse on the power wire. I bought this motor used so I don't know for sure, but it looks like it came from the factory with just some terminals to bolt it on to the battery.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Help with a Minn Kota bow mount motor

Anyone else have any suggestions? I plan on taking a good look at it on Friday but I'm not sure what to expect when I open it up to try to troubleshoot. <br /><br />I tried the motor with 2 different batteries and I couldn't get it to work and it worked fine last year. It was stored outside over the winter on the boat under a cover.<br /><br />It acts like it's getting no power - the battery meter won't ligh and the foot control does nothing.<br /><br />Help!! <br /><br />Thanks!

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Help with a Minn Kota bow mount motor

jsfinn, That is a strange problem. They usually don't just quit for no reason like that. Are there no reset buttons on the outside of the unit? Are you sure the motor could not have gotten wet, even from condensation? Condensation can build up slowly and travel down the shaft to the motor windings. Does it freeze where you live? Shouldn't be a problem unless water got into the motor somehow. When you take the cover off, turn the unit upside down. If there was water in the motor it should run out. Battery cables could have come loose or corroded. I think you will find your answer when you open it up. You can use a multitester to check your cables and motor using the ohm meter. Good luck. Let us know what you find.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Help with a Minn Kota bow mount motor

Thanks for everyones help. My buddy and I just got her running back in perfect order.<br /><br />I had added on some ext. power and ground leads to reach under the deck on the boat - they were connected by bolt and nut which corroded over the winter. Took us 10 mintues to get the probelm resolved by soldering the crap out of them before taping them back up.<br /><br />I guess I freaked out a little too soon - but you all know how it is when something on your baby breaks. <br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[kalan2000]

Re: Help with a Minn Kota bow mount motor

Have you tried that Liquid Tape on connections? It seals the connection great.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Help with a Minn Kota bow mount motor

No I haven't but it sounds like a good idea.<br /><br />Thanks!