How to clean old Minn Kota trolling motor??

[a brickhead]

I recently inherited an old (80's I think) Minn Kota 99 41lbs trolling motor. It works, I was just wondering how to maybe clean or lube the motor itself. Will opening up the lower unit be more trouble than it's worth?? Do the brushes of the electric motor need cleaning or service?? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How to clean old Minn Kota trolling motor??

brushes are self cleaning, no service till the wear out. if it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

[a brickhead]

Re: How to clean old Minn Kota trolling motor??

Well.....Like I said, it does work.....there just seems to be a clicking noise coming from the lower unit when powered. I obviously want it to be as quiet as possible for fishing purposes. I did take off the prop and found it to be relatively clean....the seal seems pretty good too. Will shooting some W-D 40 help or just make things worse considering we are talking electrical components??

 

[ditchdigger21003]

Re: How to clean old Minn Kota trolling motor??

I would'nt use WD-40, one reason is the environment, the other is WD-40 is a patrolliem base and may dry the seal out if it is not a patrolliem compatible seal.

 

[robertjp]

Re: How to clean old Minn Kota trolling motor??

Get ready to replace the brushes because Minn Kotas leak and the brushes will be rust before you know it. I had to do 3 motors in 3 years all different but same problem, The seals leak, water gets inside and everything rusts. I would get Motorguide next time around. I am not at all happy with minn kota.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How to clean old Minn Kota trolling motor??

You've "vented" enough Robert. I could say the same about MotorGuide since I've owned them as well. Product bashing serves no useful purpose.

 

[robertjp]

Re: How to clean old Minn Kota trolling motor??

My venting could help someone make the right buying decision. Plus I would like to know why these keep leaking. Deal with it.