Motorguide W45 won't turn- help please!

[rallysman]

Last weekend everything worked fine. This weekend, I took the boat out and dropped the trolling motor, and everything worked with the exception of the steering. I can here a motor turn in the main box on the trolling motor, but the collar that spins the shaft wont move.

What should I check, where can I get parts, and is there an exploded view available? Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Motorguide W45 won't turn- help please!

MotorGuide built it so a MotorGuide service center is the place to go. They have a list of service centers in the back of the owners manual and on their web site.

 

[rallysman]

Re: Motorguide W45 won't turn- help please!

When I called the service center listed on the website I told them the situation and that I got their contact info from motorguide. The response was "those dirty dogs". I asked if motorguide were incorrect and the person sighed and said "no, we work on 'em".

Long story short, they were very apathetic. They didn't seem to want anything to do with it, which is why I came here. I normally work on things myself and I figured there were some other members here that did the same.

Thanks for the quick response, but unfortunately I've been down that avenue.

 

[John_S]

Re: Motorguide W45 won't turn- help please!

Unplug it from 12V power and plug it back in. The steering logic picked up some noise and shutdown.

 

[rallysman]

Re: Motorguide W45 won't turn- help please!

Unplug it from 12V power and plug it back in. The steering logic picked up some noise and shutdown.

I tried that, but I think something is actually broken. I can hear it run in the steering "box" but the collar wont move.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Motorguide W45 won't turn- help please!

Then the gear train is probably broken (gear itself or some teeth have been broken off the gear). But not knowing the internal structure of this motor, it may be as simple as a gear becoming disconnected fromt he drive shaft. Disassemble the box and take a look. It should be obvious. Unfortunately, you may have an issue getting replacement parts if you don't have part numbers. But again, MG or one of their service centers should be able to provide them (if they are indeed worth a grain of salt).

 

[rallysman]

Re: Motorguide W45 won't turn- help please!

You were right Silvertip. I tore into it and found that the drive motor shaft is spinning insdide of the gear connected to it. Now I'm just tyring to find that gear. The splines on the motor shaft are fine, but they're stripped in the gear. It should be a cheap fix--------IF I can find the part