Trolling motor help

[Cking96000]

Bought a used trolling motor it ran for 20 mins then wouldn't run anymore. Took it all apart and notice one of the springs where it provides a connection from the handle to the propeller was all messed up and wouldn't spring it back out. (Clueless on motors hence the lack of technical terms) anyways I messed with the spring and then put it back together and it started working again. Obviously I'll have to replace the spring for a permanent fix. Just wanted to make sure that's what the problem actually was and also it seemed very rusty inside. Not on wires but just coated inside. What could I use to clean all that out? And finally for a40lb thrust it doesn't seem like it's pushing that hard. Is there anything that could be preventing it from using its full potential? Thanks in advance. (Included various pics of everything I took apart)

 

[fishrdan]

Couple possibilities, someone dropped it in the water and flooded the lower unit, the shaft seal is bad, or someone repaired it and didn't replace the seals...

Seals, brush spring and bearing will probably cost $20 + shipping, but the unknown is the speed switch (if the whole thing was dropped in the water). check out fish307 for replacement parts. Since water has been in the lower unit, I'd take the armature and and put it in the over at 200* for a couple hours to dry it out. Probably fix it for $20-30 if the switch is good.

Be very careful replacing the bearing as you don't want to mess up the armature

 

[gm280]

Some really great advice via fishrdan above. Once water penetrate the foot motor housing, you have to clean everything out and if the bearings look or feel suspect, they need changed. But usually those bearings are standard sizes off the shelf and not something unique to find. Also the seals and "O"rings need replaced as well. From what I see in the provided pictures, you need to clean up all the rusty water looking issues even in the head unit. I have no idea what your level of mechanical abilities are, but everything I see can be disassembled and cleaned and reassembly again. You need brushes and springs for the motor and you also need to clean the armature's commutator to shiny metal. But use some sandpaper like 600 grit. Don't try sanding the armature will anything more aggressive or you will ruin it. If you can't find any of the switches, you can always very carefully open them up and clean the actual contacts to make then work again. But knowing some electronics would be a good idea doing that. I think your TM can be revived again with just some minor effort. JMHO