wires melted.

[Tahdi]

I have a basstender 11.3'. While using my trolling motor, the wiring right before the inline fuse melted twice. After the first time, the connectors and wire were replaced. Is this because the trolling motor was getting old and drawing too much current? The fuse didn't blow the 2nd time. The first time, it melted along with the wiring. Any thoughts? thanks, Sue

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: wires melted.

The fuse is TOO Large.
What size Fuse? What Gauge Wire?

The fuse it there to protect the wiring.
If you have 12awg wire and a 100 amp fuse, the wire will smoke every time!

Pictures? hoto:

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: wires melted.

I am thinking to small of a wire gage for the current draw or a short in the wiring and in both cases the fuse should blow unless the fuse is way to big.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: wires melted.

or the connections are really bad causing arcing

 

[tblshur]

Re: wires melted.

i agree totally with above post and they should be first. you also might want to remove the prop and check for fishing line around shaft.must also have a good battery. good luck :joyous:

 

[Tahdi]

Re: wires melted.

It is a 50 amp fuse. Minn Kota said to use a 60. So, that shouldn't have been the issue. Original wiring to the boat. Pretty thick. Without going to look, I would say 8awg.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: wires melted.

8AWG has a standard rating of 40 AMPS.
It is only rated for 50 amps if the insulation is the 75?C type. That is 167?F.
Way hotter than you would want anywhere you could touch it.

If the motor has a 60 amp fuse recommendation, 4 AWG would be a better choice.
What motor is it. Assume 1 Amp per Pound of Thrust if it is not otherwise stated.

 

[Tahdi]

Re: wires melted.

It was the original wiring from the manufacturer. Maybe it is thicker than I thought. Motor was a 50lb thrust Minn Kota. When it is rewired, I should go 4awg from the battery to the motor and then lighter weight for the other electronics? Or would I go 4 all the way around? Maybe I should consider getting a Motor Guide this time around. They draw 40 amps instead of 50 like M.K. I hate the thought of snaking 4awg wiring through a boat that is filled with foam. Sounds like a pain. Thanks

 

[wrench 3]

Re: wires melted.

You only need the 4 awg to the trolling motor, and back. You can run lighter wiring to your other accessories but install a smaller fuse were the lighter wire splits off from the heavier system. No larger than a 10 amp fuse for 18awg, 15 amp for 16awg, 20 for 14awg, 25 for 12 and 30 for 10.