Trolling Motor problem

Dennis Bligh Jr · Post by **Dennis Bligh Jr** » Mon Jun 02, 2003 2:28 pm

How goes the battle everyone? I have an older Minn Kota foot operated trolling motor, probably mid 1990s. It came with my boat and ran excellant so I didnt bother to upgrade. I went to use it on saturday and found that only the fast speed works, and speeds 9-0 will work for 3 seconds than crap out. I am guessing its a loose connection or something like that but I dont know where to start.I am pretty mechanicallyinclined so I dont mind taking it apart. Any help would be awsome, thanks everyone.

ukey28 · Post by **ukey28** » Mon Jun 02, 2003 5:19 pm

Start Tightening and cleaning off corrosion at the battery, then the in line circuit breaker, then the plug in if you have one. If it's a small home made wiring job check any connections between wires. Any splices may have corroded. Look for corrosion or loose wires on the foot pedal. After that I'd call Foster's and see what they think. I'm not big on tearing the circuits in the foot pedal apart. Have you checked the prop to see if its bound with fishing line? under the hub?
Post your setup and we'll see if there's any other places for problems that can be quickly cured.
Tight Lines,
Frank

Dennis Bligh Jr · Post by **Dennis Bligh Jr** » Mon Jun 02, 2003 7:47 pm

Its me again. The battery is brand new with no corrosion, the wires that run from the battery to motor are in great shape. the 3 prong plug in is perfect bright shiny metal. And saturday I took the whole lower end apart, yes there was some line in there, I cleaned it out, and still have the same problem. The pedal I beleive to be in good working order. In the mount that attaches to the boat is a box, I am guessing full of electrical. Any idea what this is? When I hit the pedal, this box makes a sound. Hmmmm?it looks like a real pain to take apart. Who knows. Thanks for the help.

ukey28 · Post by **ukey28** » Tue Jun 03, 2003 2:19 am

Sounds like your rheostat is fried. It's like a dimmer switch, gives you variable speeds. Look at your manual, if you have one or can find one and see if the box thats buzzing is called the rheostat or speed control or some other term that fits what it does. You may be able to contact the manufacturer and just change out the part. If not try http://www.trollnmotors.com/. They have an e-mail address at the site and I have foound them to be easy to communicate and do business with. Good luck,
Frank

Dennis Bligh Jr · Post by **Dennis Bligh Jr** » Tue Jun 03, 2003 1:29 pm

Thanks alot Frank,I'll have to look into finding a manual. I'll let you know how it goes.