Electric Motor runs too fast

[jhundleywatson]

Hi Everyone,
I have a minn kota bow mount electric trolling motor. This motor is hand controlled, and I use a big foot button to power it on and off as i fish. On at least three occasions, I have had connectors burn up on me along the negative wires. I've always replaced these connectors and things have gone fine.
Recently, my connector burned up at the battery terminal. I replaced the part, but now the motor runs too fast. When I'm at level 1, the motor should not go nearly as fast as it does.
I'm under the impression that I should replace my wiring between trolling motor and battery with a heavier gauge wire to stop the negative wires from getting too hot.
Could anyone give me a clue as to why the motor is suddenly on steroids?
Thanks,
James
P.S. I am a complete novice when it comes to this stuff.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electric Motor runs too fast

Electronics can be damaged by under-voltage as well as over-voltage. In your case the frequent burning of connectors is due to wire and connectors that are too small for the current draw of the motor. It is apparent that the voltage drop due to this condition may have damaged the speed control electronics -- hence the faster speed. And yes -- replace the wiring with proper size. It would also help to know what make, model, and thrust motor you have and what the current wire size is.