MotorGuide Problem

[Kickass]

Hi,
back again for some more fun, and questions I can't find answers to.
I have a Motorguide Great White 67lb thrust Model gwb67v. It's old I imagine 1998 or so, have never had a problem with it until now.
I changed out the batteries, and installed a 2 bank charger just for the the trolling motor, nothing else is wired to those two batteries. It worked fine for 2 trips out but seemed to not be as powerful as before. Then, the last time I went to use it, when I flip the toggle switch on all I get is a clicking sound in the head of the motor, no prop rotation. I looked at the wiring, it's two wires out of the head, 3 from the boat plug back to the battery, in which one of the wires is capped off. I have in series I think it's called, the black/neg to the neg on one battery the red/pos to the pos on the other battery and the jumper from the neg to pos that are left open. I am pretty sure it's wired correctly, BUT I haven't tested the amps at the batteries and then compared to the amps at the plug yet. I s this a battery/wiring problem, or something wrong with the motor? Also, I have not taken off the prop to look and see if there's fishing line or something around the shaft, but according to most it spins "freely with a magnetic feel"
I don't think it matters but the motor is mounted on a 1998 Key West Stealth flats boat. The plug is ok, I noticed lately that sometimes I had to wiggle the plug to get the motor to work, does this sound like a crappy plug?
I rewired the batteries with 6 guage but I didn't put n a breaker.
Any Ideas?
I am going to check the voltmeter in the morning, it's too late now, and the prop also.
but I'd love some feedback from anyone in the know.
Thanks!
Charles

 

[Silvertip]

Re: MotorGuide Problem

If you have three wires going back to the battery, this is the system you need as your motor apparently runs on 12 or 24 volts. There should be a 12/24 switch on the bow panel or on the motor foot pedal. If you run only on 24 volts, you can eliminate the orange wire. If the motor seems to operate when you wiggle the plug, you obviously have a bad plug or receptacle, or the wires going into or out of either have bad connections or are corroded. Unless you like smoke and fire, I'd suggest you install a breaker. They are about six bucks at any marine outlet or Wally World.

 

[Kickass]

Re: MotorGuide Problem

Thanks SilverTip!
I actually used that diagram to make sure I had it wired properly.
There is no switch for 12/24V it's just run the 24v way. I wll get a breaker, but I think the problem is in the head of the motor, or the plug is not making a good enough connection, the "clicking" sound tells me there is juice to the unit, but I don't know how much, or if a circuit board went bad, or what.
I'll keep plugging away,
Thanks again!
Charles

 

[jtexas]

Re: MotorGuide Problem

"I have in series I think it's called, the black/neg to the neg on one battery the red/pos to the pos on the other battery and the jumper from the neg to pos that are left open."

Your description is the correct way to get 24 volts from 2 12v batteries. How is the 2-bank charger connected?

 

[Kickass]

Re: MotorGuide Problem

2 bank charger is connected 1 bank [red & black] to one battery. They are separate 1 bank to it's own battery, is that right?

 

[rndn]

Re: MotorGuide Problem

Are you sure the batteries are charged?

 

[Kickass]

Re: MotorGuide Problem

The onboard charger says so, but I haven't tested them yet,

 

[Kickass]

Re: MotorGuide Problem

It was the plug on the trolling motor side!
Oh well, I did learn alot about 24v systems, hehe, thanks guys!

 

[muskybreath]

Re: MotorGuide Problem

The older Dura Amp board modules were prone to breakdown,either melting down completely or connections coming loose.
If you are comfortable doing so, take the head lid off and check the Molex type nylon press fit connector as well as any spade connectors.Check these first.
If still a no- go, disconnect and unscrew the small P.C. board from the head. Inspect the components, especially the blue tubes(capacitors) for signs of swelling.A magnifying glass to examine the underside of the board for any cracked or loose solder joints, especially on the larger components(spade lugs etc.). If there is no replacement board available, any electronic tech with a bit of knowledge and a schematic should be able to get you going.

 

[muskybreath]

All is not lost but..you're not alone

All is not lost but..you're not alone

http://www.wmi.org/bassfish/bassboard/boats_motors/t77809.htm

This posting may be of help, Cheers, Doug

 

[zibzer]

Re: MotorGuide Problem

If i understand you correctly....

according to Silvertips diagram... which wire is capped? black,orrange, or red?

your motor is a 24v motor. and your wiring should be such that of a 24v motor. ill try to draw up a (crude) pic and post it up.. give me some time... im no slouch when it comes to electrics.. i have a diploma as an electrical technician, and am apprenticing as an industrial electrician.

 

[zibzer]

Re: MotorGuide Problem

This isnt the only way to wire it, but its the best.. the 12v part of your system isnt necesary.. but if you so choose to keep it. make sure the 12v+ is capped off (ie the orange wire)... you want +24v on RED to motor and Ground going to BLACK. if you have this.. once you prove this we can continue troubleshooting your problem.