Weak Thrust from 24 volt trolling motor

[ffitch847]

Hi, I have Pro series 45 with 50 lb. thrust trolling motor with a low and a high switch and a wheel dial that allows me to choose from a low of one (1) and a high of (5) on each of these settings. This is from a 1996 Pro 17 Tracker.

It seems as if the wheel has no affect on the speeds and there is very little thrust on the low and the high is weak as well. I have taken the prop off and removed fishing line form the spindle a couple of times, but that does not seem to be the issue.

Can anyone give me some insight into what and where to check next?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Weak Thrust from 24 volt trolling motor

Check the simple things first.
1) Do you have two good batteries. Simply saying "yes" is not a valid response unless you are positive they are good batteries. You can only know that if you charge them and then have them load tested.
2) Check the wiring all the way between the batteries and the motor. Loose or corroded connections cause electrical resistance that affect the amount of current that can reach the motor.
3) With the prop on the motor, turn the prop by hand. You will feel a slight jerkiness as you rotate the prop.. That's normal. But the prop should still move relatively freely. If it seems to be binding, then the bearings may have tightened up and they woiuld need to be replaced.
4) If you feel comfortable doing this, remove the cover from the top of the motor and find the wires going down the shaft to the motor itself. Connect 24 volts directly to the wires which essentially bypasses the speed selector. I'm familiar with that particular motor so the speed selector may just be a switch with the actual control board mounted in the motor housing. If that's the case and the test result is the same, then the control board would be suspect. Some motors have the entire speed control electrics in the selector assembly which may be the problem. But if that's the case, the motor should run full power with the that assembly bypassed.