Trolling Motor Overheating ?

[PaulAlford]

I have a Motorguide 743 (12 volt) a few years old but in good shape connected to a brand new Everstart Marine Maxx battery (Trolling/Starting)

Everything is fine until I run it too long... it shuts off and wont run for a while, then after a few minutes, will run again. Like it is almost overheating or something. It will run solid for about 4-5 minutes then die....dead... then after a few minutes will go again.

Anyone have any ideas why and how to fix it ?

Thanks

Paul

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Trolling Motor Overheating ?

You probably have a self resetting circuit breaker installed at the battery. Check all the connections from the battery up. They must be clean and tight. Pull the prop off the TM and look for fishing line that may have got wrapped up inside.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Overheating ?

After you've inspected it for fishing line or other debris, turn the prop by hand to see if it turns freely. You will feel a slight jerking as you spin the prop and this is normal. It's the interaction of the magnets with the armature. But if the motor turns fairly hard, the bearings may be tightening up due to wear or water may have found its way inside and rust has formed.

 

[PaulAlford]

Re: Trolling Motor Overheating ?

I have taken the prop off and is free of line or anything.. the prop turns fine. Battery connections are clean and tight.

I do see 2 circuit breakers (I guess) right off the battery... (1) 30 amp 1 inch black box with 2 posts on the postive side of wiring and a 2nd 30 amp breaker box on the negative side. Maybe these are the culprit and getting hot or whatever.
Are these needed?
Can I take then off altogether ?
Do I need one on both positve AND negative side ?

Attaching pics...so you can see.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Trolling Motor Overheating ?

If that is a 43lb thrust motor like I think it is, a 30 amp breaker is not big enough. You should have a 50 amp breaker but you only need it on the positive side. Do you need one? Well the motor will certainly work without it but one just might save your life some day by preventing a fire in the boat.

 

[PaulAlford]

Re: Trolling Motor Overheating ?

Thanks Bill. I guess I might try a single 50 amp breaker then... where would I find one of those and how much should I be paying for one of those animals ?

Paul

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Overheating ?

Circuit breakers can be found at most stores that sell boating supplies. Even my local farm store has them in the sporting goods section. If you have a Cabela's or Bass Pro store nearby they would have them as well. They will have a price tag of about 10 bucks for the small auto reset types to about 35 bucks for the lever type (similar to those you have at home).

 

[PaulAlford]

Re: Trolling Motor Overheating ?

So is this what I want?

Cabela Link

It says "manual reset" but looks like what I have now.

 

[Splat]

Re: Trolling Motor Overheating ?

Your local Autozone will also carry both types.

Bill