Cannot control trolling motor

[rhcotton]

I have a Evinrude foot controlled trolling motor. It has three speeds. In the middle and high speed I have almost no control of making it go in the direction I want it to go. The foot control is very difficult to press up and down when it is running. When it is not running the foot control works fine without any binding or anything wrong. Has anyone out there got any idea what the problem is. I would appreciate any suggestions or help.

 

[DJ]

Re: Cannot control trolling motor

Can you move the shaft allot in the mounts and in the mount shaft? If so, bushings may be worn and bind while under higher thrust.

 

[rhcotton]

Re: Cannot control trolling motor

The bushings seem to be okay. The motor has probably not been used over a couple hours.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Cannot control trolling motor

Rh....can you find a model number on it? Or if you know the year and thrust be good. 12V or 12/24V?<br /><br />Just a couple things to check RH...should be a swivel ball bearing mid may down the shaft. Held up by a collar with set screws (allen heads). Also one at the top. You'll have to take the head cover off to see it. Make sure these are lubed real good with a good water resistant grease. <br /><br />You should be able to work the foot control by hand when the motor is not running. Should be fairly easy to rock the foot control back and forth. If you have to put a lot of pressure on it one way or the other to move it, the steering cable may need replaced.<br /><br />But I would like to get some numbers if you have them.....thanks.

 

[rhcotton]

Re: Cannot control trolling motor

OBJ,<br />It is a 12 volt. The year model is 1996. It is easy to move with the foot pedal without it running. I have another one just like it on another boat and I can't tell any difference between the two except that this one giving me problems where it can't be controlled under high speed. The pedal is almost impossible to push up or down on the higher two speeds. I did look at the swivel ball bearing midway down the shaft and there is no freeplay in it to cause binding. Do you think that is is still possible that it needs greasing even though I can move it freely? I don't know the thrust, but it has three speeds on the foot control.Thank you for your response and I appreciate any advice and will try suggestions.