Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

[TonyNoriega]

This is my first post on this forum and I appreciate the opportunity to learn from you guys. My GWB80v 24v Great White trolling motor has what appears to be a defective relay on the circuit board in the upper section; the relay is an integral part of the board. I was told that the boards are not made any more since M-guide has gone digital.

Have any of you had a similar experience and what was the outcome? Since the motor on this thing (only 6 years old) is still going strong, I hate to lay out many hundreds for a replacement, but is that my only option?

Thanks! Tony in Tampa

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

If by "integral part of the board" you mean the relay is merely soldered to the board, you can replace it with any relay that has the same characteristics as this one. Use a pencil type of soldering iron to heat the solder tabs and a "solder sucker" to remove the solder, thus freeing the pins. If the relay has a case you can't see through, use a dremel tool to cut the housing off. You will not be able to see the contacts. The coil will be 12V so you need a 12V relay. The relay will likely have one or two sets of contacts. Radio Shack will likely have a replacement that will work, but because of size differences you may have to improvise by adding wires to the relay to get the terminals lined up with the holes in the board. When done, use silicone to secure the relay to the board. PM me before you start this!

 

[TonyNoriega]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

Silvertip: Thanks very much for the detailed information. You're right about the relay being soldered to the board. Here's what I read from the top of the relay:

TYCO VF4-15H13-C01 24vdc 40/30a

I know that you refered me to Radio Shack for a replacement that may not fit physically; what do you think about the prospects of me finding one on the web now that I have the identification of it?

I will PM you before beginning any work - I have to say that my soldering skills aren't the best and I'm questioning my ability to do a good job - I'll be contemplating it.

Thanks again!

Tony

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

My comment about the 12V relay is invalid since yours is marked 24V. That complicates matters a little but 24V relays are a available. The fact that you have a Manufacturers number means if that exact relay is not available, one similar can certainly be sourced. Soldering does not require a surgeons touch. Most people tend to solder the tip of the iron. Heat the joint, then apply solder (rosin core only please). With the info you've provided, I'll do a little checking to see what we can come up with. If any viewers have access to a junk bin, please look for this relay.

 

[ddennis]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

Tyco order number is 5-1393305-9 and the part appears to be obsolete. However I think these guys have one

http://www.partsprocurement.com/quote.aspx

Or possibly these guys

http://stevenengineering.com/Cust_Sup/OrderOnline.html

-=Drew

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

I have the spec sheet for that relay and it appears to have a standard form-factor so even if its not readily available, there should be one-for-one replacements available -- probably even from Tyco as I think their web site had an "identical replacement" search feature.

 

[TonyNoriega]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

Thanks again guys. I didn't have any luck on the two sites that ddennis recommended, although it appears that they once carried the relay. I'm going to dig deep on the Tyco site this evening since Silvertip thinks they may offer an exact replacement.

I certainly do appreciate your help!!!

 

[TonyNoriega]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

Tyco does show the relay on it's site. Being entirely new to this I wasn't able to determine if Tyco will sell direct to me......nothing on the site indicates that they do retail. Can one of you 'old hands' point me in the direction I should go next? Thanks!

 

[TonyNoriega]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

This morning I found this: VF4A-15H11-S08 which is a Tyco 24v relay. The original part is VF4-15H13-CO1. I don't know if I can get by with a close match or not so I'm still searching.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

Close by part number means nothing. You need to check the form factor and contact types. You can print both spec sheets. Form factor refers to the orientation of the pins on the relay. That and the internal wiring and the number and type of contacts in the relay determine its part number. If I remember correctly, the "11" and "13" in the part number deal with spade type connections and PC board pins respectively.

 

[TonyNoriega]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

Well, the lead I thought I had on a suitable relay may be a dead end....I think it's a 'finder' service on the 'net that may or may not actually have access to the part I need.

This whole ordeal is frustrating on two levels for me:

1) The Motorguide is only 6 or 7 years old and Motorguide is not supporting it with a continued supply of parts.

2) Since the actual motor functions fine, it seems that a simple rheostat or something similar could make it work.....but I don't have the technical expertise to do a deal like that.

It looks like I'm going to have to spend 700.00 plus to get a replacement, when a two dollar part is the problem.....

Not a happy guy this morning!

Tony

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

You would spend way too much money on a "simple" rheostat. Besides they get verrrrry hot with the current draw on the motor and that heat is wasted battery power. I can't do it now, but I'll find a replacement for you. PM me next Saturday.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

Here are some options for you. It's the "1 Form C" parameter that you are looking for. Note that some of the relays are sealed, while some relays of the same type have a dust cover. The dust cover can be sealed however so don't let that stop your search.

 

[TonyNoriega]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

That's great Silvertip......thank you. I'll report back with the results of my search....hopefully I'll get this thing back in service.

 

[Humphrey]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

Silvertip,

You are obviously a great resource for info on this trolling motor...can you assist me in finding a replacement potentiometer? One of the three posts broke off and I have lost variable speed control. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TonyNoriega]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

I found a source for the Tyco relay (as well as other electrical supplies) called Wallco Industrial. I ordered the relay and will post the results when I attempt to solder the thing on my circuit board.

 

[TonyNoriega]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

I got the replacement relay today and just attempted to remove the original one.......not doing so good. I am using a pencil type soldering iron and got the solder to turn to liquid, but I don't know what a "solder sucker" is (Silvertip said to use one to remove the disolved solder). What is one, and do I have to buy one or is it something that I can devise and make work?

Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

A solder sucker is a squeeze bulb with a pointy end on it. You melt the solder and suck it up. If you raised any kids, you likely had at least one(pardon me if I sound crude) "snot" suckers to clear out a babies nose. Get the picture?

 

[TonyNoriega]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

OK, now I understand what a solder sucker is......my guess is that Radio Shack would have them for sale and I'll give them a try today. Thanks!

 

[TonyNoriega]

Re: Motorguide GWB80v......repair or replace????

It's the end of the line in my attempt to fix this motor on the cheap, but not for a lock of support and advice from the good people on this forum. I did replace the relay but apparently that isn't the problem.

Central Florida Trolling Motor company in Lakeland is going to give me an estimate but I think I'm going to hear that they want to convert it to digital.....about 400 bucks.

Thank to all that helped!