Motorguide Shutting off above 65% thrust

[Trout Troller]

Hey guys, hoping for some insight on my problem here:

My motorguide 24V digital 70lb thrust trolling motor works great and never fails under 65% thrust, Above this mark it will run for apporx. 30 seconds and then shut off, reset and then it works again for about 30 seconds and shuts down. It seems like it's throwing an internal breaker and reseting. Do any of you have any experience with this same problem? What's the fix?

Thanks in advance for any help~

Cody S. Smith

 

[John_S]

Re: Motorguide Shutting off above 65% thrust

Automatic or manual reset breakers are usually part of the boat wiring system. While the motor maybe causing the over-current, I would recheck/redo all electrical connections associated with the trolling motor wiring. Also, make sure that no fishing line, etc is wrapped around motor shaft causing it to work much harder. If that didn't correct, try new breaker. Still happening, then motor is probably on its way out.

PS: If it has always done this, there is a possibility that the breaker was not sized correctly.

 

[Trout Troller]

Re: Motorguide Shutting off above 65% thrust

Thanks for the speedy reply.


It's always done this.... When I bought the boat a year ago I wondered why the previous owner had a black sharpie dot on the thrust control knob... I soon figured out that this was the max point of thrust you could achieve without it shutting off.

In checking for the automatic breaker... Where might this be located? when it "clicks" off it sounds like it shuts down from the foot pedal?

 

[John_S]

Re: Motorguide Shutting off above 65% thrust

The automatic ones I have used, are a small rectangular metal can. Usually, relatively close to the battery, on the positive (red) wire. You will need to trace out your wiring and you should be able to find it. If you are lucky there will be enough print left on it, to read the rating. Contact MG tech support and provide details of your model and wiring (24V). They should be able to tell you what size should be on there.

Given, the breaker is undersized, it is very possible that this is a replacement trolling motor that draws considerable more than the original. It would pay to examine the wiring to determine if it large enough to support the current draw required by the motor. You don't want to replace breaker, just to smoke the wires. MG tech should be able id the minimum wire size, as well.

 

[Trout Troller]

Re: Motorguide Shutting off above 65% thrust

Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Motorguide Shutting off above 65% thrust

There is probably a relay in the foot pedal that you are hearing drop out. That however is NOT the source of the problem. The logical place for a circuit breaker is at the head of a circuit, just like in your house. The source for power to the troller is the battery and the POS terminal is where the breaker should be located. You might also check the wire gauge going from the battery to the front of the boat. This should be 6 AWG minimum. If it is smaller than that, it can get hot, heat is wasted electricity and it can pop the breaker. I seriously doubt the motor is the source of the problem.