Trolling Motor Butt Connectors Hot

[DaveJ50]

My trolling motor was factory installed by connecting a pigtail with a plug to the wire from the trolling motor with 2 butt connectors and then covered with shrink tube.

The last couple times out I noticed the ground getting hot around the connector. I removed the shrink tube and found the wire had been hot enough to melt some of the insulation. The copper wire for about 6 inches from the connector was black so I cut off enough to find good copper.

The butt connectors didn't seem to work very well and so I could mess with the connection on the water I used a couple large yellow wire nutts to re-make the splice.

Does anyone see a problem with this? I doubt I would ever get the wire enough to solder.

Thanks
DaveJ

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Trolling Motor Butt Connectors Hot

Not the prettyiest repair but it will work. Be sure to seal it with some "Liquid Tape" so water and moisture can't get into the connection.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Trolling Motor Butt Connectors Hot

Just cut the wires back and re-crimp new butt connectors. You probably had some corrosion build up inside the old connector. When that happens it creates a resistance, which creates heat and the problem you have.

 

[DaveJ50]

Re: Trolling Motor Butt Connectors Hot

I'll get a couple of new connectors and try again with good clean copper.

I was thinking that the heat caused the corrosion and was afraid that it would just happen again and ruin a fishing trip but it is more reasonable that the corrosion caused the heat.

Thanks
DaveJ

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Butt Connectors Hot

Bad crimps can also cause the problem - with or without corrosion. Use a good quality crimping tool.

 

[Gone]

Re: Trolling Motor Butt Connectors Hot

Eventually the butts will oxidize again and start the heat problem all over again. Soldering the wires and sealing them will be a permanent solution.

CD

 

[DaveJ50]

Re: Trolling Motor Butt Connectors Hot

I may try to do a solder using a torch. I used smaller butt connectors when I installed my underground dog fence and one by one I have gone back and soldered them.

I thought it was lousy work by me but it sounds like others have had troubles with butt connectors.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Butt Connectors Hot

There is nothing wrong with butt connectors. Only incorrectly crimped and sealed butt connectors cause problems. Don't use a torch to attempt soldering. You'll just melt the insulation well before you get solder to melt.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Butt Connectors Hot

Forgot to add that if you want to get away from crimping, Check the electrical dept at any home improvement store for an underground splice kit. Its a brass tube with two set screws in it. Run the wires in from each end and tighten the screws. They also include the heat shrink and sealing gel