Having just had an experience with my MinnKota Trolling motor I thought I would pass along a couple tips.

Musky fishing in Ontario the TM (PowerDrive 70AP US) started working intermittently on day 2 and stopped completely on day 3, bad situation. I noticed water coming from the head of the unit when it was pulled up. Unit was taking in water in the lower unit. I took it apart and discovered one of the seals must not have been installed correctly when I had the Universal Sonar transducer replaced this summer. Not too hard to disassemble the lower unit and dry it out. Soaked the bearing in oil, burnished the commutator (where brushes meet motor) and re-assembled. The motor ended up running well but in reverse. Took it back apart and turned the case (magnets) 180 degrees and all was well. If you disassemble these motors make sure you mark the top of the case and re-assemble accordingly. Just took it in for a warranty re-build since the water had corroded the brush leads and caused some oxidation.

Paul

Having just had an experience with my MinnKota Trolling motor I thought I would pass along a couple tips.

Musky fishing in Ontario the TM (PowerDrive 70AP US) started working intermittently on day 2 and stopped completely on day 3, bad situation. I noticed water coming from the head of the unit when it was pulled up. Unit was taking in water in the lower unit.

Paul



I noticed mine was taking water everytime I pull up. I thought thats just how it is, no? How to I check if mine is taking water in which they are not suppose to?

If there is water coming from the head of the unit when you pull it up it definitely has a problem and it should be repaired ASAP.

There are three seals in the unit that could be at fault.
One in the front cap which is around the shaft just before it comes out of the housing. This one can be damaged if you get fishing line wrapped around the shaft and it gets in as far as this seal.

One between the front cap (one behind the prop) and the casing. This is an O ring and if the two screws are tight and it is properly in place it should never leak. It is tricky in re-assembly however since you have to be careful to get it evenly in place around the plate/casing.

One between the housing and the shaft side of the housing. This is a flat seal and is less tricky to install correctly.

You might also notice unusual oxidation on the case or screws to the universal sonar if you have one.

You should find and correct the cause as soon as you can or it will be a problem.

Paul

If there is water coming from the head of the unit when you pull it up it definitely has a problem and it should be repaired ASAP.

There are three seals in the unit that could be at fault.
One in the front cap which is around the shaft just before it comes out of the housing. This one can be damaged if you get fishing line wrapped around the shaft and it gets in as far as this seal.

One between the front cap (one behind the prop) and the casing. This is an O ring and if the two screws are tight and it is properly in place it should never leak. It is tricky in re-assembly however since you have to be careful to get it evenly in place around the plate/casing.

One between the housing and the shaft side of the housing. This is a flat seal and is less tricky to install correctly.

You might also notice unusual oxidation on the case or screws to the universal sonar if you have one.

You should find and correct the cause as soon as you can or it will be a problem.

Paul



Let me look into that....thx