Trolling Motor ?

[LOTWKIng]

This past wekend I used used my bow mounted Minn Kota Auto pilate. I was just using the foot pedal trolling along at a average speed when all of a sudden the motor started to smoke. I lifted it out of the water to check it out. The prop spins fine but the motor starts to smoke and smells like burnt wires. Any ideas on whats wrong? Help would be appreciated.

[TonkaBass]

You need to get a new motor. I'm sure this one doesn't have much life left. They coat the motor windings with a varnish as an insulator, maybe you broke a seal and the windings shorted. Pretty sure that you won't get full power out of it if this is the case. You may be able to buy a part and install it yourself before it does more damage.

Does it smoke right away when you turn it on?

Is it running weak?

Does it growl?

[biggamefisher]

well i would say just go bye a new moter thats what i would do or go to a small enges repair shop and get it fixed that what i would do if i was you my friend

[blakjack23]

You probably need new bushings or an armature. I would call one of the Minnkota repair centers and just talk to them. I'm sure you could order the parts and put them in yourself to save money.

[Bushwacker]

I had that same problem with my PowerDrive last year. I put in a new motherboard and the problem was solved. It was about $100 with labor. That smoke and smell makes a person a little nervous, but mine was not that bad of a fix.

[blakjack23]

Wait, what was smoking? The lower unit with the prop or the base of the motor on the bow?

[katoguy]

Where is the smoke coming from?

The main control board is in the extrusion that is mounted to the boat. There is a compass board in the upper head.

[LOTWKIng]

It was coming from the base of the motor and starts to smoke right away when I turn it on. No growling or anything like that.

[blakjack23]

Probably not the bushings or armature then. I was thinking the lower prop unit was smoking and smelling.

You probably just need a new motherboard like b-wacker said.

[TonkaBass]

My quess is that you need a new armature (the rotating member of a motor which consists of windings and an iron core). The bearings would start to smoke after a little use and would make noise right away. An armature will run you about $110, email me if you need any advice on this matter.

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[Northlander]

Could it be as simple as some line caught up in the back of the prop. I always check my motors 5 or 6 times a summer to make sure I havent spun up anyones line on them.