Vex getting very loud. Any adjustments/cleaning needed?

[fishing41]

I finally made it on the ice for a cpl hours this weekend! My Vex is about 10 years old and still works good, but it's getting VERY loud. The battery was getting low, but I can't imagine that making a difference. Is this a sign that it's quitting on me? Are there any adjustments or internal cleaning that I can/should do?

Thanks for any help...........Daryl.

[beretta]

I had similar problems with mine and I thought it might be a connection problem so I took a wire brush and hit the battery terminals and the connecters. It made all the difference in the world. There was no visible corroision or anything but I did it anyways and it worked. Might be something to try...good luck!

[fishing41]

Thanks Beretta. I'll give it a try.

Anyone else have suggestions?

[Dave]

It usually means the brushes in the motor are getting bad. Repairable but I don't know the cost. Talk to Vexilar.

[Mr. Bear]

Hmmm, I wonder if they'll ever come out with a "solid state" flasher unit. Maybe they have, but I wouldn't know since I have actually never used a flasher. (It's on my wish list if Santa is reading the board.) It would save power and noise and would probably bring down the cost long term as well.

[Hooked On a Feeling]

Daryl...

Just had my fl-8slt redone at vex. in bloomington for free. Mine was also 10 years old & making noises but was working fine. The tech said the 1st year the fl-8 slt's had a couple minor problems, but the supplier of the componets paid vex. to repair any units as needed. I would take it to vex. in bloomington, they took care of me. Great customer service, had my unit back in two hours.

Hooked

[ryan johnson]

well the solid state flasher was done quite along time ago..not to sure if anyone else predated zercom.but it's the first stricktly lcd flasher that i know of..they were, and still are great units..just that people seemed to want color,had zercom not been bought and dismantled by hummingbird I think they might have been the best units out there,with a few tweeks like color lcd..there is the lowrance color lcd flashers,I just don't think they kept them simple enough for icefisherman...

[SUICK]

could you tell me where that is located in bloomington mine"s been making noise for years just figured it was getting old. thanks for the info

[croixeyes]

Go to Vexilars web site,they should have the address on it.Motor Clinic will probably be at the same location.

[fishing41]

Thanks for all the great responses. Looks like I'll be headed to Vex this week. FYI..I received a response from their service dept in only about 15 mins. Pretty nice. Here's what they had to say...

Daryl, Normally brushes do not make any kind of rattle or grinding noise that is real loud. As they wear, some brush wear may cling to the slip rings momentarily. It will start a high pitch tin type noise until it is cast off of the slip rings and then will quiet down to a normal noise again. If this is a constant loud noise it is most likely a motor going bad. Replacement of the motor, brush plate and slip rings is about $100.00. That includes part, labor, shipping and tax. If you would like to send it to us for evaluation, send it to the address below along with your name, address, daytime phone number and a brief description of the problem. We will evaluate and call you with an estimate. Thanks

[Walterwontfalter]

Had mine fixed by Vexilar a couple years ago. I don't remember the cost but it wasn't much and it came back fast. They have excellent customer service. They also told me that if I send it in to get worked on they only need the main unit and not the whole pack or transducer so that will save some shipping cost.