Minn Kota ?

[LOGDOG]

I have a Minn Kota Powerdrive - 50lb thrust, it will turn to the right at normal speed, when I want to turn it left it is very very slow. Anyone have any suggestions on what the problem is? Thanks

[Muskieguy]

I too have the same problem....plus it doesn't seem to have the power it used too(even with a new battery)

Any Ideas?

Muskieguy.......

[Fishing Junky]

Maybe your electrical contacts on the foot pedal are getting dirty? Just a thought. Good luck, Junky..........

[Tom Wilson]

I have had four power drive models over the years, and there is a 99.9% chance that a new foot pedal will solve your problem. Call Motor Clinic in Bloomington, and they can give you the right price but you should be able to get it for around $70.00 I too had this problem on two of my units and both times a new pedal solved the problem.

[kevfish]

If you want the new foot pedal I got one i would sell for $50.00

[Dan DAN the fisherman]

I have an auto pilot 55lb. The gyro compass started to go haywire last weekend. I would turn on the A.P. and it would go straight for about thirty seconds and then it would start turning abruptly to the left or right. The wind was calm and the wave action was moderate. Anyone have an answer for this one- PLEASE.
Dan

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[Paul Waldowski]

Kevfish,

Shoot me an e-mail. I'm interested in your foot pedal

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Paul
Drake Motel

[email protected]
Marcum
Otter Outdoors
JR's Tackle
Lakemaster Lake Maps

[Surface Tension]

LOGDOG, I've noticed that even the new units seem to turn slower on one side then the other. I would make sure your contacts on the battery are clean and tight.
The contacts on the foot pedals plug also seem to corrode and cause problems. Use an electrical cleaner on them.
If that doesn't help the problem out I would imagine you have a warn bushing or gear that is binding. After all its the same motor that steers you left and right.

[kevfish]

paul w. what is your e-mail address?

[LOGDOG]

Thanks for the replies, I E-mailed Minn Kota and all they told me was to bring it in to an ASC. Not all of us don't know what a wrench is. I'm sure they probably know what is wrong and could at least help a guy out if it is an easy fix (like dirty contacts in foot pedal)etc. Thanks for the replies, much appreciated. If I solve this problem I will let you know what it was. (Sometimes bringing it in to fix costs almost as much as a new unit!)

[Muskieguy]

Hey All,

Thanks for the info on the new foot petal solving the one side slower than the other. Any thoughts on why I am not getting as much thrust as I used to?

Thanks,

Muskieguy.......

[Guest]

Speaking of footpedals on Minnkota's how long should they last? I'm on my third one in three years. Anyone else have this problem?

[Fishbitten]

Before you buy a pedal, borrow one from a friend I purchased one and mine still only turn one direction. I have resorted to useing mine manually if you find the cure please post it, I would like to get mine fixed also.

[2dalake]

I just had my Minnkota serviced and the tech bawled me out for having corroded contacts to the battery. Apparently you lose a lot of performance that way.

Dan Dan,

My Autopilot goes haywire like you are descibing when I've let the battery run down too low. If you are fishing with a fully charged battery you may need to replace it.

I'd check the charge on your battery or try the motor on a newer one, see if that helps.

[Dan DAN the fisherman]

My battery is new this spring and was fully charged. Anything else it might be? Thanks,
Dan

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[MuleSkinner]

DanDan, Once in a while my autopilot will go nuts too where it keeps turning and turning. Usually this happens in rougher water, when I make a very sharp turn. Someone told me this happens because the auto pilot mechanism uses sort of a liquid bubble like in a thermometer or a level, and if this liquid gets split into two parts, the auto pilot goes haywire, until the two bubbles unite into one again. (I think the guy telling me this was slopping beer down his chin at the time). Anyway, at least it sounded good. I also know if I have some corrosion on my battery connections (which I am careful to avoid now), the turning motor might go a little haywire too.

You described sort of a different problem than either of the above, but that is all I have to offer.

[2dalake]

If you have a first generation autopilot, like me, it may need to be re-calibrated. Your local Minnkota service shop can do this for about $40, or whatever they charge in your area for one hour of labor.

[Dan DAN the fisherman]

Thanks for the help everyone.
Dan

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[LOGDOG]

Well, put a friends foot control on and all worked just fine, so........the problem is in the foot control. Now, has anyone had that apart, thinking maybe dirty inside and in need of a good cleaning. Thanks for any help.

[Autumnhunt]

Dan, I had the exact same problem with my Auto Pilot. Formula Propeller is a authurized mechanic and they couldn't figureit out. I was asked to make sure no compasses were around the motor as it may interfer with the interal compass. I finally brought it back to Gander Mountain with no problem as long as I had a receipt. The new one works fine! It was so frusterating! BRING IT BACK for replacement ASAP.

[rtwills]

I just experienced the same problem last weekend.I removed the 3 screws and springs from the underside and found a piece of candy bar wrapper over the contact,which couldn't be seen.I wiped the circuit board off and everything worked perfect.I did remove alot of debris(dirt and gunk) from the controls and contacts