Thread: Smokin'...

no, really it was smokin. I took my daughter out to Herb Parsons this weekend, and was running my TM on high for extended periods of time(10-15 mins) and at one point I saw the smoke comin from the footpedal. Its an Pro series MG 54lb thrust. I found where it was coming from. Its coming from the wire that connects the speed control to the 3 pos switch (off, on, jackrabbit) and the other wire running to the switch shows signs of heat damage. I checked the motor and no line or anything wrapped around it, doesnt seem to be any issue with motor(turns free everything inside seems to be in order). The wiring looks to be about a 10 gauge from the battery to the socket, and nothing seems out of order with the breaker. Has anyone had any experience with either of the switches in the pedal causing high current draw? The battery does take a charge and tests good. Motor is about 8 years old. Im gonna replace both the wires, but just wondering if anyone has seen this and had experience with it being one of the switches. By the way, wasnt a bust, as usual she out fished me and had a blast catching some cats(dont hate on the slimers)

I'd say the motor is giving off too much resistance and it's taking too much juice to work,mm Might consider getting another trolling motor real soon,,,,Check your prop also for any lines that might be slowing the motor down and causing that resistance,,,,

Regardless of what the motor is doing, even with a direct short within the components of the trolling motor, the breaker should always trip before exceeding the amperage rating of the wire in the circuit.

A lot of times it will be caused by loose connections. Those slip on connectors are bad for that. Bad connection equals higher restiance equals heat equals smoke. When your replacing that wire, clean those connections good, take pliers and crimp down a little and use some dielectric grease on them also check in connections in the motor head.

Loose connection causes heat but won't trip breaker. A loose connection causes a lot of house fires.

Had the same problem. Replaced the connectors and cleaned the terminals on the switch. All is good now.

Looks as if you might have caught it in time. Once you have replaced the wires and have good n tight connections drop it in a tub or trash can of water. Take it for a spin and see what happens. You might call it a speed bench test.

Thanks for the feedback!

Have seen this several times and replacing the wires usually fixes the problem. I know if you strip the insulation off of the wires 4-5 inches you usually find a lot of corrosion which leads to a lot of problems and I don't know exactly how but it creates a situation very similar to a short in the wire which leads to hot wire and yes it will cause a fire if you are unlucky.

When I rewire I dip the top of the connector in plasti-dip

http://www.google.com/shopping/produ...42939376378815

which is a rubberized coating for tool handles. Have not seen corrosion in the wiring since I started is ~25 years ago. Marine wiring by its very nature is a contradiction. I look at used boats all the time and am amazed at some of the things I see but the most common is corroded rusty terminal strips, wires that are haphazzardly run, splices that are loosely sealed with electrical tape. All of which are signs to me of impending failure.

Heat shrink tubing, plastic-dip and a spray can of battery terminal protector and prevent a lot of problems