Trolling Motor Maintenance Pictorial

This simple pictorial shows how easy it is to clean behind your trolling motors blade. I cleaned mine during the winter months, so this goes to show how quick this stuff can build up sometimes. This job should take less than 30 minutes.
Hope this is helpful,
NightProwler

1. Remove Trolling Motor terminal from battery! Be sure there is no power to the unit.

2. Remove locking nut with proper fitting socket.
Attachment 66268

2. Remove washer and trolling motor blade. Be careful that the pin doesn't drop out when removing the blade.
Attachment 66269

3. Slide the pin out.
Attachment 66270

4. Remove any debris such as string and weeds from shaft. Most of the debris will come off easy but if the string is knotted, a utility knife may be needed. Be careful and do not cut rubber seal.
Attachment 66271

5. Debris free shaft.
Attachment 66272

6. Here is what came out from behind my blade.
Attachment 66273

7. When reinstalling the blade, place the pin in the center of the shaft as seen in step 2. Align the blade with the pin and be sure that the blade and shaft both turn and the blade is securely seated all the way. Look at the face and you can see that both are turning.
Attachment 66274

8. Replace the washer and locking nut back on the shaft and secure the nut snug with the socket. Replace battery terminal and check that the unit has power. This is an easy job that can add years to your Trolling Motors life.
Attachment 66275

Good job! Pictures tell the story. If you wait till your motor indicates you have a problem, you've already waited too long.
A keeper!

I think we should develop a how-to site that can be used as a reference. Bundling them up would save a lot of time.

Great informative post, info that we all can use-thanks....Thumbs Up

I have a 2005 motor gide pro 65 series on my boat. What kind of tool do I need to remove the prop? Thanks

Thanks for the post! How often should I do this?

Good post. That fishing line doesn't take long to ruin the seal and let water in.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fishfinder8

I have a 2005 motor gide pro 65 series on my boat. What kind of tool do I need to remove the prop? Thanks

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The nut should just unscrew. I just use my fingers to loosen the nut on my Motor Guide. If it's a little tight, a regular pair of pliers should work just fine.

Nice post Herb

Very good idea, i do it at least once a month. I also clean and check the foot pedal connections, a little dielectric grease goes a long way in preventing problems.......GraniteThumbs Up

Quote:

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Originally Posted by crappiemax

The nut should just unscrew. I just use my fingers to loosen the nut on my Motor Guide. If it's a little tight, a regular pair of pliers should work just fine.

Nice post Herb

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Thank you. I will remove my prop today

Been needing to do that myself. Thanks for reminding me.

Thanks guys. I usually only clean mine once a year. However I should probally be checking it more often. Just like so many other things....
NightProwler

i would add one more step if i may....use a bit of anti sieze to the shaft and threads.....makes removing a breeze...

Nice! Might be time to do a little box cutter maintenance though. :)

Wannabe...

WOW!, Thanks for the reminder. I'll put it on the list

Good reminder.... Not fun to have TM problems on the lake, I dont like things cutting into my fishing time. Ive found a small set of sockets, a pair of pliers, extra plug, bailing cup, phillips & flat head screwdriver are a few easily stored items to keep on a boat that "When ya need em, YOU NEED EM!"

Whether for myself or others..... I helped a guy out a few months back, ALONG way from the ramp with a 10 ft jon with only a 30lb thrust trolling motor.... he thought his battery completely died.... upon inspection his prop nut was too loose and the prop wont spinning......easy fix...because I had a pair of pliers.

Good idea Herb. Good idea to check the wheel bearings at the same time, something else we get complacent with. I've heard of 3 guys this year that had seals ruined from fishing line. Outboard props need a check now and then too.

Thanks for the reminder. Where I fish, people aren't very considerate. When they break line, or remove a tangle, they just throw the line in the water. A trolling motor is a natural line magnet. It's time for me to check mine and do the removal thing. Thanks for a great post.