MinnKota Troubles

[Bionic Man]

My Terrova 80 iPilot quit working this weekend.

Batteries are fully charged.

Worked ok for two days, third day, not so much.

The unit barely has enough power to turn the head.

Hardly moves the boat, even at a power of 7. (Boat is a 16' Lund).

Shuts off when I try to put it on 10.

Any ideas of parts that might need replaced?

No, I don't want to resort to buying Tony's motor.

[slayerfish]

IF batts are indeed good, then wiring may be compromised somewhere between batts and unit. Otherwise you're fugged Im thinking-

[hobiecat]

Didn't those motors have a problem with water leaking into the lower unit, causing rust to build up on the windings and armature? Could be full of water..just a thought.

[albow]

You have a new battery for your remote, right? Just checking, it's a new season and your battery from last season may be on it's last legs if you haven't changed it out yet. Walgreens has the correct one, Auto parts stores usually don't.

Check to see if you might have got some line caught up and wrapped around under the prop blade. It can melt in there (mono) and may cut and damage the seal (braid).

[jonesboy]

I had similar problems and ended up taking it to Christy's in Windsor. Took Robert a couple of weeks but $100 and It is working fine. I needed a new board.

[Bionic Man]

Thanks for the advice. I didn't check the battery in the remote but I will change it out. I could also try the foot pedal (that I have never used).

I'll take the prop off and look in there.

Im not sure how to check for water in the lower unit. Should be sealed?

I think the wiring from the batteries is good.

I don't want to buy another unit. I might call the guy in Windsor. Looks like Crowley services them too now.


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[albow]

That would suck if you have to get into it to that level, but it is doable.

Might have to clean the battery wiring connections with a scotchbrite pad or steel wool until metal is shiny. I'm always surprised (every year) when that works.

[rattman]

Ryan,

When I had a problem with my Terrova, I tried to call the guy up north several times and never received an answer or a call back. It was suggested that I work with John Bonner who provides MinnKota warranty work in Colorado Springs. He was very responsive and dealt with my problem quickly. He even lent me his own remote to use in the interim. There can be a problem with the spring tension for the battery in the remote which results in the battery losing contact. My remote was replaced under warranty.

MinnKota Repair
John Bonner
1323 W Bijou St
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
719-661-4245

The drive to the Springs should be equivalent for you vs heading up to Windsor.

Good Luck.

[Oyey]

John fixed my Minn Kota many years ago... He's a good dude and def knows those units.

[hobiecat]

I know that John replaced the shaft on Jeff's when it broke. He did a good job. And as mentioned, Jeff had to replace his battery in the remote recently and had to bend the battery contacts out a bit in order to get power.