Trolling Motor Wire Issue

Had a problem come up with my trolling motor yesterday.

Was running the motor continuously and the one of the wires inside the harness that goes from the foot pedal to the head of the motor got hot and basically melted its insulation as well as a little bit of the overall wrap around all of the wires. It seemed concentrated close to the foot pedal itself.

I haven't made any changes or re-connected anything recently.

I'm very ignorant when it comes to electrical issues, but thought I'd see if anyone has any ideas.

a loose or corroded connection can do that...

Embry is right on! (Ohm's Law). Suggest cleaning (wire brushing and filing) all connection points until they shine like pure copper, replace all corroded or discolored terminals and cut off all corrosion or melted wiring, make sure wiring you attached to new terminals are bright and free or corrosion. If you need new terminals, go to an Auto Parts store and get the Pure Copper Terminals, not the cheap coated crap sold in discount stores! Also, if you don't have one, you will need to purchase a crimping tool for the terminals, again at the Auto Shop. Lastly, but very important, insure all connections are tightened down TIGHT. You may also want to check the battery connections as a preventative measure also. Ensure those connections are corrosion free and put a little hump on those battery wing nuts.

I've had same problem with new boat/trolling motor.

Let me know if I can be of further help....Gary

Also, line wrapped around the propshaft can cause the motor to overheat......YEA, I know from experience.........twice.........

Later,

Geo

[QUOTE=GeoFisher;455252]Also, line wrapped around the propshaft can cause the motor to overheat......YEA, I know from experience.........twice.........

Later,

Geo[/QUOTE]

Understand and appreciate what you are saying, just wondering why it didn't finally bow a fuse? Would think a locked up prop, or nearly locked up prob would draw enough current to blow the fuse. Could it be the manufacturer had not sized the fuse correctly?

Line wrapped up around the prop is all to common to most of us and replacing trolling motors gets expensive.... Thinking I need to check out the fuse rating on me boat. Best to my memory, one can install what I would describe as fast blow?? or slow blow??. Have no idea what on me boat??? Thanks for the wakeup call!!

I have a circuit breaker...........20 amp............my trolling motor pulls 17 under normal load and 19 under HEAVY load.........so at 20 I'm going to pop it if I have an issue.

BUT this is with the understanding that all your other connections are good, and you will blow that fuse only if the overdraw is there......

A bad plug creates crazy resistance and HEAT at the plug, and the wires to the battery are fine.........

Later,

Geo