Minn Kota Trolling Motor

[Fishmael]

I have a 70lb thrust All Terrain Minn Kota on my boat.  It isn't very old at all, but every time I turn the motor, it makes this awful screeching noise like the plastic is too tight or something is rubbing.  I have a feeling that I am not as stealthy as I could be with my TM sounding like fingernails on a chalk board.  I tried using some WD40, but maybe I didn't get the right part because it still made the noise.  Any ideas?

[Cy]

Disclaimer: Take it in for repair. 

However the first thing I would check is that there isn't any fishing line or other things under the TM prop.  Line will get wrapped around the TM shaft under the prop and cause damage to the shaft, shaft seal or bearings.  This could cause a noise.  If I were to wager a guess I would think you have a bad bearing in the motor unit.

Oh, BTW.  Don't use WD-40 on anything ever.  It is the biggest dirt magnet known to man.  And from my experience can cause more harm then good.

Here is a link to Minn Kota service site.  You can find a repair facility or email MK.  http://www.minnkotamotors.com/support/index.asp

Cy

[Skulley]

Cy is right.......the only time to use WD40 is when the door hinges on your truck need lube.  When I had the same problem with my Minnkota, I took it to Wonderland Marine West.  They repaired it in about a week or so and did an awesome job.  Good as new and I didn't go broke.

BD             

[Durand Dan]

Cy is right.......the only time to use WD40 is when the door hinges on your truck need lube.  When I had the same problem with my Minnkota, I took it to Wonderland Marine West.  They repaired it in about a week or so and did an awesome job.  Good as new and I didn't go broke.

BD             

WD40 on Senkos is the BOMB

[Fishmael]

Thanks for the info.  I guess I have some time before I need it again, so this might be the prime time for repairs, huh?!  I live on the west side of the State.  So, I'll have to check the listing to see who repairs around here.  Also, good to know on the WD-40.  Now I probably really gummed it up!   

[BryanP]

Great Lakes Communications in GR,  D&R Sports in Kzoo,  and Trolling Motor Repair in Kingsley are the Authorized Service Centers on the west side.

[FOB]

Fishmael - BryanP is correct about the other service centers. ( he should know ) If they can not help you though, give us a call at Wonderland for our store hours.  If you or someone you know is going to the Ultimate in Novi, it could be dropped off then.  And yes, this is the best time to have it taken care of.  Not April or May.

[REEL_MAN]

sounds like you have had a screw come out of the top pivot and the inner tube. I have seem this more that once. It can be as easy as lock tighting the screws back in or as major as needing to replace the inner tube. Not the thing for the average person to tackle because you must loosen the tension on the stearing (not hard) and tear down the control head. The problem is when it comes to putting it back together, getting the parts in the correct place, correct orientation and tansion on the cables.
I recommend you take it to a service center.

REELMAN

[Fishmael]

Thanks for the input.  I will definitely be taking it in to get fixed.  I cringed every time I was in water shallower than 10' this past year because the TM was so noisy.  It will be nice to get the "quiet power that catches fish" back! I think the fish that stuck around this year must have felt sorry for me.

[Dan]

Tom Soltow is a certified Minn Kota and Cannon repairman I have been to several times. He's in Kingsley just south of Traverse City. He certainly is the most reasonable and does good work. 119 E. Main St. PO Box 77 Kingsley, MI  49649 231-263-5998 His repair shop is in the other half of a laundromat he owns. He's trying to sell the place and may be getting ready to hang it up and retire.