1. Minn Kota
  2. Trolling Motors
  3. Batteries, Installation/Rigging, & Maintenance
  4. Maintaining your Trolling Motor

Maintaining your Cable-Steer Motor

Updated

After use, the entire motor should be rinsed with freshwater. This series of motors is not equipped for saltwater exposure.

Jump to:

Caution disconnect the motor from the battery

Electric Steer Tool Required

The Prop must be inspected and cleaned from weeds and fishing line after every use. Fishing line and weeds can get behind the Prop, damage the seals and allow water to enter the motor.

  1. Disconnect the motor from all sources of power prior to changing the Prop.
  2. Hold the Prop and loosen the Prop Nut with a pliers or a wrench.
  3. Remove the Prop Nut and Prop Washer.
  4. Turn the old Prop to horizontal and pull it straight off. If the Drive Pin falls out, push it back in.
  5. Align the new Prop with the Drive Pin.
  6. Install the Prop Washer and Prop Nut.
  7. Tighten the Prop Nut 1/4 turn past snug at 25-35 inch-lbs.

Video Removing Prop, Inspecting Prop, and Drive Pin

Video Guide: How to Replace or Install a Trolling Motor Prop

In this video, we will show you how to replace or install a new trolling motor propeller, inspect the drive pin and lower unit seal, and a few tips for trolling motor props. The process is very simple and only requires minimal tools.

Purchase replacement parts here

Key times in the video

Shaft Maintenance, Lubricating, and Cleaning

The Shaft requires periodic cleaning and lubrication for proper retraction and deployment. A coating of an aqueous based silicone spray will improve operation.

*Do not spray water into the ventilation openings in the head of the motor.

* Minn Kota does not recommend using oil-based lubricants like WD-40 because oil based sprays will attract dirt and debris that can cause issues. 

  1. Disconnect the connections to battery.
  2. To lubricate your shaft, wipe the shaft with a rag or paper towel with the Pledge or Armor-All on it or spray the shaft down with the spray and wipe it to evenly coat the shaft.
  3. For prolonged storage, lightly coat all metal parts with an aqueous based silicone spray

Shaft Cleaning and Lubricating Video

Trolling Motor Battery Maintenance

  1. Disconnect the connections to battery.
  2. To keep battery terminals clean with fine sandpaper or emery cloth.
  3. For maximum battery life recharge the battery(s) as soon as possible after use. For maximum motor performance restore battery to full charge prior to use.
  4. When reconnecting terminals ensure connections are tight and batteries are secured. 

Battery Inspection and Charging Video

Motor Mount Inspection and Maintenance

  • On Cable-Steer motors inspect the Pull Grip, Rope, Depth Collar and Hold-Down Strap before each use and replace if they shows signs of wear.
  • One Electric-Steer motors inspect Stow and Deploy and Depth Collar to ensure they are free from damage.  
  • Inspect the mounting bolts to ensure they are secure.
  • The rail covers on the motor rest are intended to be a wear item and may need to be a replaced periodically.

Trolling Motor Mount Inspection Video

 

Motor Cable Management and Inspection

  • Inspect foot pedal steering cables, networking cables, and transducer cables to ensure they are free for the motor to stow, deploy and other motor operation movements. 

Cable Management Video

Lower Unit Paint Maintenance

When repainting a motor the best method would be as follows:

  1. Remove all loose paint
    1. Remove any loose paint by scraping it off.
    2. Sand the area to be painted with a medium grit sandpaper and blend in areas where the paint and substrate meet.
  2. Clean the area to be painted (VERY IMPORTANT)
    1. A strong cleaner (paint thinner) that removes dirt and oils and does not leave any residue will work best.
    2. Before painting wiping the area with isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining residues and moisture.
  3. Apply Primer Coating
    1. Use an epoxy based primer. This will give the strongest adhesion and corrosion resistance.
    2. Allow primary to dry completely per the manufacturer instructions.
  4. Apply Final Coating
    • Use any Acrylic based top coat. Acrylic spray paints offer UV resistance as well as durability. Again the surface should be clean, dry, and free of any residues.
    • The recommended paint is Cardinal A-4101-67194 (Aerosol, touch up air dry acrylic enamel). This can be obtained through the manufacturer or through other online retailers. 

Note: For each of the individual products mentioned above it is always important to follow all the manufactures directions and safety precautions.

Resources

Related to

Was this article helpful?
1 out of 1 found this helpful

Articles in this section