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

Maintaining Your QUEST Motor

Updated

This article give Maintenance Steps for you QUEST motor. 

After use, the entire motor should be rinsed with freshwater.

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Caution disconnect the motor from the battery

Quest Prop Maintenance

The Prop must be removed, 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.

  • Hold the Prop and Loosen the Prop Nut with 9/16" Deep Well Socket. 
  • Remove the Prop Nut and Prop Washer.

  • Turn the Prop so it is Horizontal and pull it straight off. If the Drive Pin Falls out, push it back in.
  • Align the new Prop so it is horizontal and parallel with the Drive Pin. Slide the Prop onto the Armature Shaft and Drive Pin until it is seated against the lower unit. 
  • Reinstall the Prop Washer and Prop Nut onto the end of the Armature shaft. While holding the Prop horizontal, tighten the Prop Nut with a 9/16" Deep Well Socket. Tighten the Prop Nut to 25-35 in-lbs.
  • The Prop is designed to provide weed-free operation with very high efficiency. To maintain this top performance, the leading edge of the blades must be kept smooth. If they are rough or nicked from use, restore to smoothness by sanding with fine sandpaper.

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

 

Depth Collar Maintenance

Long Shaft Motors 72"-100"

  • Motors with a long shaft contain a Stow Lock Collar, Coil Cord Slider and Depth Collar.

Short Shaft Motors 

  • Motors with a short shaft only have a Depth Collar.

Terrova QUEST, Terrova, Riptide Terrova QUEST, and Riptide Terrova 2023-Present

Ultrex QUEST Diagram 2023-Present

Tightening the Depth Collar

  1. Tighten the Depth Collar tightness with a #3 Phillips Screwdriver.
  2. The screw opposite the cam lever.
    • NOTE: Leave the Cam Lever closed while tightening the screw. Tightening the screw with the lever open can damage the cam lever/collar.
    • NOTE: The Depth Collar should be secured against the Steering Housing on 45"-60" and secured against the Stow Lock Collar on 72"-100" Shafts when transporting the motor. This prevents accidental deployment.

Tightening the Stock Lock Collar

  1. Tighten the Stow Lock Collar tightness with a #10 Phillips Screwdriver.
    • Note: The Stow Lock Collar should be in the Locked position anytime the motor is being transported on water or trailered to prevent accidental deployment.

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

QUEST Instinct Video

Resources

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