Thread: Minn Kota Mess

Also, this V2 is a PRE-2017 model.

What's driving me (also) crazy is that the brushes (188-036) in the pictures of the brushes on sale today does not look like the picture (see above) of the the parts I have in this motor. Could Minn Kota have changed the design, etc.?

I would suggest you clean it all up, replace the seals, and go back to using it. It may be weaker than new, but if it worked before then it will still work. Once it gives up the beans later on you can decide if its worth fixing or upgrading to the bluetooth or future brushless models.

That's just my suggestion of course, you can absolutely rebuild it fully while you have it apart if you want to. A local minnkota service shop should have a brush kit for your motor, you'll need the serial number off it when you ask.

Originally Posted by Kevin22

I would suggest you clean it all up, replace the seals, and go back to using it. It may be weaker than new, but if it worked before then it will still work. Once it gives up the beans later on you can decide if its worth fixing or upgrading to the bluetooth or future brushless models.

That's just my suggestion of course, you can absolutely rebuild it fully while you have it apart if you want to. A local minnkota service shop should have a brush kit for your motor, you'll need the serial number off it when you ask.

I was on the phone with Minn Kota today and he basically said to use warm water with soap and a toothbrush. Use a drop cloth (?) on the commutator instead of something like steel wool of fine sandpaper. Rinse everything so NO RESIDUE(S) and dry thoroughly. Then reassemble and pray.

I'm attributing the leak to the fact that the shaft behind the prop has had a number times where it gathered fishing line(s) that probably pushed the seal(s) inward.

The biggest concern I have is the brushes. From the picture it looks very different from what is sold BUT I discovered that the brushes might actually slip into the same material like they are made of...

I say this as the brushes are rectangular and the picture above shows something different...

They look like standard DC motor brush. If you are talking about the concave radius in the inside of the brushes. That is how they should look.

What you are seeing is not near as damaging as it looks. You have 5 seals. An o-ring on each cap, the shaft seal as well as an o-ring on each of the bolts.

Lots of like left in those brushes. I'd think about replacing that shaft bearing depending of how it feels.

All these guys with serial number and date if it has one. They will help get you the right parts and walk you through any repair questions. I’d replace seal, brushes and bearing and front bushing. Clean real good and you got nearly new motor when finished. Looks and sounds a lot harder than it is.

Minn Kota Trolling Motors | Minn Kota Parts | Humminbird Graphs | Northland Marine

I'd be worried about that cracked brush either breaking and sticking in the housing (motor will die and might burn the commutator), or the piece making it's way somewhere that it shouldn't belong, like between the field magnets and the armature.

I'd swap those out, polish up the commutator, with new bearings and seals. Should be good as new.

Minn Kota staff have been extremely helpful over the years and specially lately.

The parts are ordered, don't have an ETA, but I ordered ALL that could be replaced in that area to the tune of $50 or so.

In the meantime, the insides will be scrubbed and the electrical components cleaned with a mix of Dawn, warm water and a small brush.

Then it will be rinsed thoroughly and dried completely.

However, not sure if I have to lube the armature shaft or the like...

Thank you all for your insight and counsel.

Bob