New guy - new used boat

[MIScott]

So I recently got into the boating world. Picked up an 87 18 Fisherman that has been well maintained. Just installed a Fishmaster T-top, electronics box, rod holders, etc. this past weekend. I've got replacement below gunnel rod holders on order from Flounder pounder to replace the ones in the boat (all cracked and brittle)

Latest thing is having issues with the trim/tilt on the 140 Evinrude (already replaced the relays.) Clicking heard, but no motor noise. Pulled the harness to direct wire the motor to the battery to test for function and got only sparks. I'm guessing a short in the lift motor?

[inaforty]

Nice looking boat!
Congrats!

[Destroyer]

Hi and welcome to the site.

Usually when you hear clicking the relay is pulling in but there's corrosion that's preventing power getting to the motor. But if I understand you correctly, you say you jumped across the main relay terminals and just got sparks, so then it (the motor) needs to come apart for a visual inspection.

[Striper80]

I had the same problem with my 89 110. It turned out to be a bad trim pump motor. I tapped it a few times and it freed up but it was shot.

[smokeonthewater]

yup... motor would be my guess

[bradford]

Welcome, Clean looking rig you have.

[MIScott]

Thanks. Sold another project vehicle and putting a little money into this to get it "ship shape".

Any recommendations on shaft length for a bow mount trolling motor? I'm thinking 54" should be fine (mainly inland lakes)

I unplugged the 2-wire harness coming from the trim motor and made a set of jumper wires that I took from the green/blue leads straight to the +/- terminals on the battery.

Reading the repair manual - it seems it doesn't matter which way I connect them to the blue/green wires - when I touch them to +/- on the battery it should just cycle the motor up or down depending on polarity.

Am I diagnosing this right?

I'm a Mechanical Engineer and I hate this Bzzzzzzt stuff.

All I get are sparks and no lift motor sound (this is taking the relay and all wiring except the pigtail running to the trim motor out of the equation) Is replacing the motor as simple as popping one off and a new one on like a starter on a car? Looks like it is.....

[randlemanboater]

Welcome to the site, nice looking boat!

Having never replaced one myself, I will leave your question to one of the experts.

[Striper80]

Originally Posted by MIScott

Thanks. Sold another project vehicle and putting a little money into this to get it "ship shape".

Any recommendations on shaft length for a bow mount trolling motor? I'm thinking 54" should be fine (mainly inland lakes)

I unplugged the 2-wire harness coming from the trim motor and made a set of jumper wires that I took from the green/blue leads straight to the +/- terminals on the battery.

Reading the repair manual - it seems it doesn't matter which way I connect them to the blue/green wires - when I touch them to +/- on the battery it should just cycle the motor up or down depending on polarity.


Am I diagnosing this right?

I'm a Mechanical Engineer and I hate this Bzzzzzzt stuff.

All I get are sparks and no lift motor sound (this is taking the relay and all wiring except the pigtail running to the trim motor out of the equation) Is replacing the motor as simple as popping one off and a new one on like a starter on a car? Looks like it is.....

I'd say that pretty much confirms it.

[MIScott]

Originally Posted by Striper80

I'd say that pretty much confirms it.

Yeah - gonna order the motor, unfortunately I won't be able to install it for a couple of weeks (unless the local marina has one in stock and I can get it in on Thursday.) Have to travel on a business trip on Friday so it will wait until my return.

Taking my 8/11 yr old boys out fishing tonight. Just manually lowering the unit and putzing around finding fishing holes so I don't really need to adjust trim.