Motor Guide Burning Up

[cpsmith]

HI I have a 24 V, 74 lb thrust Motor Guide TM that when run on speed level 4 for an extended period caused the green wire in the top unit to melt the insulation, melt through the white wire and short out as well as melt the plastic that the terminal connector was screwed into. The TM batteries are fairly new but they matched the outgoing batteries.

Why would this happen and how should I fix it?

Thanks.

I fish in rivers alot so I really push the TM hard in current.

[JShrock07]

I would buy a trip switch for your battery. It will trip everytime the motor gets to hot and it will help stop your wires burning.

[Long Mike]

If the wires leading from the battery are still in good shape, then the problem is with your TM.  I hope it is still under warranty.

[cpsmith]

The TM is out of warranty, I think. I had a problem with it last fall and Motorguide wouldn't honor the warranty because I'm the 3rd owner and don't have the bill of sale from owner 1 to owner 2 to prove transfer. SOB's

I guess I'll bring it to the shop and have them give me an estimate to repair. I wsa thinking of getting a terrova but don't want to shell out the $1,200 + right now.  :-/

[cpsmith]

My local motorguide dealer, said the motor was not made to run at 80 or 100% for more than a minute or two at a time. That seems like a bunch of BS to me.  

[Travlin_Man]

I would say BS is right. I have had a M K for 8 1/2 yrs. and it is run wide open  most of the time as it is the only power on my boat.

[Matt Jungblut]

what plug in are u using the big 1 that looks like a 220 plug or the small 3 pin 1

if ur using the small 3 pin 1 i would fix ur trolling motor then upgrade the plug and see if that fixes ur problem

i also have a motor guide mines the brute 84 pds of thrust and its well over 5 years old and ran very hard and wide open fishing the mississippi river

[cpsmith]

I have the big plug that looks like the 220V style. The wires from the battery to the plug are real heavy gauge and new as of last year.

Thanks for the input everyone.