Bent Motor Guide Trolling Motor Shaft :(

[Traveler2586]

I have a Motor Guide Tour Series trolling motor, 98T42GAAF, 82 lbs Thrust with a slightly bent shaft. It's usable at lower speeds but gets out of control at higher speeds.

Question 1: Is there any place in the Washington D.C. or So. Maryland area that does Motor Guide repair?? If so I can't find them on the net.

Question 2: Is this something I can do at home; I haven't looked under the hood yet, but I am handy with tools (I used to build satellite earth terminals) Has anyone done a shaft change-out??

Suggestions??

Cheers, E

[youngbassman]

i believe you can buy a new shaft off of ebay or even call motorguide. Changing one out cant be that difficult. I would just say call motor guides headquarters there tech department and have them pan out your options. My uncle replaces his maxxum 101 shaft on his ranger z520 just recently after i had hit a rock with it while going across the california delta. I paid for the damage even though the only damage was a bent shaft and cracked prop

[Way2slow]

Most likely, yes it is that much trouble.

The head has to come completely apart to get it off.

If it lower housing on the head has to come off the upper shaft, a lot of those are pop rivited on and if that shaft needs replacing, you've got more problems.

Sometimes the threads strip out of the motor unit when you screw the be bent shaft out

The shafts are not that expensive, and I do replace my own, but unless you feel comfortable doing something like that, I wouldn't recommend trying.

[Traveler2586]

I think I'll go with the professional repair. Does anyone know of any place in the Washington D.C. Metro, Maryland, or Northern Va area that does Motor Guide repair?? Say Richmond, Va up to Baltimore, Md; I'd drive an hour for a good repair.

Cheers, Eric

[Jig Man]

Here is a list of repain centers. Maybe one of them is in driving distance for you.

http://www.waltreynolds.com/motorguide_factory_authorized_se.htm

[Traveler2586]

Driving up to Thurmont, MD in the morning to drop the trolling motor off at Mare Inc. They are an authorized repair center for Motor Guide.

Thanks for the info Jig Man.

Cheers, Eric