I'll try to paste the most pertinet information of this on going dilema as it progressed from my original post..http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=954316&page=3
First.
Low power problem -- motor has done this twice now, here are the deets.
Both times were after the boat wasn't used for a couple of weeks. When tried to use motor for first time I noticed the prop speed was way down. I tried turning the rheostat up, no difference- tried dialing from zero to 10 multiple times. I turned the motor off then back on -- unplugged it--tried the remote--spot lock.. Nothing made a difference. I thought it might be a dead battery and its only getting 24 volts. I kept trying and after a while It began to speed up for a short burst each time you depressed the button, the burst slowly got longer and soon it was working normal. It worked fine for the next 3 days.
Fast forward two weeks and it did the exact same thing.
.When I got in I checked and tightened all battery connections.. But I have no idea at this point if that helped since it seems to work fine until it sits several days.
Second.
Update..Checked motor while still on trailer. Same deal,very low power no matter where the dial was set. I tapped the motor with a small hammer and it started running like it should but was making noise. Luckily there is an ASC down here. He pulled the bottom rear bolt and it had some water. Funny thing the water had a smell and consistency of light oil.
Third.
Several months ago after reading about loose housing bolts I checked and tightened , put a dab of liquid tape over them.
When the ASC asked if anyone had been in the case I told him what I had done and why.
He claimed he had not heard of any loose housing bolts, and there was nothing but BS on fishing forums..
Sounds like I might get to eat this one since I tightened the bolts
Fourth
. The ASC wanted a deposit before he would order a new motor with shaft.
Since I need a motor regardless of who pays for it I paid him to get the thing in route. I called Mr Jones our resident ASC after all this got started and he was very helpful in answering my questions, my only wish is he was closer.
Since the motor is going to be replaced one way or another, after the ASC drained the water from the motor I fished with it for 3 days, then pulled the housing bolt and there was no new water. IMO the water was in there prior to me tightening the bolts and putting the sealant over them!!