trolling motor will not latch in the down position

[lperry]

I have a Minn Kota Maxxum trolling motor that will not latch in the down position when I lower it manually. The only way I can get it to latch is press the go button which causes it to raise up quickly-then let off the button and it falls back hard and loud and will then latch. I have tried lubricating the pin and latch that has not helped. Could the spring be getting weak? Any help would be appreciated.

[RANGER487]

Talk to Mr.Jones I just replaced my safety latch and spring he will fix you right up very easy job to do.

[Jonestrollingmotor]

Try tightening the screws holding the trolling motor to the deck.

[Mini]

Also check the pivot pin to make s ure it hasnt crept out a bit. Could be interfering with the upper part of the mount

[lperry]

Thanks: The screws that hold the trolling motor to the deck are tight but the pivot pin was protuding slightly and you can see where it was rubbing the outer bracket when lowered and raised. Hopefully driving it back will solve my problem. I will know tomorrow when I go fishing. If not I'll be calling Mr. Jones. Thanks again

[lperry]

Still not latching down. I have a TH Marine cable lift instead of a rope. Im wondering if that could be holding the latch open.

[billnorman1]

Although Mr. Jones suggested tightening the screws down, I would think if you loosened them and then tried to deploy it and it latched, it may be warping the frame and need a shim under it.

Wire cable replacement releases are not M/K factory designed and may effect all parts of the trolling motor adversely.

[jc2bg]

Still not latching down. I have a TH Marine cable lift instead of a rope. Im wondering if that could be holding the latch open.

Yes, it could.

[lperry]

I have a new rope lift that i will install and see if that helps. I noticed the cable lift is cutting the aluminum where it goes thru the top hole. Mr. Jones also suggested loosening the bolts and trying it.

[munchie]

Still not latching down. I have a TH Marine cable lift instead of a rope. Im wondering if that could be holding the latch open.

When it doesnt latch, push the cable into the hole . If it latches with slack, then the cable is binding . Adjust "knot ". Mine did this, also wore out hole. Also check the two pivot hinge bushings at the base. If they are wearing (plastic cracked) it will not seat and latch properly

[lperry]

Replaced the cable with a rope. It works just fine now.

[billnorman1]

I'm happy the rope solved the latch problem. What would be a good idea now is to make sure the rope is correctly routed. If the hole it uses is worn from the cable, file and sand IF NECESSARY to ensure it doesn't wear the rope out quickly. If there is a bushing there, inspect and replace if necessary.

[lperry]

I did file the opening with a rotary file in a cordless drill. Everything seems to be working fine and it latches just fine. No more cables for me.

[Jonestrollingmotor]

I did file the opening with a rotary file in a cordless drill. Everything seems to be working fine and it latches just fine. No more cables for me.

For a Maxxum, we carry a stainless steel bushing that goes in the hole for the rope. When that hole, or the edging, wears, this can be added to the bowguard. You have to drill and tap the hole, then the bushing screws in with locktite.
John

[billnorman1]

For a Maxxum, we carry a stainless steel bushing that goes in the hole for the rope. When that hole, or the edging, wears, this can be added to the bowguard. You have to drill and tap the hole, then the bushing screws in with locktite
John

Mr Jones. I have an older outboard I've been working on for a friend. The pull rope cord hole has a bushing but it is eroded and frays the pull cord. What's the i.d. of that bushing and what does it cost?

[Woody60]

Try tightening the screws holding the trolling motor to the deck.

Yep, Mr. Jones hit it right on the head! Don't ask me how I know this...