I have a 55lb Newport trolling motor that I run off a 100ah lithium battery made by Eco-worthy, which is advertised as being suitable for trolling motors. I keep the battery in a Newport battery box, and it was the battery box wires that melted to the battery. I have only had this setup for a few months and have gone out with it perhaps half a dozen times without any issues.
While I was out on my latest trip, I cruised across part of the lake with the trolling motor at maximum power. I smelled a burning plastic smell, and although the battery's phone app indicated that it was operating within normal temperatures, I headed back to shore. The motor seemed fine when I beached and checked it, I ran it for a bit and took the prop off to make sure there were no debris wrapped around the motor shaft. However, when I got back home and tried to charge it, the charger said it was full. When I opened the battery box, I discovered that both wires had melted to the plastic of the battery. Both the motor and the battery box have in-line breakers, neither of which tripped, so I assume the motor wasn't drawing excessive power. The motor and battery are still under warranty, which one could have caused this?
Posted by ColdMastadon
3 Comments
What gauge wire are you running from your battery? You may be running an improper gauge for the draw.
Looking at that picture. The most likely cause. Is a loose connection. Either the crimp that holds the eyelet to the wire or the screw that holds eyelet to the battery.
A 55lb 12 v motor draws about 40 amps. You should have at least 10 gauge wire. 8 gauge would be better.
It’s a loose connection. I’m an electrician. See this all the time. This could be crimped poorly, or it could be the screw.