OK to Loosen Through-Bolts on DI Ultrex?

J.W. · May 09, 2022, 10:26:42 AM

Is it ok to loosen those two through-bolts enough to rotate my skeg and DI transducer to where they are pointed straight down? Mine have been canted a little bit, I think from the factory, but possibly from its first good thump against something. I noticed it not long after I got the boat, but I haven't messed with it. This is pretty commonly done on most trolling motors to get rid of vibrations, etc, especially if the motor has taken a few licks on stumps and stuff, but the fancy electronics have me a little scared to try it. I don't want to wreck any seals or anything. Should I just leave it alone, or is it ok to rotate it so it's straight? My motor does vibrate a bit when turning, and I'm thinking it might be because of the cant.

Princeton_Man · May 09, 2022, 10:35:25 AM

I'm not sure which bolts you're asking about. Can you post a picture?

J.W. · May 09, 2022, 11:27:24 AM

Part #40 on the diagram.

Princeton_Man · May 09, 2022, 12:26:35 PM

I've never done it. I'd check with their support folks or a Minn Kota authorized repair center before I'd attempt it. Damaging an o-ring or some other seal would be my biggest fear.

J.W. · May 09, 2022, 12:32:29 PM

Quote from: Princeton_Man on May 09, 2022, 12:26:35 PM
I've never done it. I'd check with their support folks or a Minn Kota authorized repair center before I'd attempt it. Damaging an o-ring or some other seal would be my biggest fear.

Yeah, that is exactly why I haven't messed with it. I'll give them a call later.

apenland01 · May 09, 2022, 05:23:25 PM

Don't mess with it if it's still under warranty! If you have a skeg that has rotated, there is a chance you will have water in the lower unit and it is an issue Minn Kota is aware of and will repair under warranty if the owner hasn't opened the lower unit by removing bolts.

I had this issue with my unit and the ASC repaired it for free. Minn Kota sent an entire new lower unit, which is the lower unit and shaft, which mounted up to my existing mount on my boat.

J.W. · May 09, 2022, 05:53:38 PM

Quote from: apenland01 on May 09, 2022, 05:23:25 PM
Don't mess with it if it's still under warranty! If you have a skeg that has rotated, there is a chance you will have water in the lower unit and it is an issue Minn Kota is aware of and will repair under warranty if the owner hasn't opened the lower unit by removing bolts.

I had this issue with my unit and the ASC repaired it for free. Minn Kota sent an entire new lower unit, which is the lower unit and shaft, which mounted up to my existing mount on my boat.

Thanks, I had no idea this was a known issue. I'll give them a call. I don't think I have water in it because it's been like this for a while and I think the motor would've crapped out by now if it was getting water intrusion.

Oldfart9999 · May 10, 2022, 06:17:26 AM

Yep, talk to Minn Kota and go with what they say, they are very good at what they do. The other option is to see if you have service rep in your area.
Rodney

J.W. · May 11, 2022, 09:24:55 AM

Just got off the phone with a Minn Kota rep. He said that there's no problem with loosening those through-bolts, rotating everything back so it's in line, then tightening those bolts back down. I asked him if that was meant to be user-serviceable and he said yes, that it will not void the warranty. Torque on those bolts is supposed to be 45-50 in-lbs, so I guess I have to get an inch-pounds torque wrench. All I have are ft-lbs wrenches.

apenland01 · May 11, 2022, 09:31:02 AM

Good to know. When my lower unit was replaced on my Ultrex, the tech said never mess with it and bring it in for warranty work. I never spoke to Minn Kota about the issue, but was very happy they gave me a new lower unit and shaft under warranty at no cost to me!

Good luck with your fix!

J.W. · May 11, 2022, 09:42:14 AM

Quote from: apenland01 on May 11, 2022, 09:31:02 AM
Good to know. When my lower unit was replaced on my Ultrex, the tech said never mess with it and bring it in for warranty work. I never spoke to Minn Kota about the issue, but was very happy they gave me a new lower unit and shaft under warranty at no cost to me!

Good luck with your fix!

Thanks, I appreciate it. If I took it in, I'm honestly not even sure if they could get replacement parts right now. Almost everything Johnson Outdoors sells is out of stock right now. I've had a Mega 360 backordered since October of last year, and I need a replacement cover for one of my Solix units. Can't even get a cover right now. Crazy.