R25 Bow Thruster

[TomG]

New, totally different, never before heard of Thruster issue.

Coddiwomple* is a 2014 R25SC. The bow thruster has been on again off again for the last year. I've got new toggle switches and a new stern thruster motor. I installed a new solenoid on the front motor to no avail. So now I've received a new motor assembly (includes solenoid and IC switch) and when i set it in place it won't fit. The cross support piece that was built into the bow is in the way. I measured the two motors and the new one, though it has the same part number as the old one is about a quarter of an inch longer. They've redesigned the housing over the electrical end of the motor.

Should I grind down the support in the bow a little? Should I send the motor back to Imtra or try to find a rebuilt older style motor? Should I remove the cover put it in a vice and reshape it to fit? Has anybody else had this problem?
Thanks, in advance for any help!

Tom

*Coddiwomple: Old English term meaning "Traveling purposely to an unknown or vague destination"

 

[tugnnaweigh]

I call this modify to fit; when a replacement part doesn't quite fit where the old one did. Perhaps grind a bit off both items? Also, when the new one won't go in where the old one came out of can be referred to as Boating.

 

[Scotty Mac]

The new covers are for explosion and water issues that maybe encountered. On our front thrusters (no gas and no water) this should not be a problem, so modify the thruster cover would be what i would do.

 

[knotflying]

Before I modified anything I would make two calls, one to Ranger and ask if there would be any consequence to trimming your obstruction. If Ranger says it should not be trimmed then the second call would be to Imtra to ask about the replacement or modifying the case.

 

[ALICE J]

I found that the brush holders were rusted, not allowing the brushes to contact the armature in the motor, replaced the brush holders. Perhaps the same could be done in your situation. I also replaced the bearings with sealed bearings and the motor runs fine. Take the old motor to a starter motor rebuilder and have him rebuild the unit. Parts are available from Imtra, Bearings available from Miller Bearings or any good bearing dealer.