ALICE J
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2014
- Messages
- 407
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-28
- Hull Identification Number
- FLM27251011
- Vessel Name
- ALICE J
- MMSI Number
- NONEHERES
I have a R27 2011 about 1600 hours and had have a struggle with the stern thruster. The two connections cap nuts were frozen into their sockets, had to be cut out. I then cut the bolt lengthwise to find out what happened. Side thruster used a completely threaded bolt and the ss threads had siezed to the aluminium housing. Next the gear leg had froze, water had passed the seals. No evidence of intrusion into motor housing, but rust was on the bottom side of the motor cover and the brush holder was severely corroded and broke upon removal. Getting the obvious components from Imtra was painless except for the wallet. But the electrical issue popped up when power was applied to the motor. I sounded like the solenoid was malfunctioning, but jumping that figured out it was a square electronic controller, Imtra agreed and sent the expensive part. That did not solve the problem, their troubleshooting guide was followed. Talked to a tech guy who was stumped and started guessing with me placing probes in the areas he was testing. Turns out that the overload sensor was bad and need to be replaced. Asking how often it goes bad, he said with a lot of use and after eight years I could expect to have it replaced. I bought a spare for the forward thruster. So that's a $1000 plus labor.
Last year I had to rebuild the forward thruster motor with new brushes and bearings , one brush was frozen in their holder. No traces of water could be found. Only guess is that salt air is the culprit. Replaced the bearings with sealed bearings on both ends. What is the life of the thrusters and should we spray protectant into the motors? Any other preventative maintenance that should be done? beside change the zincs.
Last year I had to rebuild the forward thruster motor with new brushes and bearings , one brush was frozen in their holder. No traces of water could be found. Only guess is that salt air is the culprit. Replaced the bearings with sealed bearings on both ends. What is the life of the thrusters and should we spray protectant into the motors? Any other preventative maintenance that should be done? beside change the zincs.
