Vetus bowthruster

[jgolm]

My bowthruster will only go to the port. I just got it out of storage. I cleaned all the terminals I could find. The boat is a 2005 28TE. Ay ideas? Where and how do I find the brushes?

[Elizabeth Ann]

Not sure if this will work because it does go to port, but can you check the resistance to see if there is a break in the circuit anywhere.

Maybe it's the stick control itself.

[jgolm]

I think if possible I will switch wires on the controller to see if it will go to starboard. If so, it is the controller

[Elizabeth Ann]

actually, that's a really good idea!

[Veebyes2]

Been there. Fixed that on my 96 32. One new joy stick. $$$ Ouch!

[Dave39]

You can access the rear of the . If your;re lucky maybe a loose connection.joy stick through the panel in back of the head

[Russell]

One item I have found very helpful with electric switches on boats is Lectra-Motive, a spray electric parts cleaner sold at auto parts stores. It cleans the corrosion from contacts and has saved me from replacing seemingly broken switches. It is worth a try before buying a new switch.

[Mariner]

I had a problem with the trim tabs. At first they would extend, but not retract. Then, they stopped working all together. I finally figured out that even though the connections on the controls looked solid, they were so corroded under the suface that they weren't conducting any electricity. Replaced all the connectors and now they work fine.

[Pitou]

One item I have found very helpful with electric switches on boats is Lectra-Motive, a spray electric parts cleaner sold at auto parts stores. It cleans the corrosion from contacts and has saved me from replacing seemingly broken switches. It is worth a try before buying a new switch.

And something to use when re-connecting wires and switches .... Dielectric Silicone Compound or Dielelectric Grease as it is sometimes referred to. Available at most auto parts and marine stores.

[Doug]

I had a simular problem. On the side of the thruster is a "4 in a row" electical connector. I unsnapped it, cleaned it good, and it fixed the problem.

Doug

[RobS]

Where and how do I find the brushes?

Just so the original question does not go unanswered:

BE SURE ALL POWER IS OFF BEFORE WORKING ON THE THRUSTER.

The way to access the brushes is to remove the silver/gray metal mesh screen that runs around the perimeter of the motor just below the top.
(You may need to first remove the protective gray plastic cover covering the solenoid assembly in order to get at all 4 brushes.)
On the mesh screen you'll see what looks like a metal spring holding the mesh screen together/closed - one end of that spring has a little clip. Carefully lift that spring hook. Once open you will find four brushes in slides or guides, each held in by a coil spring. To get at a brush, pull back the coil spring and the brush should slide right out.

This weekend I checked the brushes in my motor. A new brush length is 28mm and the max wear limit is 14mm. Mine measured 27mm, so no need to change those out. Here’s some pictures for a visual.