Engine Mount Trolling Motor Problems – 5 Issues & Fixes

Engine Mount Trolling Motor

An engine mount’s main purpose is to protect the engine while the whole machinery is operating.

The engine mount absorbs all the shocks and vibrations to secure the engine.

However, engine mounts can face problems as well.

But what are engine mount trolling motor problems and what are the reasons for that?

Vibration increase, rocky starts, impact noises, etc. are some of the engine mount problems.

Not only these, but bumpy rides and visual wear are also part of the engine mount problems.

These problems can occur due to incorrect installation, poor driving and maintenance, accidental history, and so on.

This tiny portion may not serve you to the fullest. For that, we have got a detailed article covering all the topics. Please have a read and get to know everything.

Let’s start!

5 Engine Mount Issues

Engine Mount Issues

You may face various problems with your engine mount. These problems can make you suffer. Sometimes they are even hard to identify.

However, we’ve shortlisted these 5 problems for you.

The problems are listed below.

Issue 1. Vibration Increase

Vibration increase is one of the preliminary engine mount problems. A damaged engine mount loses its anti-vibration properties which causes this problem.

You can feel the increased vibration and noise when you start the engine. And this can damage the engine badly in the long run.

Issue 2. Rocky Start

An excessive lurch is felt as soon as you start the engine. You may also feel this while turning off the engine if it continues for a long time.

This lurch may often result in a constant vibration which is not good at all.

So, this is one of the significant problems.

Issue 3. Bumpy Rides

Lack of smoothness, and shakiness while changing gears depict this problem. This jolt is also felt when you increase the speed of your boat.

Because the engine needs to work harder at high speeds. And a faulty engine mount can’t deal with this. This makes the ride uncomfortable and dangerous.

Issue 4. Impact Noise

A faulty engine mount produces more impact noises which become noticeable. The engine moves around more than usual and collides with other components.

This results in various clunks and bangs which you can feel. This collision can lead to multiple internal component damages.

Issue 5. Visual Wears

When you use an engine mount for a long time, the exterior looks get changed. You can see various cracks and corrosion on the surface.

Over time, this affects the performance and causes damage to the engine. So, this is not a usual problem, rather it’s a longer usage problem.

However, this problem can occur early if the quality of the engine mount isn’t good.

So, in short, these were the 5 engine mount problems that we wanted to discuss.

5 Reasons Behind Engine Mount Problems

Reasons Behind Engine Mount Problems

Well, problems don’t occur without any reason. Similarly, some reasons cause the engine mount to malfunction.

We’ve chalked out some reasons behind this problem and the solutions to them. For your convenience, those are discussed below.

Reason 1: Incorrect Installation

Due to incorrect installation, the engine mount won’t be able to work properly. The components may not fit in well. As a result, you may face a performance drop and many other issues.

So, this is one of the reasons behind the problems.

Solution

Follow the instruction guide well while installing the engine mount. Or else, you can get it done by professionals that reduce the chance of incorrect installation.

Reason 2: Faulty Driving Techniques

Improper use of the clutch and gears affects the engine mount. Also, reckless driving puts pressure on the engine mount which causes damage to it. So, this is another reason behind the problems.

Solution

Acquire the proper driving skills. Consult with the experts to maintain the engine properly. Take proper training if you’re inexperienced. Always check if the boat speedometer is working while operating the boat.

Reason 3: Accident History

If your boat encounters any accident, that can damage the engine mount as well. Sometimes the internal components are damaged, so the problem is hard to visualize. That’s why it becomes a reason for your engine mount problems.

Solution

Inspect your boat well if it faces any accident. Look out if there’s any loose joint in the engine mount. You can also contact the service centers for guidance.

Reason 4: Fluid Leak

 engine mount fluid leak

Fluids like engine oil or other substances can cause the engine mount to malfunction. That’s why it’s a potential reason behind your engine mount problems.

Solution

Check the fluids in your engine and tighten their caps regularly. Make sure that they are stable enough.

Reason 5: Aging And Wearing Out

Engine mount materials can wear out over time and lose their functionality. And they can face problems like throttle cable issues and so on.

It’s pretty normal when you’re using a mount for longer periods. Gradually it can cause problems like noise and vibration.

Solution

Maintain your engine mount well to increase its lifespan. Replace any components if needed,

So, these were some common causes of engine mount problems.

Tips for Better Engine Mount Trolling Motor Compatibility

We didn’t want to let you know about the problems and the reasons for them only. So, we’re here with a new section about engine mount trolling motor compatibility. Please check out the points below.

Tips 1: Correct Size Selection

You should select the engine mount trolling motor keeping your boat’s parameters in mind. The weight is also a big factor here.

For example, you should choose a 55 lbs motor for your 1000-2000 lbs 14’-16’ boats. The numbers can go higher or lower depending on your boat size and weight.

Tips 2: Ensuring Better Compatibility

engine mount motor better compatibility

There’s a cavitation plate where the engine mount motor is placed. The cavitation plate should accommodate the engine mount trolling motor well.

Make sure that the cavitation plate is submerged at least 13” from the waterline.

And while measuring this submerging distance, be careful that your outboard is sitting straight. Check if the mounting footprint and spine clearance is okay.

Thus you can ensure better compatibility for your engine mount trolling motor.

Tips 3: Installing an Engine Mount Motor

Get measurements of your engine and trolling motor before you start shopping for an engine mount motor.

This information will help you choose the right size and type of mount for your application.

Choose a durable engine mount motor that will last through the demanding use of a trolling motor.

Some engines are heavy enough that they can damage an inexpensive engine mount motor quickly. Spend extra money on a quality product that will last longer.

Install your engine mount Motor in a secure location on your boat so it doesn’t move around while you’re fishing or cruising.

A good place to install an engine mount is near the rear axle or beneath the boat on the floorboards.

Make sure your wiring is properly routed and connected to your trolling motor before installing the engine mount Motor.

Wiring problems can cause damage to both the trolling motor and the wiring system, costing you time and money to fix them later

FAQs

trolling motor speed

How much can a trolling motor run?

In ideal cases, a trolling motor can run up to 5 hours. However, in real-life scenarios, this varies.

And in reality, the runtime is almost always less than the ideal cases. Bad battery life, undercharged batteries, etc. affect the run time.

How to increase trolling motor speed?

You can do this by duplicating the propulsion system. For example, adding extra batteries or trolling motors, etc.

Having extra pieces of them keeps you in a safer position if one of them goes wrong.

Also find a comparison of Tohatsu vs Yamaha.

Is it possible to test a trolling motor out of water?

Yes, you can test the trolling motor out of water. It seems more convenient at times. However, it’s not something that’s recommended. Because testing in such a way can be unsafe.

Can you mount a trolling motor on any boat?

There’s no single answer to this question as different trolling motors will fit on different boats, but in general most trolling motors can be mounted on a boat if the boat has an enclosed deck or cabin.

Before purchasing a trolling motor, be sure to measure the width and length of the deck or cabin where it will be mounted and compare it to the dimensions of the trolling motor.

different trolling motor

Conclusion

We tried to cover all the aspects of engine mount trolling motor problems. Hope you got them well. Now it’s time to end the discussion.

Be safe while you’re out there with your trolling motor. Take good care of the trolling motor and have a good time. That’s all from us this time.

Good luck!

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