Motorguide Wiring / Install

[EKennedy]

New MG 24v Tour series TM, going on a 1994 Ranger with the big honkin' 4 pin plug up in the bow.  3 batteries.  The plug on the boat has black, red, white and orange wires.  New trolling motor has just two wires.  OLD motor had a 24v/12v/off switch.   (hence I assume 4 wires to the plug?)

Do I need to rewire the batteries, charger and TM completely or is there an easy jumper, patch that will make new TM work properly?

Any help is appreciated...I can send pictures if necessary.

Muchas Gracias,    Eric

[mikesmiph]

Eric, get the recepticle for that plug. Its an easy wire job. Let me know if you want help.

[EKennedy]

The old receptacle I still have attached top the boat.  The plug end (from the old TM) looks like it melted a little or arced once before.  I'd like to replace the plug if I can get one this week.  I was just confused as to which of the 4 wires to use / connect.  Looks like the orange and red wires go back to each of the batteries.  I'm guessing they need to be jumpered together (put back in series at the batteries)...as long as that doesn't mess up the charging system. 

When are you available for a look-see?  Gonna be down this way anytime soon (next week perhaps?)  I will be in Flushing on Saturday afternoon / evening...but not sure I can get the boat up to your neck of the woods on that trip.  Let me know and we'll work it out.

I'll e-mail you the pics when i get the chance.

[Cy]

Eric,

First, make sure the batteries are wired for 24v.  You should have 2 batteries, they connect to each other positive to negative via a short battery cable.  Then connect the red wire from the front to the positive side of battery 1 and the black wire from the front to the negative side of battery 2.  Then at the front of the boat, via plug or direct wire, connect red to red and black to black.  It's just that easy.

Cy

[EKennedy]

Would seem so Cy...however I think that both batteries each have a lead up to the plug up in the bow.  Hence the 24 / 12v switch on the footpedal.  Was hoping to avoid running new wires all the way to thr back.  Just need to make sure that If i join the two wires to make the batteries in series...I pay attention to the polarity...and use the correct two wires.  (I'd like to avoid all the extra cooper if necessary going from the batteries to the bow.

[EKennedy]

here's the pictures of what I have up front in the bow

[Cy]

I understand what you are saying.  Some boats use the wire to the running to the front as jumper wires too.  I think that's dumb.  Just find a small battery cable and wire it like a described and don't use the org and white wires.  You can just disconnect those wires on both ends and leave them there.

[Redbone]

I use all four wires with that plug.  Connected to each battery post.  Just make sure you jump your batteries to create a 24 system.

[Redbone]

I will look tonight at what I have.  The more I sit and think about it the less I remember?

[EKennedy]

Redbone...Looks like I 'll need to join the white and orange wires...which shouls effectively series my two batteries.  I should get the chance to check this tonight...while out on Chemung...if it's not raining.  If not... i'll be working on it on Sunday.

Thanks all for the input. 

Cy...less is more...I'd like to just remove any extra wires if I can.  I'd like to be as neat and uncluttered as I can... especially when it comes to electricity.  Thanks Cy.

[Cy]

Anytime.  Good Luck.

[Redbone]

I looked at mine.  I use all four wires.  With two going to the + on one battery. And the other two going to the - on battery #2.  Connected by a jumper making it a series. I have yet to have a problem. I read somewhere that you do not want to restrict the current with the wires. You want to be restricted by the trolling motor. I'm sure what you did will work fine.  I am just letting you know my setup.

[EKennedy]

Install complete...sea trials next weekend...i hope.  Thanks to all for the tips!