Running WOT yesterday and suddenly the motor kicks up. I let off, look back, don't see any thing and get back on it. Happens twice more, then no more clutch engagement. I try the momentary but no bueno. Called BoatDR and he walks me through the options. I check the connections under the two yellow rubber caps by the starter, all good.
I was able the idle and get back in gear but it would kick out of gear if the rpm's got above 1300 or so. Finally would not engage at all, trolling motor home.

SO, where exactly IS the clutch on this thing? Can I replace myself if that is the issue? Doesn't seem to be a switch that has failed entirely.
Hoping for some technical knowledge or previous experience here.

If you have to ask where the clutch is, you best bring it to a mudbuddy dealer/mechanic.

Maybe, but is it that complex?

U can get those Lil 20 amp breakers at auto parts store for like 5 bucks may be a easy way to test it my buddy had an issue like that and that's all it was just buy 2 and put the wires back in the same spots. After that his worked fine.

Pull the bottom cover off the football & check for bare wires grounding out. While it's possible the breaker is bad, I'm betting it's just getting tripped from a ground. I ran into that same issue one morning coming back from a hunt. The hot lead going into the football was chafed and would ground out on the handle.
If it was the clutch, it would've poured a blue tint smoke from the belt housing vent.

Sent by carrier pigeon.

Pull the cover off the clutch and check the plug where it connects to the clutch. I have 2 that have loose wires at the plug and would go in and out.

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^^^Good idea^^^

Kyle, give me a call when you get time. I lost your #

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Get a test light or 12 volt meter, and 1) First check the breaker (should be the one with the red wires on it) it only gets power when the key is turned to the run position, and check to make sure you have 12v + going in and out. If you do not have power going in, check the connection on the harness also check the key switch to see why not. If you have 12v + going in to it, but not on the output side, then you have a bad breaker.

Then 2) If the breaker is good and has power coming out, go into the football. Check to make sure you have 12v + coming into the switch (the red wire on the center terminal), if not then you have a broken wire in the handle, if so then engage the switch to see if you have power on the terminal with the brown wire. If not, then you have a bad switch.

Finally, 3) If you have 12v + coming out of the switch, remove the clutch cover off the belt box. If you have an older model clutch (pre 08) with the removable plug wiggle the wires going into it to see if it jumps in/out of gear, also unplug it to see if there is any corrosion on the terminals (if you have the a new clutch without the removable plug there is nothing to test there). Then with the key switch on, and clutch switch engaged probe the wires about an inch before they go into the clutch to make sure that one of them has 12v +, and the other had 12v -. If you have +, and - power then the clutch is bad, if not then you have a break in the wire harness or corroded connection somewhere inbetween the swich and the clutch.


Only tidbit that you should also do, is only test it when the clutch is not engaging, i.e. the key is in the run position and clutch switch is engaged. You dont need to have the motor running (matter of fact it would be alot safer if you didnt), but do crank the motor for a second to make sure you have power going to the motor first, as well as your battery being fully charged.

LMAO!!!! Wow...
Have fun fishing azzhole.

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Dont worry, I'll send ya some pics.

Good info, visiting family in p'cola. I will work on this and see what I find.
Rob, will call later, thx.
Thx for the quick feedback.

One thing I forgot to mention, th day of the ride with Dguidry, the neutral was not disengaging entirely. Prop was turning slightly, so I bet that means something?

He's referring to the breakers (under yellow caps). Not fully disengaging? Like enough force to move the boat in the water, or you could stop the prop without loosing fingers?

Turning slow, might not touch it though..whack you good..

Mine did that once when I tightened the clutch bolt too tight. I think you've probably got an electrical issue though.

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Cool, thx.

DB8, 4a.m. And on the web???

To close it out, turned out to be a fried clutch. The wiring had chafed through inside the clutch housing and was grounding out. Additionally, the slotted "key" had broken, and was causing some other bad things. Appreciate all the feedback, props to BoatDr for walking me through it!
Still have to get the MF'ing top pulley off though...

It was all that maneuvering in tight quarters we were doing in the basin last Thursday. I think your push pole got so overheated it burned your clutch, too.