PerfectPass Seized Motor

[ncnmra]

I had one of my servos seize this weekend. Basically at that point, PP won't work, and you can tell because you can't spin it by hand.

I've had it just 1 year. PP customer service was great, and they agreed to send me a new servo, but I also had to buy a new cable because I broke the knob trying to un-seize the servo on the water.

If this happens to you, don't bother trying to un-seize on the water, but rather take the servo motor out and disassemble it. I have done this with my broken servo, so hopefully I will have it as a spare.

There is a discussion about this on the Mastercraft forum:
https://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=69201

I was shocked that the servo motor is not sealed. In my case, it appears that there may have been some mild corrosion that caused the internal parts to grind together forming a black dust inside which caused it to finally seize completely.

I ended up painstakingly cleaning out the rotor and windings and using something called "PL-100" to lubricate it. It is advertised as being a penetrant and lubricant, as well as having excellent dielectric properties. I will see if my efforts paid off in a few days when I can get out to the boat.

 

[Scottintexas]

added to the PP FAQ, thanks!

 

[cybuch]

Had the same thing happen to mine and did the same thing you did. Still works great.

 

[itsdgm]

Great info. Thanks for posting it.

 

[Big Shasta]

Considering the cost of that kit, I would expect that to be sealed for sure. Can you seal up the case with RTV.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Oh thank goodness.... After reading the title I was thinking you had bigger issues!

 

[ncnmra]

Oh thank goodness.... After reading the title I was thinking you had bigger issues!

Good point, I should have titled it "Seized Servo".

 

[ncnmra]

Considering the cost of that kit, I would expect that to be sealed for sure. Can you seal up the case with RTV.

The servo does have RTV (or something similar) around the top and bottom of the casing. HOWEVER, there is nothing between the bearings and the casing, and the screws themselves also are not sealed. I applied a liberal amount of "liquid film" which is supposed to be a rust preventive.

Seeing how mucked up this one was, I will be taking the other one apart after I confirm if my rebuild worked. I am expecting a replacement to arrive shortly, so I will have at least one backup.

They used rivets to secure the servo to the bracket, so that's not ideal. Basically, if this fails on the water, you are pooched for any watersports, considering how loosie-goosie our throttles are. I was towing my 7 year old daughter wakeboarding, and her ideal speed is 13mph....good luck holding that by hand.

Hoping to be "PerfectPassing" this weekend