I am not sure I am posting this in the right section. Yesterday while running my trolling motor, the negative cable began smoking right at the battery. Let me explain, I fish from a small rental boat and the motor connects to the battery with clips, like the ones on a battery charger. Any ideas as to what is causing this?

Hootie

Are the connections clean?

Hootie I would also check to make sure the cable isn't damaged right at the clip. If the wire is damaged it may be getting hot as a result of too small a conductor for the amperage being drawn. If the clip is dirty or loose it will also cause heating. Good luck.

Are the connections clean?

Yes, took the clip off, looked good. Scraped the battery post, even though it didn't look like it needed it.

This morning at home, I removed both clips stripped the wire again, and soldered both back to the clips. Before the wires were just jammed in and the clips crimped over the wires. Thought maybe it wasn't making a good connection, and maybe that was the problem. Wont be able to try it out till Saturday.

Hootie

I would bet that soldering the clips will fix the problem. You're probably good to go!

I would bet that soldering the clips will fix the problem. You're probably good to go!

Glad to hear that. Hope you are right. Matter of fact, I'm betting you're right.

Thanks, Hootie

If soldering the clips on doesn't solve the problem, take the clips off and solder eyelets on the cables so you can put them on the batteries studs, use stainless nuts on the studs and a wrench to snug them down. I've had lots of problems clips not having enough contact area on the post and over heat. My standard practice now is if I get a TM that has clips, I cut them off and solder eyelets on before I even use it the first time. Clips usually cause more problems than they are worth.

Had similar problem, had a cold solder on my negative lug, and it got real hot on the lug and first few feet of wire. Redid the solder and used dieletic grease at the connection and highly recommend.

http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-22058-Dielectric-Tune-Up-Grease/dp/B000AL8VD2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348196901&sr=8-1&keywords=dielectric+grease

where can i buy this eyelet, i had a overheating problem when using rental boat and clip on battery

where can i buy this eyelet,

An auto parts store.

I just completed rewiring my buddies boat who was experiencing the same problem. I would also recommend replacing the clips with good quality eyelet type properly crimped. Auto parts stores do carry the right size, but you will find much better quality ones (material, gauge, barrel length) from an electrical supply or even Home Depot/Lowes. With a proper mechanical crimp soldering should be unnecessary.

ditto with the screw on terminals...

The lead from the trolling motor is probably 10 AWG, I would the regular yellow ring terminals you can get from just about any auto store, HD, lowes or even walmart. Just make sure the ring is big enough for the battery terminal.

Use a