Bow Thruster Question

[BobFino]

Hello, I was doing some routine maintenance and took a look at the bow thruster. I have the Max Power CT165. I noticed what looks like a oil spray from both sides of the shaft. I do not believe there oil or a oil reservoir anywhere on the motor. Any thoughts on what might be going on? I attached a couple pictures. Thank you.

 

[techmitch]

Hello, I was doing some routine maintenance and took a look at the bow thruster. I have the Max Power CT165. I noticed what looks like a oil spray from both sides of the shaft. I do not believe there oil or a oil reservoir anywhere on the motor. Any thoughts on what might be going on? I attached a couple pictures. Thank you.

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Possible sealed bearings overheated. Does it operate properly and does it sound normal when you use it?

 

[bmac]

Hello, I was doing some routine maintenance and took a look at the bow thruster. I have the Max Power CT165. I noticed what looks like a oil spray from both sides of the shaft. I do not believe there oil or a oil reservoir anywhere on the motor. Any thoughts on what might be going on? I attached a couple pictures. Thank you.

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Bob, it’s most likely brush dust. Check your thruster owners manual for specifics but the brushes are consumable and should be checked and cleaned periodically and replaced when consumed beyond a certain percentage or depth.

 

[bmac]

Ok, I should’ve looked at the pictures first. That is definitely oil from the seal.

 

[bmac]

On the Vetus thrusters there is a remote oil reservoir

 

[Gallf1]

Hello, I was doing some routine maintenance and took a look at the bow thruster. I have the Max Power CT165. I noticed what looks like a oil spray from both sides of the shaft. I do not believe there oil or a oil reservoir anywhere on the motor. Any thoughts on what might be going on? I attached a couple pictures. Thank you.

View attachment 116582 View attachment 116583

Looks like a leaking oil seal in the composite leg that houses the shaft/gears (Part #13 in their parts diagram). It doesn't say if it is a serviceable unit (replace the seal) as it may be a factory sealed unit. Since they state it is a "maintenance free" unit, it may be serviceable unless you return to them?

https://www.max-power.com/product/84-electric-tunnel-thrusters/5116-electric-tunnel-thruster-ct-165

 

[BobFino]

Thank you for all the info, I contacted Max Power, they said there are two types; one being bronze and can be topped off and sealed (no reservoir), the other is a composite material and can't be filled and would have to be replaced. Well, I have the sealed unit that cannot be filled, I will have to pull the boat and replace with the composite unit. The bronze units are no longer available and Max Power does not have any replacement parts for the bronze units. From on the bridge I do not hear any change in the sound. I will need to have someone operate the unit while I am in the salon to see how it sounds. My local yard is telling me to use it until I hear a change. Truthfully I do not use it a great deal but I like things to be right and work when I want them to. Thank you again.

 

[Juliery]

Would it be difficult to simply replace the bearings? Presumably an off-the-shelf part not exclusive to MaxPower.