Windlass question that is really general electric motor question

[bill209]

The windlass (fwiw, Lewmmar Pro Series 1000) stopped working.

If the motor is good working order, should I be able to manually turn it? Mine will not turn based on the following condition.

In the attached photo, if gear three is removed, I can easily turn gears 1 and 2 with a half inch socket wrench. However, if I attach gear three, which engages the motor gear (gear 4), the gears are locked and will not budge in either direction.

I just wanted to confirm or refute this was assigned that the motor is locked up and dead. : (

Thank you!

[edit: when attempting to engage the windlass via its controls, you can hear a clicking sound when pushing either the up or down button, but there is no movement of the chain. I have not yet troubleshooted - troubleshot? - the electrical connections yet, but will do so tomorrow.]

 

[O C Diver]

If you take out gear #3, does the motor turn? Does the motor run without gear 3?

Ted

 

[Comodave]

Yes, I would pull that gear and see if the motor will run up or down when you activate the switch.

 

[Nick F]

The windlass (fwiw, Lewmmar Pro Series 1000) stopped working.

If the motor is good working order, should I be able to manually turn it? Mine will not turn based on the following condition.

In the attached photo, if gear three is removed, I can easily turn gears 1 and 2 with a half inch socket wrench. However, if I attach gear three, which engages the motor gear (gear 4), the gears are locked and will not budge in either direction.

I just wanted to confirm or refute this was assigned that the motor is locked up and dead. : (

Thank you!

[edit: when attempting to engage the windlass via its controls, you can hear a clicking sound when pushing either the up or down button, but there is no movement of the chain. I have not yet troubleshooted - troubleshot? - the electrical connections yet, but will do so tomorrow.]

View attachment 159736

 

[Nick F]

I had a windlass very similar to yours. The motor has an electric brake on its shaft, to stop the sunglass paying out under load. The brake is released magnetically when power is applied, making a clicking noise. The control circuit applies power to the brake at the same time as the motor gets power.

You will not be able to turn the motor by hand without applying power to the brake. The clicking you heard is presumably, the brake releasing.

Remove gear 3, and try to rotate the motor by hand, with and without pressing the UP button.

 

[SIBERNUT]

Ah yes, the old windlass motor problem........
If it is the motor, and you find a reasonable priced replacement, pls share where.

 

[bill209]

Hi guys, sorry for the slow response, you know, other problems…

I did try the things you suggested, and it definitely pointed me to the problem.

The motor still would not run when pulling the third gear.

After a bit of resistance (with the third gear removed) I could turn the motor manually but there was a nasty grinding noise. It really sounded like there were broken bits being shoved around inside the motor. Once moving I could then turn the motor fairly easily in that direction, but as soon as I would go the opposite direction it would lock back up. This similar process would work in either direction. My assumption is that there are broken bits inside that would eventually find a place to rest when the motor was moving in one direction, but would then be disturbed once the motor went the other direction.

The conclusion is this motor is dead.

Given that this is the 26 year-old windlass, I am leaning towards replacing it with the same make/model (Lewmmar Pro Series 1000). I’m certainly open to your thoughts on this matter.

Thanks to all of you for your very helpful responses!
bill

 

[SIBERNUT]

Motors for this can be had for less than 200. If gears are not damaged/worn i wouldnt pop for new.

 

[Nick F]

.

 

[Nick F]

Did you release the brake as I suggested in Post #5?

 

[SteveK]

The description given made me think about brushes. Having once experiencing brushes disappearing and the brush holder and spring getting caught up. I know I would take it apart and find the source of the grinding, then decide next step.