Lofrans Tigress Windlass - oil leak

[Anonymous]

My Lofrans Tigress windlass has suddenly developed a slow oil leak from just under the gypsy area. So far, in the last 24 hours, about two teaspoons have leaked out. The sump is filled to the correct level. I have never had a single drop of oil up to now. I have used it to check out my anchor chain rollers and chain locker and it has probably run the equivalent of 100m during this period (not a great deal of use) and the forces have been low - the water depth is only 3m, we are in a marina.

I suppose it is oil seals that need changing? I did take the gypsy off yesterday, just before the problem started, to take it into the chandler to order some more chain but I don't think that could cause the problem? The gypsy came straight off, it was well-greased and no force was applied.

What is the easiest and best approach - removing it from the deck is a pain as I have to remove some heavy cable that is not easy to dress back, and some supporting metalwork under the windlass needs to be removed, and that is awkward, so I am looking for the easiest way to make a diagnosis in the first instance.

Many thanks.

 

[hylass]

Hi Lemain,

Sorry for your windlass problem.. but this is often the case when a continuous pull is exerted on the Gypsy.. When leaving the chain on the windlass on anchorages or even keeping the anchoring gear tight set on the bow roller..

You may have to change the rings # 480 (O Ring seal 4462)
(see on: http://www.lofrans.it/esplosi/schemi/B10101.pdf)

Good Luck

Alain

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the information, Alain. I always have the chain on a chain hook at anchor - without exception - but I have had it held up pretty tight against the bow roller for a few days, no longer. Might it recover, or isn't it that sort of plastic?