Neco NM872 windlass

[Gil Marshall]

I've just begun investigating the Neco NM872 horizontal windlass which was fitted as standard to my boat in 1980. I'm looking for a user manual/parts list, or a description of how they work, in particular for single handed sailing. It's only single direction, but I wonder if the motor could be run in reverse as well?

 

[tillergirl]

PM sent

 

[Marhaba33]

Can anyone send me a manual please for this windlass? Neco NM872 windlass. Thank you very much for your help.

 

[Gil Marshall]

No manual I'm afraid, but I've started tearing into it, so have some photos which may be of use and could offer advice. Its all pretty straight forward though. In mine the grease in the gearbox had liquified and gushed out when I removed the motor, so be careful.

 

[Marhaba33]

would be very interested to see photos to know what to expect and what to undo I am noticing oil on my deck coming out of it too... must be melting as its there when its very hot on deck. my email is mayerdru@gmail.com unless you want to upload them here. as you wish! thank you very much!

maybe you know how to answer one of my questions. when I am pulling the chain up with the remote I notice that it starts good and then it start slowing down and when I stop pressing the up button I can see the chain going out slowly even when clutch is tight.. Is this normal?

 

[Gil Marshall]

I've only once used it and then in calm conditions and just 5m depth. But when the clutch was tightened there was no movement of the chain. I would suggest you check the clutch for wear or contamination, since you mention an oil leak. Perhaps some of the liquified grease is finding its way into the clutch. I've not started on the clutch side of it yet so am not sure what sort of oil seals there are, but will post again. My hope is to be able to convert it to run in both directions using an H-bridge switching circuit.
It all comes apart quite easily after you remove the four studs from the rear of the motor. This also gives access to the commutator and brushes. The whole motor then slides out, but be gentle with the gasket between it and the gearbox housing. The only slightly tricky part was the wiring underneath. All the gears and bearings looked fine on mine, with just a little damage to one of them. The commutator and brushes looked fine as well. I'll just repack it with high pressure bearing grease and reassemble.
The next step is to check the clutch and to source or build an H-bridge hefty enough.