Nilsson Electric Windlass Problem

[[23929]]

Hope someone can help. The windlass is an electric up type and is supposed to free wheel down under a manual brake on top of the windlass. The problem is, it doesn't free wheel down. It seems to be locking against something mechanical. It electric winds up just fine.

Any clues as to whats wrong ?

 

[robind]

Have a look around for a small catch that holds the chain safe from "running out" perhaps thats still engaged? just a thought?

 

[[23929]]

Thanks Robind. There is a manual latch to prevent the windlass running out but even with this detached the shaft seems to be mechanically jammed. I think the motor/gearbox unit is not disengaging.

 

[tugboat]

I'm not familiar with your specific windlass, but there must be some kind of clutch to engage motor and chain puller. Is there a warping drum? If so, look for a wheel inside the end of the drum which can be unscrewed to disengage a cone clutch. The other usual type of clutch is a dog clutch but this would be visibly very apparent on one side of the chain puller. It would usually be operated by a lever (fixed or removable) If neither of those 2 possibilities fit your situation, there may be some kind of automatic clutch inside which engages when the motor turns. It should disengage when motor stops to allow the cable to be veered on the brake. These comments are based on your windlass being a horizontal type. The vertical type usually have a hole to fit a winch handle in the top, but you would have seen that.

 

[[23929]]

Thanks Tugboat. I've sussed it now. The gypsy has a top and bottom clutch. The top clutch is corroded into the top of the gypsy not allowing the gypsy to turn freely. Just got to free it up ..... This has been caused by lack of use - to much time in marinas and picking up moorings.