Quick Windlass Relay

[exapp]

Helllo,

Anyone know if there are any user servicable parts on a Quick Windlass Relay.

Have one that will drop anchor but wont lift, switching motor cables does the opposite so it is the relay box giving the problem.

Does it need any interior lubrication. I can hear a clicking but get no action so the relay must not be travelling enough to make the necessary contact.

Exapp

 

[pampas]

From you descrition it sounds like the UP relay points have burnt and are no longer closing,if it possible to open the box you might be able to see the relay makes number or code number,if so,type that number into Google and see what comes up. Best advice I can give.

 

[DickB]

The one I just bought is a sealed unit. I suspect that you will need a new one!!!

 

[Adamastor]

They aren't really serviceable: if you can't unscrew the top, then don't. Get hold of Oyvind at Quick (service@quickitaly.com) and explain your problem. They're wonderful people to deal with. PM me on Monday and I'll help you some more if you want to have a bash at doing some elementary surgery!

 

[jerryat]

I don't know about the Quick make of relay, but the Lofran's one is accessible and can be cleaned up inside or part renewed.

As one relay for a windlass is much like another i.e. capable of handling circa 100+ amp, why not replace the Quick one?

If the relay is definitely the problem, I'd open it up anyway and check that it isn't just that the contacts have 'burned' (arced) a bit and are not making a proper connection. Or it could be that the return spring is too weak or broken. Both problems easily dealt with.

I had to strip down my Lofran's relay to rectify both the latter problems some years ago, and it's still working perfectly!

 

[crisjones]

I had to strip down the Harken relay unit on our halyard winch last year, it is identical to the Quick relay on our windlass apart from the label!!!
Pretty easy stripdown job to clean the contact points, I also had to fit a small washer on the actuating rod to increase the contact pressure on the contacts - this may have been needed due to over enthusiastic cleaning of the contacts!!!

Anyway it has worked perfectly since I did it so I would say you have nothing to lose by having a go. I am sure there is nothing too complicated inside and nothing came flying out when I took the lid off!!!

 

[Adamastor]

Have you tried testing your solenoid off the boat? A touch of battery to the contacts while you hold the unit or at least touch it will let you feel a very definite "thunk" as the plunger makes contact. They do sometimes stick up for their own temperamental reasons- often anaesthesia from a winch-handle or light hammer unsticks them! Failing that; unless you've been unusually aggressive with it, the plungers shouldn't be burnt. Unscrew the top with the mounting-studs in it and give the plungers, springs, contacts and the other assorted metal a small, scientific dose of WD/Q20- nothing with silicone, mind, and reassemble. The "thunk", if it wasn't happening, should be there in full force! Check the contacts with a meter to be sure before you close the patient up...