Removing gearbox from electric windlass.

[dash72]

I am trying to service a Simpson Lawrence vertical windlass/capstan from around 1988. I removed the windlass and capstan leaving the spindle poking through the deck with seemingly nothing left holding it. I then removed the nuts that appears to hold the gearbox to the drum below the deck. The gearbox does not seem to want to move and I am worried that I will break it if I go any further. I have given the spindle a light tap but nothing. Any ideas before I do something I shouldn't.

 

[LadyInBed]

Not the same model but this should give you a clue
http://www.lewmar.com/\assets\img\dataset\Manual-Sprint_600.pdf
See Page 18

 

[dash72]

Not the same model but this should give you a clue
http://www.lewmar.com/\assets\img\dataset\Manual-Sprint_600.pdf
See Page 18

Thanks for that. This one looks easy. The one I have which is an 'S-L Voland and Dorado', has the gearbox below deck connected to the windlass by the main spindle. This has a circular outer casing that just fits through the deck, so I have to remove the gearbox from below. I have removed all the nuts from all the studs but it will not come off. It appears that something is stuck but I'm not sure what.

 

[pampas]

put some form of stopper on the spindle other wise it may break loose and fall with dire results. asap

 

[dash72]

put some form of stopper on the spindle other wise it may break loose and fall with dire results. asap

Have got a cushion underneath it. Still won't budge. Do you think the spindle has seized onto something like the water seal bearing or should give it a sharp tap on the top. Am a bit scared that this may damage the gear box.

 

[VicS]

Two thoughts

Anything on the SLspares website among the PDF downloads that look similar

A search for Dorado comes up with Lofrans Dorado windlass any scope there to follow up ???

 

[SAMYL]

Is this the type with the horizontal motor, just like a starter motor, attached to the gearbox below the deck?

 

[pampas]

Put 2 studs back and nuts(Loose). From underneath, tap in two Fox wedges where the flange of fitting goes through the deck. tap gaer box with hammer or lump of wood, tighten wedges keep repeating till free,

Thats the basic principle take you time but make sure it cannot fall on YOU at all times.

ps. Fox wedge is steel tapered to a fine edge.

 

[vyv_cox]

No idea whether yours is the same but on my Maxwell the shaft and gearbox are connected with a brass key. The key is retained from below by a circlip on the shaft. It is not possible to lower the gearbox until this circlip is removed.

 

[dash72]

No idea whether yours is the same but on my Maxwell the shaft and gearbox are connected with a brass key. The key is retained from below by a circlip on the shaft. It is not possible to lower the gearbox until this circlip is removed.

I actually have an old manual and it looks very much like it should just slip off through a bearing in the gear case support. Think I may have to try the wedge and timid brute force method next time I'm down there.