Seized Anchor Windlass

M

MJB

New Member
Joined
17 Jul 2003
Messages
9
Location
Hants
Visit site
I have a Simpson Lawrence Sea Wolf anchor windlass which has an Alloy rope drum in addition to the chain gypsy. Due to my “lack of preventative maintenance” the alloy drum has seized to the stainless steel shaft. I’ve tried WD40 over 24 hours and the application of science (a large hammer!) to no avail …. I’m racking my brains to remember my school boy physics ref Coefficients of Expansion but can’t remember if I need to freeze it or put it in with the Roast….. or does anyone out there have any other ideas please?
 
Just had the exact same thing myself a few weeks ago on a bronze S-L anchor windlass. I too was attempting use of the FBH.

A kindly pontoon-mate somehow managed to get the top and the rope guide off (he is a LOT stronger than me!) and from there we could get to the innards. I know this is not especially helpful though!

There are better specialist unseizing compounds than WD-40, apparently - anyone name some that you can get in the UK?
 
I've been refurbishing an old S/L Hyspeed over the past few weeks & the gypsy was seized. Similar lack of results with WD40, penetrating oil, hot water and walloping.
Mechanic suggested more direct heat (as with large lumps of metal, it gets conducted away very quickly) or soaking in diesel overnight. I didn't have a suitable heat source, but a local engineer managed it, I think with judicious use of an oxy torch. I had a bit of heat marking on the chrome, but most of this came off with polishing. Might be worth trying either technique, but I guess, not at the same time!
 
WD40 stands for Water Displacement 40th concoction. It is not a penetrating oil, and once the solvent has evaporated, it leaves a sticky residue - the water displacement/sealer.

For penetrating oil, you need Plus Gas or similar release oils from motor factors or Halfords - their own brand is good.
 
I'd definitely go for the few kettles of boiling water (you need a few kettles or a saucepan full and a kettle) over the drum. Then leave it about a minute and try again tapping it sharply with a fairly small hammer.

Hopefully should move -otherwise take it off and pour very hot oil over the drum (carefully) that usually releases it but will mess up any seals etc - so a last resort and will need a set of seals afterwards (if used on this model)
.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top