Simpson Lawrence Seawolf Windlass motor problem?

Tim O

Tim O

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As part of the ongoing investigation of all the bits and pieces on my boat I thought it was high time I tried oerating the windlass.

So, with engine running and with chain removed from windlass, I pressed the foot switch - nothing happened....

So i put full weight of an anchor to hold the foot switch on while i went below and with a voltmeter checked current was getting to the switch...yes....circuit breaker...yes, and finally to the chocolate block connector where the wires coming from the motor itself were wired in...yes.

I could hear the circuit breaker cutting in and out but nothing happening from the motor.

Switched everything off and went to dismantle the windlass....

Took the motor cover off and looks like there has been water ingress into there...lots of corroded alloy "crystal mush" is the only way i can describe it.

What further tests could i do to the motor, is anything repairable or is it a replacement job? According to SLSpares website the motor for these is not available, but have messaged John re any other options, just wondered if anyone has any experience of replacing the motor.

OR even better...anyone got a spare hanging about!!!
 
Had a similar problem with our motor which failed on one of the segments so a replacement was needed. SL spares had a replacement available, new motor plus adaptor plate and new cover. Cost was near £400.
Took our motor to a local electrics firm here in the UK and they rewound and rebuilt it for half the price of a new one.
I spent a lot of time on the web trying to source a replacement which would fit direct but no joy.
Did consider a complete winch renewal but then you are in the £1000 plus by the time you modify the mountings and cabling.
 
Tim, toward the end of the season before last mine started playing up (I use it quite a lot).
Stripped motor down, cleaned and tested across a battery - ok, but windlass still gave trouble.
Found bearings had seized on the chain gypsy shaft - took them into local supplier who had the type in stock.
Be aware that the 'bearing' on the motor shaft is infact the motor brake to stop the motor turning in the reverse direction.
I also ended up running new beefier wires to the motor as I had a poor connection (probably due to corrosion) somewhere in the circuit.
I can send you more details when I get home.

PS the motor brushes were a bit worn which made the springs a bit weak, so I put pads (small bit of twin wire mains sleeving) between the brush and spring.
 
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I have a little used SL Seawolf motor about 3 years old in working order, except that one end of the central shaft has broken off where it exits the motor. (The bit carrying the drive cog). If you think you can repair it for use, maybe by replacing the shaft with the one on your motor, pm me.
 
If you look for industrial 12v motors online there àre some good ones available BUT usually about 1/4 inch too greater diameter to clear the main casing.I had the casing machined out and added a new cover fabricated from stainless exaust tube.
I also stripped the gearbox and replaced several bearings.
Result an as new winch with about 25 % extra power.
I got the motor in 2012 from a firm called Parvalux.
 
I had the exact same problem, water inside the motor when I bought the boat. I stripped everything, replaced bearings, regreased etc and reassembled. The windlass ran once, then stopped again. Stripping again revealed that the thin spring steel clips holding the motor magnets to the casing had corroded through, allowing the magnets to move wherever they wished. I was able to make some replacements but the originals were riveted to the casing, not easy to replace. I drilled out the rivets and used stainless steel nuts and bolts instead, which has worked well.
 
Tried to get the motor out today......Undid two bolts at gear end and assumed it would pull or push out of the main casing but no joy......Gently whacked gear end of shaft (with piece of wood to prevent damage from the hammer), but didn't budge an inch.....Seems to be "glued" in with products of galvanic corrosion of the main alloy casing
 
Tim O said:
Tried to get the motor out today......Undid two bolts at gear end and assumed it would pull or push out of the main casing but no joy......Gently whacked gear end of shaft (with piece of wood to prevent damage from the hammer), but didn't budge an inch.....Seems to be "glued" in with products of galvanic corrosion of the main alloy casing
Click to expand...

If it is like my old model you need to remove the gear by loosening a grub screw that attaches it to the motor shaft.
 
Ah ha.....Will check for that....Probably hidden under grease......Glad I only gently whacked it!
 
ffiill said:
If you look for industrial 12v motors online there àre some good ones available BUT usually about 1/4 inch too greater diameter to clear the main casing.I had the casing machined out and added a new cover fabricated from stainless exaust tube.
I also stripped the gearbox and replaced several bearings.
Result an as new winch with about 25 % extra power.
I got the motor in 2012 from a firm called Parvalux.
Click to expand...
Hi, I am looking for a new motor for my Seawolf 520 windlass. would you recall any details of the Parvalux motor? Perhaps the model number? Also was it a match for the mounting screws or special order. Any info would be of great help. Thanks. Steve Stong
 
Welcome to the forum Steve.

If you don't get many answers try posting a new thread - a bit more focussed at your specific need.

I am aware, I think, that as a new member you cannot post a thread immediately - be patient :), The thread is really old - and some might thus ignore it. But good to see you using the search function - very refreshing :)

Jonathan
 
ffiill said:
If you look for industrial 12v motors online there àre some good ones available BUT usually about 1/4 inch too greater diameter to clear the main casing.I had the casing machined out and added a new cover fabricated from stainless exaust tube.
I also stripped the gearbox and replaced several bearings.
Result an as new winch with about 25 % extra power.
I got the motor in 2012 from a firm called Parvalux.
Click to expand...
Neeves said:
Welcome to the forum Steve.

If you don't get many answers try posting a new thread - a bit more focussed at your specific need.

I am aware, I think, that as a new member you cannot post a thread immediately - be patient :), The thread is really old - and some might thus ignore it. But good to see you using the search function - very refreshing :)

Jonathan
Click to expand...
Thanks. Jonathon, I will try posting a new thread.
 
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