Windlass Issues

[robmcg]

In short, the electric windlass won't work . I have remade the connections but the standard Lewmar breaker won't engage and stay on. Where should I look if the breaker won't engage - do these breaker switches pack up? Any thoughts as to where to look? Breaker is like the photo below.

 

[Neeves]

I note your unanswered thread - and cannot believe there are no comments.

So with the idea of refreshing your thread. Do you have another similar circuit breaker that you could use to test the windlass and circuits. Simply connect the windlass cables to the circuit breaker you know that works.

Sorry cannot be more useful

Jonathan

 

[Daverw]

1st thing I would do is disconnect the cable from the breaker and see if it stays on, then if it does do the same from the solenoid block, breakers are fairly reliable and the issue could be the solenoid block, if breakers don’t hold in straight away it’s most likely a direct short

 

[robmcg]

Intend to do some diagnostics today. Solenoid was replaced in 2017 so I am hoping that is still functioning. I am hoping it isn't the windlass motor, the thought of which makes my wallet twitch ?. I am sure there is another (spare) breaker switch aboard but finding it could be a herculean task ?.

 

[dovekie]

I think you have the question clear. Either the breaker is at fault, or its doing its job and the fault is elsewhere in the circuit - solenoid or in the windlass. My understanding is that breakers are pretty reliable, but there are wiser folk on the forum who may correct me. Will resistance measurements help you? Maybe not with the solenoid - too low to measure? but the windlass motor resistance might be checkable. (I'll just wander off to look at a multimeter!)

 

[Supertramp]

Assuming I have understood your system and that the breaker protects the circuits, I would also check your windlass switches. Easy to check by bypassing them and operating the solenoid directly.

You are making me think about my system. I have a trip fuse on the main windlass feed but no circuit breaker (that I am aware of).

 

[robmcg]

Thanks to those who replied. Further investigation has resulted in the windlass heading to the skip ?. Turns out the breaker was doing it's job and the windlass had suffered terminal corrosion from underneath. The motor has signs of water ingress with one of the bearings grinding away with a distinct flat spot. The linkage to the gypsy was also heavily corroded and the rope drum seized by its (inadequate) Allen key bolt. All in all, multiple points of failure so off to the knackers yard. Will now have to explain it all carefully to my wallet ?.