Windlass playing up when dropping anchor

[BlueSkyNick]

Standard Lofrans windlass - don't know the model without inspection - 12 years old. I reckon its been worked quite hard as previous owners lived aboard, and we have used it in some choppy stuff, but only in the Solent.

The last two outings it has struggled to pay out chain when dropping the hook, either running very slowly or stopping altogether.

Weighing anchor, which creates more load, no problem.

If its starting to wear, I would have thought the symptoms would be the other way round /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

What's involved in servicing the windlass? New brushes for starters?

 

[Tranona]

First port of call is the relays in the control box. could be sticking and not making good contact. Replacing box is not hugely expensive or difficult (depending on where it is located). Might also be the down switch.

 

[vyv_cox]

I assume you have checked the chain in the locker? It can become extremely twisted and therefore reluctant to run out.

Otherwise I agree with Tranona - sounds like the relay contacts or maybe the switch contacts.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

It does seem to be struggling to pull the chain out of the locker, in that the motor is running but the gypsy is turning slowly or not at all. However, I am concerned that it has worked fine for the past two years, then has caused problems on two consecutive outings. Also I paid the chain out by hand, and there were no tangles.

I hadnt thought of the relay; I will have to explore.

 

[CaptnD]

I have just experianced the same with my Cayman 88. The motor runs fine but it can not lift the chain out of the locker. The chain is free because I can lift it out. When the chain is not paying out there is a clicking sound. It seems as though the dog clutch is slipping. I have looked at the drawings and there is a spring and a bronze dog clutch that may be worn.

As yet I have not stripped the beast to find out what is wrong but I am off to Greece 4th April and will do it then.

If anyone else has input please let us know. One thing that worries me is that parts are not easy to source. ALL the dealers say "loffrens" roll their eyes and finish the sentence with "that will take time".

For info the dog clutch is about £28, the spring £5 and a hefty £16 for the seal set. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif