Windlass Removal

[Dockhead]

Yes, I assumed the same thing. Silly me.

The motor+gearbox on these Lewmar models were supplied as a single unit/assembly. For a time, Lewmar did offer the complete MGB as a spare, but it was priced nearly as high as a new windlass. Lewmar has since discontinued selling these spares for my particular (15 year old) windlass. I was able to locate a few "old stock" MGB units out there, but cost was ridiculous.

You can buy the motor directly from any Mahle jobber. Lewmar part no. is 60000192; equivalent OEM IM0226, 11216503, AMJ4506, MM279, 11212878, AMJ4706, made by Mahle subsidiary Lektrika (formerly Iskra). Here for example for €214: http://oglasi.svet24.si/oglas/stroj...0226-amj4506-24v-2kw-mm-279-11216503/19.9PRPV

I've replaced mine twice in 10 years; it is mounted in such a way that sea water drips directly onto it and the mild steel motor casing corrodes. I sail a lot in strong weather, and when there's seawater on deck it goes right down the spurling pipe and onto the windlass motor. Design defect. All the Boeshield in the world won't make the motor last more than 2 or 3 years.

Replacing it is a snap; as Neeves said, these are agricultural devices, totally simple and easy to work on. Remove cabling and four bolts and the motor-gearbox drops right off (benefit of having it off frequently and keeping the shaft greased ). Don't lose the shaft key, which is loose!

Then take the top cover off the motor and you'll find two long bolts which hold the motor onto the gearbox. Last motor replacement took me less than an hour.

The other parts are robust and long lasting; mine is still going strong. But I don't like this type of windlass -- lacks any brake, the clutch is hard to operate. Without a brake, I don't dare freefall the anchor in deep water. I long for something like this:



Now that's a proper windlass.

 

[tudorsailor]

For anyone contemplating opening the gearbox of Lewmar Ocean Windlass 3 then you might like to know the size of the lips seals

There are 2 of TC 40 56 8 and a TC 30 47 7

I bought mine from the helpful guy at Action seals who changed the springs to stainless
https://actionseals.co.uk/

The oil needed is HYPOY EP 80/90

TudorSailor