My Windlass has had its second Maijor heart attack. First off a bit of history, the inevitable problem of corrosion on the motor, given there is little protection came first. In my case paint didn't work that well, but a couple of layers of heavy duty 2" plastic tape certainly helped and 18 years later the motor still works. Next problem was the gear box seals and because Lewmar don't actually make the gearbox they had no seals, but you can buy after market seals. Then came the gear box main gear inside was badly warn and again no such spare so I had one made. After that came brushes and again Lewmar don't have this for a spare part so I had some made and now the gear box is gone again. I guess after 18 years 140,000nm that's possibly ok.
So what has horrified me is its almost impossible to buy any spares even if its a legitimate part number. I have search all over the world for motor and gearbox kit and no one has any stock (often marked special order) and a guy from Ozy said try UK, and it seems that Lewmar there at least carry some stuff. So if you get stuck for lewmar stuff try Jimmy Green Marine. He can export and his freight price is reasonable as opposed to many others.
So while the task is not complete I will order a motor and gearbox which will breath new life into my windlass and it should outlast my sailing.
Right now though I can't pull shaft out, so I'm waiting for some help with a big puller. If anyone has any direct experience with extracting a stuck V3 shaft, all input is welcome.
Lastly during my research I saw chatter about the windlass having an Anode. I cant quite get my head around how any anode would be of any use bolted to what ever on the windlass and nothing to transport any stray current off the anode , like it does in the water. So if anyone knows of any anode on the windlass somehow, please enlighten me.
So what has horrified me is its almost impossible to buy any spares even if its a legitimate part number. I have search all over the world for motor and gearbox kit and no one has any stock (often marked special order) and a guy from Ozy said try UK, and it seems that Lewmar there at least carry some stuff. So if you get stuck for lewmar stuff try Jimmy Green Marine. He can export and his freight price is reasonable as opposed to many others.
So while the task is not complete I will order a motor and gearbox which will breath new life into my windlass and it should outlast my sailing.
Right now though I can't pull shaft out, so I'm waiting for some help with a big puller. If anyone has any direct experience with extracting a stuck V3 shaft, all input is welcome.
Lastly during my research I saw chatter about the windlass having an Anode. I cant quite get my head around how any anode would be of any use bolted to what ever on the windlass and nothing to transport any stray current off the anode , like it does in the water. So if anyone knows of any anode on the windlass somehow, please enlighten me.
