H40.5 Windlass

[Brian R]

I have replaced the electric motor on our H40.5 anchorman windlass after it died. Got the replacement from the UK (my thanks to previous posts by Rich Stedger to find a suitable replacement). The windlass is still not working in either direction. I am hearing a clicking sound near the windlass when I attempt to use it. The main shaft near the windlass motor is not turning (nor can I make it move by hand). The windlass has not been used in a couple years, so I assume I need to disassemble the top side of the windlass to check for something out of place or damaged. Has anyone experienced a similar situation that could indicated what I should be looking for?

 

[Bill Roosa]

Never had this happen, however if you get a helper to look at the volt meter connected to the start battery (my 40.5 has it wired that way) while you activate the windlass it will tell you if you have a mechanical or electrical problem. The solenoid engaging (clicking sound) should be a dead short since the motor is not turning. This will be notable on the volt meter as a VERY LARGE drop in voltage. That would indicate that something is jammed and stalling the electric motor, if you don't see the voltage drop then the solenoid is the problem as it is not completing the circuit. could also be a lack of good ground or corrosion but the motor should turn with those issues.
Solenoids are notorous for "clicking" but not "making the circuit". Some can be cleaned and some are Dixie cup construction.

 

[artboas]

Some suggestions

I have replaced the electric motor on our H40.5 anchorman windlass after it died. Got the replacement from the UK (my thanks to previous posts by Rich Stedger to find a suitable replacement). The windlass is still not working in either direction. I am hearing a clicking sound near the windlass when I attempt to use it. The main shaft near the windlass motor is not turning (nor can I make it move by hand). The windlass has not been used in a couple years, so I assume I need to disassemble the top side of the windlass to check for something out of place or damaged. Has anyone experienced a similar situation that could indicated what I should be looking for?

Disconnect the solenoid from the motor
Put a meter across the solenoid output. Activate the solenoid & measure the voltage. Should be about 12v
Now, reconnect to the windlass, and activate. (Very briefly) measure when activated.
If the voltage is very low, it is either:
Mechanical jamup in the motor
Or, high resistance contacts in the solenoid.

What you can do to determine if the motor & solenoid is ok is as follows:
Remove motor from the windlass . Try to power it up through the solenoid.
If it works, the problem is mechanical

 

[Brian R]

Thanks for the diagnostic ideas. I will give them a try this weekend.