Repairing a power winch
- Thread starter Dan
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Hmmm, DC motor,,,,
Never been into one of these units,,,but, it's a DC motor. Can you pop the end cap off of the housing? You know, the part that keeps things from being seen. Sounds like the brushes have worn and the resultant dust is letting current go to ground. When that lost current and the load increase from a nearly raised sail combine to reach the trip-point of the breaker, well, it trips. First thing to check. Usually the only expense is a new set of brushes, if that. Good luck. And what's with Lewmar not supporting a product that's only 7 years old. Who the hell is in the White Ho,,, oops, sorry Phil.
Never been into one of these units,,,but, it's a DC motor. Can you pop the end cap off of the housing? You know, the part that keeps things from being seen. Sounds like the brushes have worn and the resultant dust is letting current go to ground. When that lost current and the load increase from a nearly raised sail combine to reach the trip-point of the breaker, well, it trips. First thing to check. Usually the only expense is a new set of brushes, if that. Good luck. And what's with Lewmar not supporting a product that's only 7 years old. Who the hell is in the White Ho,,, oops, sorry Phil.
For brushes I would look in the phone book for
a DC electrical repair shop. We have one. If your old ones are worn out (and it doesn't sound like it or the breaker wouldn't be tripping) take them to the shop and they can match-up something. Or google. I can't believe Lewmar is backing out of supporting your winch! That borders on CROOKED!
a DC electrical repair shop. We have one. If your old ones are worn out (and it doesn't sound like it or the breaker wouldn't be tripping) take them to the shop and they can match-up something. Or google. I can't believe Lewmar is backing out of supporting your winch! That borders on CROOKED!
Dan, which model electric winch do you have?
I'm wondering if it is the OP2 or one of the right-angle drive models.
I'm wondering if it is the OP2 or one of the right-angle drive models.
Thanks!
That's helpful. Thanks. The breaker trips when the main is about two thirds of the way up. So there's still a ways for the sail yet to go. The mast is down, now, so I'll be sure to lubricate it before it goes up in the spring. I'm still thinking that it's drawing too much amperage. I still intend to do some maintenance on the winch innards and do some investigating regarding the motor. Perhaps it's corroded, or something, which would increase the resistance and hence, generate heat and strain the system. I got a lead on a guy at yachtmd.com who works on windlasses. I'll let you know.
That's helpful. Thanks. The breaker trips when the main is about two thirds of the way up. So there's still a ways for the sail yet to go. The mast is down, now, so I'll be sure to lubricate it before it goes up in the spring. I'm still thinking that it's drawing too much amperage. I still intend to do some maintenance on the winch innards and do some investigating regarding the motor. Perhaps it's corroded, or something, which would increase the resistance and hence, generate heat and strain the system. I got a lead on a guy at yachtmd.com who works on windlasses. I'll let you know.
Dan- OK, thanks
If you get any info on the tripping, please let me know. I am under the belief that it is normal for this model winch. Watch what you use to lube the mast track. Lots of lubes can attract dirt and make the problem worse. I think I would simply clean the track with soap and water and rinse it completely. I have used a product like Sailcote and that seems to help without leaving a dirt-attracting residue. I think the best solution is to have a friction-reducing track system. In addition to making the sail go up a lot easier, it also comes down nicely too. The full-batten mains tend to bind at the battens and fight you all the way. A track system eliminates that problem.
If you get any info on the tripping, please let me know. I am under the belief that it is normal for this model winch. Watch what you use to lube the mast track. Lots of lubes can attract dirt and make the problem worse. I think I would simply clean the track with soap and water and rinse it completely. I have used a product like Sailcote and that seems to help without leaving a dirt-attracting residue. I think the best solution is to have a friction-reducing track system. In addition to making the sail go up a lot easier, it also comes down nicely too. The full-batten mains tend to bind at the battens and fight you all the way. A track system eliminates that problem.
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