Having a problem with my anchor windless. Specifically, it will operate in the up position just fine, however it will not operate in the down position. I have tried reversing the Pos/Neg terminal cables with the same result. I have also put a meter on the unit, and it is receiving power just fine. I guess I am narrowing the problem down to the windless itself. Any ideas? Thanks!!
Lewmar Anchor Windless
- Thread starter bobdeesr
- Start date
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2007
- RO Number
- 27413
- Messages
- 1,164
Do you have relays in the circuit? If so, check them; your 'down' relay may be shot, a simple replacement.I can't tell you where the relay may be mounted because each boat is different. Check that before you think of replacing the windlass. Hy
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2007
- RO Number
- 27413
- Messages
- 1,164
If your unit doesn't have relays and reversing the wires doesn't change the situation, then it appears there's an internal problem with the motor itself. It could be a corroded wire or a winding problem. The good news is the motor can usually be repaired, much less expensive than replacing the windlass.I'd suggest you contact Lewmar to find their nearest repair center. Hy
I checked from switch on the bridge, to the windless, and there is no relay. I also put the meter on the "up/down" switch, which does not appear the problem. I will look into a local repair center, as my boar is docked in Ft. Lauderdale, a mecca from "Anchors to Zincs". Thanks for your help...Bob
There is an automatic brake on one of the gears or the motor pinion, and sometimes it will jam if you've put too much strain on it. Whether that's the issue I don't know. Also if water gets into the case all sorts of interesting things can happen. Probably the best thing is to remove the windlass as it is and take it by a technician.
I had an experience with my Lewmar windlass.
The first dey on a ten day cruise was a long one and we planned to anchor for the night. Found a spot, intied the line that secures the anchor while underway and hit the "down" switch. Nothing but a soft clicking sound from the windlass. Tried a few time, tried the other direction, nothing but a click.
Faced with the choice of manually dropping the anchor and manually retrieving it in the morning or continuing on to a marina, we chose the latter.
At the marina, I took the side cover off, removed one of the gears and determined thaat the motor was getting power (the click) but was not turning. In fact, it couldn't turn, it was rusted in place.
I put a trusty pair of locking pliers on it and wiggled it back and forth until I broke it free. I tried the switch and it ran both directions.
I cleaned up the inside of the gearbox as best I could, put grease and oil where I could, put the gear back on and closed the case.
I tested it and it worked in both directions and it worked for the rest of the trip. Later, at home, I took it apart again and did a more thorough job of cleaning and lubricating.
Apparently, the case is not watertight and you're supposed to take it apart and clean and lubricate it from time to time. I'm thinking it would be worth it to take it to a pro for this as long as it's installed with this in mind i.e. posts and terminals for electrical connections.
The first dey on a ten day cruise was a long one and we planned to anchor for the night. Found a spot, intied the line that secures the anchor while underway and hit the "down" switch. Nothing but a soft clicking sound from the windlass. Tried a few time, tried the other direction, nothing but a click.
Faced with the choice of manually dropping the anchor and manually retrieving it in the morning or continuing on to a marina, we chose the latter.
At the marina, I took the side cover off, removed one of the gears and determined thaat the motor was getting power (the click) but was not turning. In fact, it couldn't turn, it was rusted in place.
I put a trusty pair of locking pliers on it and wiggled it back and forth until I broke it free. I tried the switch and it ran both directions.
I cleaned up the inside of the gearbox as best I could, put grease and oil where I could, put the gear back on and closed the case.
I tested it and it worked in both directions and it worked for the rest of the trip. Later, at home, I took it apart again and did a more thorough job of cleaning and lubricating.
Apparently, the case is not watertight and you're supposed to take it apart and clean and lubricate it from time to time. I'm thinking it would be worth it to take it to a pro for this as long as it's installed with this in mind i.e. posts and terminals for electrical connections.