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Hydraulic Windlass Running Slugish

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Globetrotter76, Jun 5, 2010.

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  1. Globetrotter76, Jun 5, 2010
    #1
    Globetrotter76

    Globetrotter76 New Member

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    Hi Guys,

    Just looking for some thoughts, I have Maxwell 6000 Vertical Windlasses onboard(Hydraulic) I have been told by deck crew that they are running sluggish/slow.

    Does anyone have any experience in these kind of matters. There is a control valve block which controls the hydraulic oil to the winch, could there be something wrong inside there to effect the normal operation of the windlass?

    Any other ideas???

    Ive attached some pics

    Thanks

    Attached Files:

  2. AMG, Jun 5, 2010
    #2
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    I have not seen the same valves as yours, but normally they can be adjusted manually to get a desired function/speed on the different things connected to the hydraulic system.
  3. Globetrotter76, Jun 5, 2010
    #3
    Globetrotter76

    Globetrotter76 New Member

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    Yeh that tool is used on there, I have not done anything yet.
  4. Capt J, Jun 5, 2010
    #4
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yes, you can adjust the valve for more or less pressure. more pressure will give the windlass more speed and power.

    BUT, you should have gauges for both your overall hydraulic pressure and a gauge on each function. It is possible your main hydraulic pressure is lower then it usually is or should be (could be due to the speed of the generator or engine that is running the hydraulic pump). It your overall hydraulic pressure is lower then what it should be, it will effect the pressures of everything on that pressure regulator block, or all of your systems. I would first verify your main hydraulic pressure. ALSO, there should be a filter on your hydraulic system and that should be changed periodically and it may be getting clogged lowering your hydraulic flow and pressure. Would check that as well.
  5. Capt Bill11, Jun 5, 2010
    #5
    Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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    Check your pressure of course. But speed of a hydraulic motor has more to do with flow as I recall.

    If they are all running slow now I'd bet it's your filter. Or perhaps a pump issue.

    Unless it's been years and years since the filter was changed, and if it's your filter, you might want to flush out the system before putting in a new filter.
  6. Globetrotter76, Jun 7, 2010
    #6
    Globetrotter76

    Globetrotter76 New Member

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    Yes guys thanks, my exacts thoughts....However it is only the one windlass that is running slower. I have not seen it yet, just been told by the deck crew as I have just joined the vessel this last week.
  7. K1W1, Jun 7, 2010
    #7
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    The Hyd Motor that servers that Winch might be worn or damaged, the Solenoid Valve (I am guessing that you have Electro Hydraulic controls) that serves it could also not be opening properly.

    How is it when you crank the valves in the photo open manually?

    Here is a pointer for those that seem to think otherwise.

    Hyd 101: Pressure is the resistance to flow, pumps create a flow of liquid the restriction on the movement of that fluid is what creates the pressure
  8. Globetrotter76, Jun 9, 2010
    #8
    Globetrotter76

    Globetrotter76 New Member

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    Okay thought I would give some feedback, underneath the Windlass is another valve block, I removed two valves and inspected the seals/o-rings and it seems that the orange one as in picture is slightly damaged so not sealing correctly and thus the valve is not functioning as it should.

    Getting spares and will reinstall the valves and test out the Windlass.

    See pics.....

    IMG_4323.jpg

    IMG_4324.jpg
  9. Bglad, Jun 15, 2010
    #9
    Bglad

    Bglad New Member

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    That does not look like much damage to stop the winch motor from turning without a load on it. If changing the O-ring has no effect maybe the motor is a different displacement than the others. It may have been resized to give more power or mistakenly replaced with an inexact match.