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Windlass Issues - Maxwell Freedom 800

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by love2speed, Jun 18, 2018.

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  1. love2speed, Jun 18, 2018
    #1
    love2speed

    love2speed New Member

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    I have an 06 Carver 41 CMY with original Maxwell 800 Windless and it started laboring just on the weight of the anchor.

    I always use a bridal to make sure there is no tension on the gypsy, I always motor toward the anchor during retrieval and never use the windlass to pull the boat.

    As of late it seems the windlass is laboring just to pull the released anchor out of the water. I'm stumped as to what the problem is as I just serviced the gypsy with proper marine grease last season and it was working great.

    Thanks in advance
  2. Capt J, Jun 18, 2018
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Check your battery cable connections and cables to and from the windlass. The motor may be going bad, but it might be something as easy as a cable connection or the cable itself.
  3. Pascal, Jun 18, 2018
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Indeed check the cables and connections. Look for loose cables or corrosion, at the battery, battery switch, breaker, solenoids and motor. Have you checked the battery voltage? Is it powered by a house bank or by dedicated battery? If dedicated is the charger on and working?
  4. Capt Ralph, Jun 18, 2018
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Or, when was the last time it was properly serviced and greased up?
  5. love2speed, Jun 19, 2018
    #5
    love2speed

    love2speed New Member

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    it was greased up middle of last season when I replaced the pressure arm.
  6. CptnMaxwell, Jun 19, 2018
    #6
    CptnMaxwell

    CptnMaxwell New Member

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    Answers above have some good suggestions.
    Most common cause of your symptoms (covers all DC windlass):
    1) Loose/Poor electrical connections resulting in large voltage drop at motor. In worst case will burn out windings.
    2) Gearbox damaged due to overload or lack of oil. Check state of oil - is there any, is it full of filings?
    3) Carbon buildup in motor. Remove motor rear cover and blow carbon dust out.
    4) Sticking brushes. Remove motor rear cover and check brushes can move freely and there is no damage to brushes.
  7. Flybull, Oct 9, 2018
    #7
    Flybull

    Flybull New Member

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    My money is on corrosion in the cabling/connections causing poor motor performance... although all good suggestions and must be looked at.
  8. Capt Ralph, Oct 9, 2018
    #8
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Sure could use an update?
  9. Flybull, Oct 9, 2018
    #9
    Flybull

    Flybull New Member

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    True dat.
  10. love2speed, Oct 10, 2018
    #10
    love2speed

    love2speed New Member

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    Actually I should have posted the resolution for this. It turns out the gypsy / clutch was loose, snugged it up and it resolved the problem