Frozen clutch on Maxwell HWC Windlass

[Pirateking]

We have a 23 year old Maxwell HWC (1992) horizontal dual all chain windlass. The clutch on the starboard side is fine, bit the clutch on the port side is frozen, open (luckily). I have tried various rust busters and a rubber mallet on the bar used to tighten and loosen, but it is really stuck.

The large pan head bolt that screws into the main shaft from the end can be unscrewed, but I have no idea what happens when you remove that bolt, although I suspect the clutch is frozen to the shaft. Who can guide me?

Mike Graham
IP 44, The Spike


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[Greg4cocokai]

Mike, the clutch cone doesn't freeze on the shaft, it freezes to the gypsy. They need to be greased several times a year. To unfreeze, try and put the lock on and then hit the out switch. Usually will work


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[Pirateking]

Might it break something? Boat in Bahamas. I suppose that means that the entire clutch/gypsy could be replace. I am willing to be has not be greased in years. I am new to boat over last 3 years. Certain not been greased in 3 years. What kind grease?


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[Pirateking]

And is there a particular kind of brake free juice to use?


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[darylat8750]

PB Blaster is the best rust breaker I've found

[anacapaisland42]

Mouse Milk is an excellent penetrating oil, used on aircraft
Bill

[captmikecoin]

The manuals are available at Maxwell's website User Manuals

Whilst it won't advise what to do it may help you understand the assembly and therefore what might work. As you will have realised the conical clutch nut is on a very finely threaded stainless steel shaft. There may be dirt or salt in the threads which has caused the nut to seize. The stainless shouldn't have rusted though. I am assuming that when you say the clutch is "open" you mean disengaged so the chainwheel is free.

If it were mine I think I would start to disassemble as much as I could from the outer end of the shaft (countersink screw, washer etc.) and then try to loosen it with another, reasonably well fitting steel bar (not the aluminium hand lever) to which I could give a hefty blow with a heavy hammer. Try to work it in both directions but don't over-do the thumping. In extremis, you may have to apply heat to the nut.

Good luck,

Mike

[Greg4cocokai]

Here's a 2200 hwc drawing. If you remove #1,2 and 3, you should be able to loosen the clutch nut #27. Flip up #19 to keep the gypsy locked from going out, them quickly hit the out button. It should break the cones #24&26 loose from the gypsy. If it doesn't, soak with Break Free or equiv. or heat with torch. The clutch cones are keyed to the shaft and will only turn when the shaft turns. The gypsy should spin free when not frozen to the cones. Hope this helps. Good luck!


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[Shacklepin]

Just saying:
I have an old bronze manual windlass that was frozen solid. I tried heat, soaked it in Kerosene, belted it with all sorts of persuasive devices without joy. Even heated the kerosene. Taking it to a friend for his input I had to clean it so left it soaking in a bath of fresh water over night. In the morning it was as free as a bird. Salt was the culprit. Now I just keep her clean.


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[Pirateking]

Originally Posted by Greg4cocokai

Attachment 98157

Here's a 2200 hwc drawing. If you remove #1,2 and 3, you should be able to loosen the clutch nut #27. Flip up #19 to keep the gypsy locked from going out, them quickly hit the out button. It should break the cones #24&26 loose from the gypsy. If it doesn't, soak with Break Free or equiv. or heat with torch. The clutch cones are keyed to the shaft and will only turn when the shaft turns. The gypsy should spin free when not frozen to the cones. Hope this helps. Good luck!


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Greg, I am attaching the diagram from my HWC windlass, yours is similar, but because there are different part numberings, I suspect they are slightly different. In my exploded view, the clutch nut is #5.

I am going to try again with flipping up #19, I did it, and the clutch nut spun but the clutch did not, except that some chain came out, so as I think about that, I cannot explain it and will try at first light again tomorrow am. the clutch is loose, so not sure why some is coming out.

[Greg4cocokai]

Ok, yours just has a capstan (drum) outside the gypsy ( wish mine did but they want $1300 for the capstan and new shaft!). Should be the same fix. Good luck


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