Maxwell Windlass Gearbox Issues

[barney1964]

Thanks all, particularly Jim & Niven.
Well, transpires, buried in a stowage area, we have a brand new spacer and the other aluminium fitting (containing the worm and cogged wheel) for the VWC 1200. Basically => problem solved. Should go and buy a lottery ticket!
Have painted the inside of the spacer with a two pack epoxy ... did the same with the old one - to protect the aluminium from direct exposure from the salt.

Of course, the trick is how to prevent the salt water coming down the shaft in the first place!!

Thanks again.

[Jim Cate]

Of course, the trick is how to prevent the salt water coming down the shaft in the first place!!

That's where the "V' seal on the mainshaft comes into play. It is worthwhile to find some and slip one into place before you put the gypsy on. Also drill out the weep holes to a larger diameter, helping to avoid blockage.

Jim

[cruizn]

Am wondering anyone knows where to find the worm gear for this windlass ??

[cruizn]

Am trying to remove the worm gear.. is it press fitted into place. Might be able to get a worm gear manufactured rather than fork out $1.200 for the gear box.

[Jim Cate]

^^^^

From memory, no press was required in or out. Possibly snap rings... I know that I was able to do it on board with only "on board" tools. Sorry I can't help more!

And I think it surely could be made up for less than 1200$

Ya know, if I ever had to replace the windlass I'd be looking at Muir. They are quite local to me and have a good rep for being friendly to yotties.

Jim

[Bowdrie]

It's doubtful that Maxwell made/machined that gear themselves.
They probably bought an "off the shelf" product from either a gear company or thru a distributor.
The trick is to track down the maker.
Is/are their any markings/numbers/letters/whatever, that might give you an indication?
Sometimes success hinges upon becoming as good of a detective as Chief Inspector Clouseau.

[GreenWave]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

That's where the "V' seal on the mainshaft comes into play. It is worthwhile to find some and slip one into place before you put the gypsy on. Also drill out the weep holes to a larger diameter, helping to avoid blockage.

Jim

Jim
I am having issues with my vw1200 and am curious about this shaft seal. Do you have a picture of this and where exactly it goes in the gearbox?

I cannot get my lower clutch cone off and the shaft spins freely which I don’t think it is supposed to do.

[wsmurdoch]

I have Muir manuals the VR1200 that include the windlasses internals. One has a drawing with a seal near the lower end of the main shaft. The other does not.

[skipperpete]

I’m a big fan of “Denso tape”, ugly as hell and messy to apply but you never need to worry about corrosion again…. Oh , and its inexpensive too.

[Island Time O25]

Originally Posted by Bowdrie

It's doubtful that Maxwell made/machined that gear themselves.
They probably bought an "off the shelf" product from either a gear company or thru a distributor.
The trick is to track down the maker.
Is/are their any markings/numbers/letters/whatever, that might give you an indication?
Sometimes success hinges upon becoming as good of a detective as Chief Inspector Clouseau.

I have a pre-Maxwell merger Nilsson H700. Before buying it used, I researched them a bit. Turned out the motor and gears were from Lucas starters. Put practically whole starter guts inside the windlass' case. Not sure if that holds true for vertical or two way Maxwell windlasses but may be worth a try to explore that avenue.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by GreenWave

Jim
I am having issues with my vw1200 and am curious about this shaft seal. Do you have a picture of this and where exactly it goes in the gearbox?

I cannot get my lower clutch cone off and the shaft spins freely which I don’t think it is supposed to do.

sorry,but no pix. However, the seal simply goes on the main shaft,under the gypsy and the lower cone. You will need to get the lower cone off and that can be a bitch. Copious application of a good penetrating lube (we use weasel piss, 50:50 ATF:acetone) will help, but brute force is often required. And the shaft rotating freely ain't a good sign. Sounds like a stripped gear in the drive to me. I was able to get replacement gears some years ago but dunno if that is still true.

Good luck with it... they are a pretty decent windlass all told.

Jim