440: 12V 1700W Quick Anchor windlass - bearings

[coldar1]

The 1700W 12V anchor windlass on my 2006-built L440 "Finally My Darling" has suddenly started making concerning noises which I think are coming from the electric motor rather than from the winch gearbox. I have opened the winch gearbox and apart from renewing the oil, all seems in good shape. Under any sort of load, the winch speed seems to slow and make noises as if the exit shaft bearing on the electric motor might be failing. With the chain almost "up and down" the noise disappears and the recovery speed is normal. Anyone with similar experiences and thoughts on a fix that avoids replacing the motor which appears to cost around $900.entire

[DavefromNZ]

I just replaced the motor. It was running very slow and the electrician measured it was drawing 200A! The gears look like new (4 years use).



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[Dymaxion]

If you can separate the motor then check its shaft for side play and spin it by hand. Shouldn't wobble nor take much effort to spin it. But not being under load may hide the problem. Also run voltage to it and let it spin free. Should spin at steady speed, unwavering, and without odd noises. Usually one can find an electric motor repair shop that will disassemble and replace bearings cheaply. They should replace the brushes too if needed. These motors are similar size as car starters, car starter repair specialist would be my first stop.

[Two Drifters]

We had the same issue, it was the brushes. It is worth putting a breaker on the motor to stop them taking to many amps. 200 is a lot.

When the brushes wear out they start getting power hungry, simple fix and Quick provide replacement parts.

We have since upgraded the winch for various reasons to a Lewmar, and this needs the brushes changing every couple of years as well.