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Old 23-03-2014, 05:24   #16
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Re: Clicking Lofrans Anchor Windlass

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Originally Posted by biggles72 View Post
I would have thought if the brushes were the problem it would have developed over time and not suddenly, but I suspect the cheap controller to windlass connection is the culprit. I will remove and try motor function via "hot wire" and see if that makes a difference.
The brushes, controller, or a defective solenoid (these often fail) are all possibilities.

The voltage under load is a very powerful test. If the anchor winch is receiving a low voltage under load it cannot function normally. This immediately removes the winch and brushes as the cause of the problem.
On the other hand if the voltage is OK the fault must lie with the winch (and the brushes would be at the top of the list). A simple test that immediately separates if the problem is in the winch, or not, is a great diagnostic tool. (There can be some rare cases where a mechanical problem with the winch (such as broken gearing) can draw a lot of current and drop the voltage. These problems are rare, but monitoring the current with a clamp on ammeter is also helpful)

It is worth knowing how to bypass the solenoids as these commonly fail.

There are a lot of cheap ebay wireless remote contols. For the low cost (about $15 with two handsets) they are a bargain. They are very useful in a situation like a med moor with a small crew.
They are poorly made, so don't expect too much, but providing you have other means of operating the winch (a wired remote and/or a foot switch) and turn the winch off when not used they are a great addition.

The only drawback is with even a brief button press a foot, or more of chain is recovered, which makes "parking" the anchor difficult.
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Old 14-04-2014, 20:59   #17
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Re: Clicking Lofrans Anchor Windlass

Thanks mikereed100 and Noelex77

I am back on the boat and can confirm that the following is true; I have the same problem as mikereed. A windlass problem and not a battery or solenoid problem.

In determining this the following was tested with a multimeter:
  • Battery voltage including during motor operation.
  • Voltage to and from the solenoid, with and without load.
  • Voltage into the windlass motor it self, with and without load.
  • Doing all of the above "hotwired"which ruled out the controller as the problem
  • At all times during all tests the voltage stayed high enough, even during motor operation, and also stayed high when the motor slowed or simply did not run at all with the dreaded solenoid "click"

Youtube video showing this shortly. Now i will do as mikereed did and take apart the windlass and try sanding the brushes.

Will report back shortly.

Thanks for advice
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Old 16-04-2014, 01:52   #18
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Re: Clicking Lofrans Anchor Windlass

Here is a youtube of what is happening. Any thoughts?

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Old 16-04-2014, 02:40   #19
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Re: Clicking Lofrans Anchor Windlass

Check if the brushes are sticking in their holders. A buddy had a problem like that.
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Old 19-04-2014, 17:32   #20
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Re: Clicking Lofrans Anchor Windlass

Viking; That was the problem. A light tap with a screw driver on the brushes, and it was running fine.

A build up of dust caused the problem. A simple clean and light sanding of the brushes and the holders, and problem solved.

As can be seen in this video. (video made before cleaning after freeing up the sticking brushes)
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