Lofrans Tigres Gear Oil (murky and orange)

[Gaiamar]

Hello All,

After much reading I have to ask for your advise and guidance.

I have a newly installed Lofrans Tigres and have only used it for
a month. Upon installation I remember the Oil being clear with
a light brown color.

Now it appears to be murky and slightly orange. This indicates
rust to me, and maybe usage has cleaned the gears off. Oil fill
plug is secure so I don't think there was any water ingress.

I don't think a new windlass should have rust inside.
Did I get one that was on the shelf too long?
Will changing the oil resolve the problem or should I take
the interim step of filling the gear box with another fluid to
clean the rust and then refill with 90w gear oil.
Do you think I should seek warranty replacement?

Don't want to over react to the situation but really want the
most life out of the windlass.

Thanks for your advice and guidance,

[SoonerSailor]

There may have been a patina of rust on the gears, but it should not have been enough to hurt anything. I would just change the oil and check again later. I'll bet it will look better. This is as long as it is working well....

[MARINE ENGINNER]

dear gaiamar better inform the dealer you bought it for the situation before you even change the oil.sometimes they say you change the oil before the manufacturer recommended hours no warranty
if you don't find anh solution change the oil as soonersailor said and if the problem persists better open it and check what is going on inside

M.E

[Gaiamar]

Thanks soonersailor and mechanic for your input.

The latest information is:

Original down island vendor was an empty bucket of help or support

Below is a Quote from Imtra's excellent support, their online resources
are impressive also.

<<<<< snip >>>>>
Lofrans fills their windlasses with a 90 weight gear oil that is a murky orange in color. I've seen gear oils with a variety of dye colors and they do change slightly in time. This type of gear oil does not easily break down. We see windlasses that are 10-20 years old come back to Imtra for service and the owners have never changed the oil. Unless water intrudes, the oil can last for years. What you describe does not surprise me.

Regarding oil levels, the minimum amount should fill the gearcase such that at least half the worm screw is in the oil bath. Half way up the sight glass is the minimum. A bit more is okay and all the factory filled windlasses tend to be filled such that the sight glass is completely covered. This is okay. Never add oil unless you know of a seal leak and at that point, you should be addressing seal replacement instead of just adding oil.
<<<<< snip >>>>>

Also after a query of other newly installed Lofrans windlass owners,
it appears that the color and consistency is normal.

Best regards,

[S/V Alchemy]

Good to know, as I have that model on my "to be installed" list.

[tamicatana]

Servicing your electric anchor windlass - Ocean Navigator - November/December 2010

Windlass Documentation | Lofrans'