Quick windlass gear box gets warm

[Sam Woodbridge]

Hello, I’ve been wondering if its normal for my windlass gearbox to get warm after pulling up 250 foot of chain with 50 foot of rode?

I’m sure within reason it is. But yesterday at the dock. I dumped all my chain and rode 450 foot inspected it and pulled it back on with the windlass. The windlass gearbox was warm and somewhat hot. I could hold my hand on it as it wasn’t to hot.

The electric motor does not get hot at all. I don’t even notice a temperature change with it while I use the windlass.

I’m just wondering if any other quick windlass owners experience the same thing? I don’t think there’s a problem, but it would ease my mind knowing that it’s normal to be warm after operating.

Quick Windlass Model Aleph - AL1012D 1,000 watt - 55 LBS Rocna Vulcan - 250 foot 3/8th chain - 200 foot of 5/8th rode

Thank you - Sam

[Deep Blue Water]

Sam,
is the gearbox oil-filled? Is there an inspection hole where you can determine the fluid level?

[bwiencek]

Heat is a byproduct of energy and/or friction - motor getting hot is waste energy and probably some bearing friction - the gearbox getting hot is the friction from the load on the gears, bearings, etc. Make sure the windlass is properly lubricated, the lubricant is not contaminated (water is a terrible lubricant for high loads), and generally you can expect it to get a little warm after pulling up 450ft... Since you said you could still lay your hand on it without hurting it/burning I'd say it's likely in the "normal" range.

[Sam Woodbridge]

Deep Blue, thank you for the reply. I checked the oil in it and added over a cup to it a few months ago. The boat is a 2018 and I’ve owned it for 7 months. After I added the oil my first thought was it never got filled when new. From your suggestion I rechecked the oil and the oil is fill of metal. Not chunks just flour type particles. A new gear box is 775.00 US. that now seems my approach to the issue.

Bwiencek, thank you for the reply. I agree with you. Although I’m now going to replace the gearbox. Since it has signs of metal in the oil.

Sam

[Deep Blue Water]

Sam,
based on your description there's some abby-normal gear wear, most likely on the face of the teeth. Your option, other than laying out for a new gearbox, would be:

• Suck out or drain the existing oil
• Replace it with normal gear oil
• Run the windlass a few times with no load
• Drain the oil
• Refill with a premium synthetic gear oil

This will remove most of the particles; unless you're trying to lift a Russian sub off the bottom it should be fine, check the oil every six months or so.

[Sam Woodbridge]

Deep Blue, thank you for your suggestions. I do appreciate them. I’ll follow what your last post implied. I think it’s a excellent idea. The windlass doesn’t at all seem slow or sluggish.

The last time I saw gear oil with metal in it was a rear end of a pick up truck I rebuilt and it wasn’t long after that the ring gear got ate away. But this could be a different matter entirely.

Thanks again Deep Blue

Sam

[Deep Blue Water]

Sam,

forgot to mention - if you start seeing large bits of metal, then start looking for a replacement.