Maxwell Freedom 500 Windlass is DEAD

T

Tug

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Joined
Jun 22, 2007
Messages
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C Dory Year
1985
C Dory Model
22 Angler
Hull Identification Number
DOR22241H585
Vessel Name
Drifter
I never used my Windlass this year and when I checked it last week is was dead. My breaker/isolator , remote control and my reversing solenoid all seem to work but my motor will not turn over. I removed the two cable from my motor and tested them with a meter and shows that the motor is receiving power.
It says to remove the motor from the gearbox and check the drive pin which I haven't done yet. I am not sure what my next move is , anyone have similar problems. thanks Tug
 
Does the motor hum, and try to spin, but no spin? (frozen up?) (Water/salt intrusion, usually.)

Does it run freely, but not turn the gypsy? (broken drive pin?)

Is there neither of the above? (Power not getting to the armature through the brushes?) That is assuming the Maxwell Freedom 500 is a PM (Permanent Magnet motor. Some of the more expensive windlasses have series-wound motors with the field magnets being wire coils series-wound with the armature, instead of permanent magnets providing the field magnetism.

___See if the armature will turn by hand.

___See if the brushes are making contact with the armature cleanly. Do the springs push the brushes against the armature firmly?

___Test if there is electrical continuity between the brushes through the armature. (Could have a burned out circuit in the armature coils.)

___Check for corrosion and/or water/salt intrusion anywhere within the motor or windlass gears.

Let us know what you find!

Good Luck!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
The motor seems to be frozen, not humming or movement of any kind. I removed the motor from the gearbox. The pin was good but I had to clean up a little dirt or dried grease that was there. Still the internal seal was intact and clean looking. I was unable to turn it by hand, if I will remove the motor housing to check the electrical continuity will I be able to reassemble it or is that an issue? Thanks Tug
 
BrentB":3c3czb1q said:
or take it to electrical motor repair shop for an estimate (most repair shops will be check for free) and determine if it can be repaired or replaced.
Click to expand...

Good idea, especially if you're not sure about these kinds of things.

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
A good cleaning and lube per the manual is easy to perform.

This windlass looks well made, too and servicable
 
Sea Wolf":1zfdyk6t said:
BrentB":1zfdyk6t said:
or take it to electrical motor repair shop for an estimate (most repair shops will be check for free) and determine if it can be repaired or replaced.
Click to expand...

Good idea, especially if you're not sure about these kinds of things.

Joe. :teeth :thup
Click to expand...

Joe
I agree
(but would break out my DVM to check it and a good cleaning and lube job)

This model might have a gearbox that the oil can be replaced. Good time for it
 
I have the same manual, I think I will take the motor somewhere to have it checked out. I will let you know how things turn out. Thanks Tug
 
Maxwell makes a very good windlass. Often it is just the bearings/seals. Easy to replace, and clean up. Most likely the electrical is OK--assuming that you have not gotten a lot of salt water into the motor assembly.
 
I connected the motor to a 12v battery and still it didn't work so I ended up taking the motor to a Motor Repair shop close by me.
I took your advice and disassembled the Windlass than lubed and cleaned all the required parts, now I just have to wait on the repairman. Will post results. Tug
 
Picked up the motor and reinstalled it this morning, works great. He said that a bushing or bearing had seized ( forget which ) but everything else works fine. Water must of gotten in somehow and he said to put White grease on the motor face for prevention. Total cost $50.85 , way better than having to buy a new one. Will do a yearly inspection and lubrication from now on, thanks for all the great advice. Tug.
 
breausaw":2eicgulr said:
A replacement motor on eBay is about 180$.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Maxwell-Freedom ... 35&vxp=mtr
Click to expand...

I also noticed that when searching around on this topic: new replacement motors cost $182-$185 + shipping from many, many different sources.

This being the case, if I had to buy one, I'd choose my supplier based on who I thought would offer a better return and warranty policy and be likely to back it up, such as Defender, Fisheries Supply, West Marine, or the like.

Sometimes, more often most of the time, when buying electrical/electronic components, special conditions apply to the return of items purchased, up to and including flat out no returns possible.

Just something to always think about, in advance.

Hope the motor in question can be repaired quickly and at a reasonable cost, of course.

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
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