Maxwell Windlass Reservoir

[richlerz]

Hi Everyone,
I noticed this weekend the reservoir container in the anchor locker, directly below the windlass foot pedals is empty.

Apparantly, some of you don't have this container. If you do, is this container the fluid that services the windlass, and if so, what fluid should I put in there? I looked on the Maxwell Windlass site, and I think it is SAE 90. Is that correct?

Hope you been having a fantastic summer!

Regards,
Rich

Sol Pacifico #52
Seattle, Washington

[ka4wja]

Rich,
Although I'm not on board at the moment, I'm 99% sure that I do not have that reservoir.....

Go with what the manual says......

I don't have the Maxwell manual handy, either.....but using my general knowledge of mechanics and oil, I'd guess that SAE 90 is too thick to be gravity fed into the Maxwell gear box.....
Is it possible that it is SAE 30 oil?????

John

[camaraderie]

From Maxwell:

• GEARBOX: The Maxwell gearbox is a totally self-contained sealed unit. Providing the windlass is not abused this unit should give years of trouble free service. Every three years the gearbox should be removed, oil drained, cleaned and replaced with SAE 90
• RECOMMENDED LUBRICANTS: Gearbox Oil: SAE 90, (e.g. Shell Omala 320, Castrol Alpha SP 320). Mainshaft and bearing: Marine grease, lithium based or lithium complex based, (e.g. Duckhams Keenol, Castrol LMX). Do not use soap-based grease. Above deck components: CRC 3097 spray

[ka4wja]

Camaraderie,
I suppose I do have SAE 90 oil in the Maxwell gear box.......but since I'm 200 miles from it (and the manual), I'm sure all appreciate the accurate info....Thanks....

As for the extra reservoir in Rich's anchor locker.....that's a mystery to me, since I've got the same boat (just a year older), and the same windlass.....and I do NOT have any reservoir in the anchor locker......

[SVCamelot]

Is the resevoir in the cabinet above where the drier is mounted? I have a plastic resevoir there for the Sidepower Bow Thuster. That requires EP 90 oil.

[richlerz]

Bingo! I think you got it. It is probably the lubricant container for the sidepower bow thruster. It is located in the anchor locker, exactly below the foot peddals for the windlass.

Rich Lerz
Sol Pacifico #52
Seattle, Washinton

[SVCamelot]

Rich

The other problem you will find is it is very difficult to find High Pressure 90 weight oil for the sidepower. Talk to your local rep or email me direct and my wife can help you find it.

Tom