Lofrans Windlass just makes spinning noise

Bene505 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008

I just got a new (to me) sailboat, with a gigantic Lofrans windlass on the bow. The only problem is, that when I throw the breaker to the windlass, it makes a spinning noise inside the windlass. The up/down wired remote has no effect.

Is this something I can fix myself? Any one have a parts diagram for Lofrans windlasses? ANyone have a similar problem?

Thanks!!!

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008

Bene-

It really depends...

It would help a lot if you said what model Lofrans windlass it was. Is it a hydraulic or electric windlass.

If it is an electric windlass, the spinning noise is likely the motor. Chances are good that one of the buttons is stuck—either raising or lowering the chain—and the gearing inside the windlass broke because of it. When you power up most windlasses, they don't make noise unless they're actually being used.

If it is a hydraulic windlass, the spinning noise could be a pressure pump for the hydraulic cylinder. Hydraulic windlasses are a bit more uncommon.

I'd also highly recommend you read the POST in my signature.

camaraderie · #3 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008

If the motor is spinning, perhaps all you need to do is tighten up on the capstan to create the necessary friction. Owners manuals can be downloaded from here:
IMTRA Marine Products

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008

I'm hoping they had the common sense to try that before posting on a forum for assistance. That would be windlass 101 IMHO. Also, if the windlass is making spinning noises and they're not hitting either switch...I think they have a problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaraderie

If the motor is spinning, perhaps all you need to do is tighten up on the capstan to create the necessary friction. Owners manuals can be downloaded from here:
IMTRA Marine Products

camaraderie · #5 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008

Yeah dawg...but the boat is new and if this is their first windlass and no manual...you can't expect someone to know that there is a free wheeling mechanism. WE'RE windlass 1o1 for some folks and that is a good thing!

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008

Very true...

LOL.

tdw · #7 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bene505

I just got a new (to me) sailboat, with a gigantic Lofrans windlass on the bow. The only problem is, that when I throw the breaker to the windlass, it makes a spinning noise inside the windlass. The up/down wired remote has no effect.

Is this something I can fix myself? Any one have a parts diagram for Lofrans windlasses? ANyone have a similar problem?

Thanks!!!

Not familiar with the Lofrans gear but our Muir has two keyways. If either key is broken or simply not there then the thing will basically freewheel.

RXBOT · #8 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008

First of you don't say in your post but I assume it is electrical. Hydraulic would have a motor with hoses or tubing and a pump to supply the fluid to turn the pump and a valve to start or stop the motor. Either manual or solenoid operated, no cylinders they are for linear motion not rotary. Anyway if you hear spinning noise but the drum is not turning. Motor is on but drum is not engaged. So you probably have two proplems, why is power going to the motor if you haven't switched it on? Also a mechanical problem as something is not engaged or stripped (broken). Dissasemble winch for mechanical and find out why power is going to motor if not switched on.

jrd22 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008

Definitely sounds like two problems. #1 it shouldn't be doing anything when you just switch the breaker on so you need to trouble shoot the switch circuits and find out where the voltage is coming from to energize the motor (and fix it). #2 the windlass should be turning when the motor is running. Sounds like either a broken shaft or broken key to me. Get the manual and take it apart, should be pretty simple.

FYI I rebuilt a manual Lofrans once and it was the cheapest pos I have ever seen. They may make some good windlass models, I don't know.

John

Bene505 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008

Thank you for the fast replies! Let me see if I can be more specific. It's a Lofrans, it's 12 volts and looks something like a Tigres (I'll be back on the boat tomorrow night to see if there's a detailed model name on it). I'll get it apart this weekend and see if there are any obvious broken pieces.

More importantly, I didn't want to start taking it apart if you felt it was an impossible job. If it's straightforward, then I'm going for it.