Dissecting a Windlass

dave6330 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009

OK - so I removed the SL Hyspeed from the bow of our new sailboat, took it home and tried to open it.

I think something may be loose (or possibly a broken spring) inside.

SOMETIMES the gears engage and the shaft turns when the handle is cranked and, at other times, the movement is only in one direction, giving way to the original position when the handle is moved forward. (It only engages in one direction as the handle is levered back and forth then releases on the back stroke making the chain simply go up and down a few inches…no progress in lifting the anchor)

I was able to remove the clutch nut and gypsy from the starboard side and the set and washer from the port side but that's where things ground to a halt.

I couldn't remove the cover without first removing the clutch cone from the main shaft, and I don't know how to do THAT. Any suggestions?
Bottom line: I need to crack it open and see what ‘s going on inside the windlass.

Any help would be appreciated.

Dave

lancelot9898 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009

Well Dave you are ahead of me in the fix it department. My SL 555 is still working but last spring I decided to re paint it. I was able to remove the port side drum by putting the handle between the case and the drum and prying it off after removing the nut and washer. There is a keyway that you need to careful about losing. However was never able to figure out how to remove the gyspy from the starboard side. I think it's threaded on but did not wish to prusue the issue since I could paint around it. I think that we are talking about the same windless even though I still can't figure out how it's called a highspeed??

lancelot9898 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009

I just went to the lewmar site and checked under spare parts and found the diagram for the S-L windless and I have the 510 rather than the 555. It's still called the hyspeed and it really has one speed and that is...slow.

cacique1977 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009

Hi Dave
The drum on the port side is held on with a keyway, you could try some boiling water and a sharp clout on the end of the shaft, leave the nut on loose so you don,t damage the thread. If it only works one way it sounds like one of the sprockets has gone or maybe the chain. Try this guy in Scotland he used to work for SL and has many of the parts, I needed a handle for my SL400 toilet a couple of weeks ago and it arrived in a couple of days.
Hyspeed parts
I think I have a copy of the manual (SL500 but its very similar I think) on the boat I can dig it out and photocopy/scan and send it to you if you wish, it may take a few weeks of so as I'm going onholiday next week.
bet of luck cheers Jamie

dave6330 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009

Jamie,

I guess I'm just not mechanically inclined to visualize what you're advising me to do.

I'm not sure what you you're suggesting I do with the boiling water (?!?!?), which nut you're refering to (hopefully not me) or even what end of the shaft you're thinking I ought to whack (I DO realise I'm leaving myself wide open with that one...).

Could you spell it out a little simpler for me. I guess I'm just a little slow...

Dave

garymcg · #6 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009

The clutch cone is held in place with a spring pin; you need a long 1/4" punch to remove it, just give it a couple of whacks with a hammer and it will pop right out. Consult the diagram for the spring pin location. Just pry the clutch cone out after removing the pin.

I rebuilt an SL Hyspeed last winter; just search this forum for "Simpson Lawrence Hyspeed" and you'll see the thread. Keelhaulin' answered my rebuild questions (thanks again), I guess it's my turn to answer yours.

Definitely buy the parts from the Scottish guy, I swear any U.S. suppliers just buy them from him anyway and mark them up. He's Johnny on the spot with the parts, I received them 7 days after ordering. You may as well replace the bushings and seals if you're going to rebuild.

Feel free to PM me with any questions or just post them here so the next guy can find them easier.

Gary

dave6330 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-18-2009

Thanks Gary - I'll try the punch and let you know how it works out.

dave6330 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009

OK - it took a punch one size smaller than 1/4" but I did succeed in removing the pin and clutch cone (I guess I'll have to replace the bushing - it sort of self-distructed itself as I worked off the cover plate). Now the 'inards' are exposed and I don't see anything broken or out of place. The bicycle chain is attached and intact and I cannot see what the problem is...still working it. I plan on taking the thing down to a car wash and cleaning out all the old lubricant in order to work on it easier. So far this is still a mystery to me, why the mainshaft/sprocket assembly only engages one direction. More to follow....good thing I've got all Winter to figure it out.

garymcg · #9 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave6330

OK - it took a punch one size smaller than 1/4" but I did succeed in removing the pin and clutch cone (I guess I'll have to replace the bushing - it sort of self-distructed itself as I worked off the cover plate). Now the 'inards' are exposed and I don't see anything broken or out of place. The bicycle chain is attached and intact and I cannot see what the problem is...still working it. I plan on taking the thing down to a car wash and cleaning out all the old lubricant in order to work on it easier. So far this is still a mystery to me, why the mainshaft/sprocket assembly only engages one direction. More to follow....good thing I've got all Winter to figure it out.

Sounds like one of the sprockets isn't engaging the shaft, there's a stuck pawl or something. You may as well just pull the whole thing apart, inspect the sprockets and the problem should be apparent.

Just a warning, the sprockets are packed with loose bearings, if you disassemble them make sure you do it over a container.

mtorellini · #10 (**permalink**) 04-11-2010

Hello all, I am a new kid in the block. I had read your postings about the SL Hyspeed and that helped a lot in disassembling mine, but...
When I try to remove the gipsy it does not come out sliding off the shaft. It feels like there is a catch someplace that stops it. I can move it about 1/8" back and forth, no more. It does turns freely.
What should I do to remove the gipsy?
Many thanks in advance for helping.
Mauro.