Removing windlass motor

[LDB270]

I've got a Lofrans Marlin that is giving me problems and working intermittently. I'd use the winch handle to tighten and then loosen the gypsie a bit and then it would work. This led me to believe the brushes were the issue. It started getting worse and worse and then stopped all together. With a test light I was able to confirm power is going to the motor. I need to remove the motor and clean the brushes and contacts but what is the easiest way? Below deck there is the motor attached to a gearbox. This joint appears to be only held together with 2 smaller bolts. The gearbox is then held in place by 4 bolts that also hold the above deck portion of the windlass in place(forgive my ignorance of proper terms). Should I try to remove the motor from the gearbox or leave it together and remove the combo? Again I'm sure I'm not using the proper terms and thanks for your help.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Power at the motor (via test light) doesn't necessarily mean ENOUGH power. Yes, it's 12V, but it doesn't tell us how MUCH power (amps). In that case, it could be a faulty contactor box. However, given that you are basically "jiggling" things by moving the clutch, that could be enough to reseat the brushes properly for a short period of time. I would suspect that possibly a whack on the motor with a piece of wood or rubber mallet could do the same thing. So, coming back on point, you are most likely on the right track - in any event, it's almost 20 years old so it's probably due for it, anyways.

I would probably remove the motor first, simply to make things easier as it would cut the weight down. Especially given the awkward working environment. An old saying that I am (slowly) learning to trust is... work smarter, not harder.

 

[LDB270]

I got the motor out. It was actually quite easy, 2 small 8mm nuts. Before removing it I labeled the 2 negative cables and 2 positive cables and took some pics. I've got it on the bench at home. It's super dirty so I'm gonna blow it out with compressed air and then use some electrical contact cleaner. I've watched a bunch of YouTube videos on electrical motors do I'm sanding the communtator(sp?) and will put it back together. I figure this should last me awhile and at the very least buy me sometime before I have to pay someone to rebuild it. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks.

 

[Quint4]

I replaced the motor on my windlass last year. I was amazed at the difference the new motor made.

I did not realize how tired my old motor was.

 

[LDB270]

I want to bench test it at home now that it's all back together. I know that each of the positive terminals are for up or down. But what about the grounds? There are two grounds as well and I don't wanna mess something up by guessing. Are the grounds designated up and down as well?

 

[Ernesto Gil]

I was able to finally removed the top nut which was a real PITA. Now i can get the motor to slide out. Any special tricks? Thanks