Maxwell Freedom 500 Windlass is DEAD

Tug

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

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 1:32 pm Post subject:

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

Tug · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 2:59 pm Post subject:

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 · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 3:54 pm Post subject:

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.

Maybe this is the correct manual
http://www.maxwellmarine.com/downloader.php?i=323

and has some useful service info

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 3:58 pm Post subject:

BrentB · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 4:04 pm Post subject:

A good cleaning and lube per the manual is easy to perform.

This windlass looks well made, too and servicable

BrentB · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 4:09 pm Post subject:

Tug · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 5:32 pm Post subject:

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

thataway · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 6:19 pm Post subject:

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.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 6:38 pm Post subject:

I read that the motor has a site glass on one end of it in which you can see the oil level inside:

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/431300-maxwell-freedom-500-a.html

And, Yes, the motor can seize, and it's a frequent problem with this model!

Joe. Teeth

Tug · Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 4:04 pm Post subject:

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

BrentB · Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 11:35 pm Post subject:

thumbs up

another manual

http://www.c34.org/manuals/Maxwell%20_500VW_Manual.pdf

from HT posting by Joe

breausaw · Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2015 9:56 am Post subject:

A replacement motor on eBay is about 180$.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Maxwell-Freedom-500-Replacement-Windlass-Motor-P10068-/231699488053?hash=item35f25d9d35&vxp=mtr

Tug · Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2015 12:25 pm Post subject:

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.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2015 12:37 pm Post subject: