Great timing for this post as I'm also having operating issues with my two year old Sprint 600 vertical windlass.
I applied the multi-meter directly to the two wires entering the windlass and read 12.7 volts with the toggle switch switched to drop.
Sounds like your motor isn't responding. Try the "up" position. The polarity should reverse, since this is a permanent magnet type motor.
I didn't notice a breaker switch on the windlass. It really should have one somewhere.
On these smaller Simpson Lawrence (now Lewmar) windlasses, the full amperage goes through a double pole double throw switch with an "X" set of jumper wires on the back of the switch to reverse the polarity. Follow the wires from the battery to the switch, then to the windlass. Somewhere there should be a circuit breaker, and it is usually installed along side the up/down switch, although back by the battery would offer better protection for the entire wiring package.
Am I correct in assuming my problem must lie within the windlass? I removed the plastic cover which encases the motor and noticed a significant amount of rust on the bottom of the motor casing which would leave me to believe I've experienced water intrusion into the motor.
I think you're right about this!
Does anyone know if it is practical to replace the motor?
Yes, Lewmar makes and stocks parts for these windlasses, and there are thousands of them in operation everywhere. The parts, however, are so expensive, that replacement of the entire unit is sometimes more practical.
I would suggest you pull the unit, and open it up and look at the motor. A good electrical shop can replace the brushes, turn the armature, or even re-wire the armature. You may just have enough corrosion to break the contact surface and simply need a good cleaning out with a brush and gentle polishing of the armature contacts with fine sandpaper, all of which you could do yourself,. Be sure to add oil to the bearings while you're at it.
I'm not sure this is something I would tackle myself. So, I start considering installing a new windlass but it appears the manufacturer has discontinued this model. Not sure I would want to replace with same if the problem could re-surface in the future.
You might want to consider why or how water is getting into the windlass to prevent repetition of this problem. Do the seals appear to be intact? Is it salt water or fresh? Are you flushing the windlass off after salt water use?
Any ideas? Thanks, Tim
