Hi All,
This is my first post but I'm a long time lurker and have used this amazing forum extensively to replace batteries, rebed chainplates and various other projects. Unfortunately, my current project has me stumped and I'm wondering if anyone has advice on next steps for fixing my windlass, a maxwell freedom 800.
I have own my boat for less than a year and the windlass has worked but has slipped on a few occasions. Based on what I have read in this forum, I disassembled the on deck hardware and it was very dry and definitely needed lube. As others have suggested, and as the on deck didn't look treated well, I decided to check the gearbox oil and that leads me to my current predicament. I could see that the oil thru the sight glass was olive and appeared to have water in it and needed servicing. I was able to get off the lower gear unit but the gear and top of gear unit are frozen on shaft (see photo).
So now I'm stuck:
1. Do I just accept my lot in life, change the oil, put it back together and keep an eye on oil as upper seal is probably toast?
2. Spray PB blaster and hope it allows me to separate so I can replace upper seal with the possiblity that I could break something trying to get it off?
Neither option is ideal but looking for advice on which is better way to go, given the circumstances.
Josh
s/v Emelia
1997 C-36 MKII #1645
Tall rig/fin keel/M35a
You are halfway there. You must loosen the large nut first to separate the upper from the lower unit.
Yes soaking it with PB blaster is a good idea. Use it sparingly.
To prevent water from trickling down the shaft I made a canvas cover with a wide skirt at the base - similar to the covers on the winch - but with a wide extension.
I have had good luck with this.
Do you have the manual for this Maxwell winch?
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
About Sail La Vie
I agree with prior note. However if you can't get them apart to clean and lubricate you will have to replace it and the only way to get it off is to cut it with a saws all. Good luck.
Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter
Seems to me that gravity is going to interfere with the penetration of the PB Blaster, plus there's limited space in there. Removing two SS nuts looks like all it will take to remove the entire unit, cover the hole and take it to a shop to soak it on its side and maybe put it in a vice to help dismantle it. Use the manual to ascertain what comes off where, call the manufacturer, ask a local chandlery for advice with the winch in hand, etc.
Kevin Lenard
"Firefly"
'91 C-36 Mk. "1.5" Tall Rig, Fin Keel, Hull #1120, Universal M-35 original (not "A" or "B")
CBYC, Scarborough, Lake Ontario, Canada
Thank you all for advice and encouragement. I did put a call into Maxwell service center and they suggested PB blaster option. I wish I could get the unit off the boat as it's a bear to get any leverage but no way to remove up thru deck. They did say they had a used gearbox they would sell me, if I go the sawzall route.
I'm going to let it marinate in PB blaster for another day before I go after it again.
Josh
s/v Emelia
1997 C-36 MKII #1645
Tall rig/fin keel/M35a
It's hard to believe but after 8 hours of PB blaster, heat, cold chisel, angle grinder, dremel and gear puller over the course of many days, it came off. I have a used gearbox coming in the mail and fingers crossed it all goes smoothly reassembling.
Thanks again for all the advice and support,
Josh
Josh
s/v Emelia
1997 C-36 MKII #1645
Tall rig/fin keel/M35a
Unbelievable. 5 stars for you.
Thanks for sharing your photos.
Let us know how it goes.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
About Sail La Vie
Just to close the loop on this project, all back together and it actually works. Dropped the hook last weekend and the windlass worked smoothly and much better than before. :)
Josh
Josh
s/v Emelia
1997 C-36 MKII #1645
Tall rig/fin keel/M35a