Electric Windlass

[puddock]

Just had my windlass fail (after replacing the switches, thinking the problem lay there). Clicking sound when the switches are pressed but not much else.
I am thinking dodgy connections between battery and winch, resulting in voltage drop or perhaps dirty / corroded connections in the relay?
Any other ideas on what to look for when I get down to take a good look ?

[Silkie]

Is the clicking just that of the switch being pressed or of a solenoid engaging or of the winch trying to turn? I don't know anything about windlasses btw.

[Shuggy]

Forgive me if I'm posting at an inappropriate level - you don't state your level of electrical competence. Take the cover off the windlass and test the voltage across the terminals when you press the switch and hear the clicking. If there's nothing doing at the windlass main terminals, check the integrity of the connections at the battery and also the main cable at the solenoid (relay). If the cables and connections are ok, and you're getting a clicking noise then you probably need to buy a new solenoid. They're not too expensive and the one I have is a sealed unit so can't be repaired - I don't know if they're all like that?

Good luck.

[So_Sage_of_Lorne]

I had a similar problem, it was burnt contacts in the relay.

[puddock]

The clicking appears to be electrical - I think a clean up of connections etc will be the first step.

[sahona]

The clicking is likely to be the relay. It is trying to switch high current supply from the battery (1) via the 80 amp trip (2) via it's large contacts (3) to the terminals on the motor (4). Measure between neg terminal on battery to points 1-4. all should have 12volts when "click" is active. If they have, measure the negative return path using battery plus as reference.
Also, the windlass may be seized, usually one of the thrust bearings on the worm drive - especially if the chain has not been in the habit of being snubbed on a cleat.
Good luck, hope it's simple.

[puddock]

Thanks Sahona
The windlass is not siezed as I am able to move it by hand - always use a snubber when I am anchored.
I am leaning towards a problem with the relay - hopefully a little cleaning up will suffice.