Lewmar Horizon 500 Windlass

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BRAVOZULU9

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Hello everyone, just a post on the Lewmar/Horizon 500 windlass for anyone who is having trouble with theirs.

My windlass came installed from the factory (or perhaps dealer?) on my 2007 Parker 2820. The boat sat on the trailer for a year while I was deployed. Although I had a friend run the engines on earmuffs every 10 days or so, I never asked him to maintain the windlass. When I got home and placed the boat in the water my windlass was not working. I had power to both the switch and the circuit breaker at the helm but the windlass wasnt making a sound. I called Lewmar/Horizon for some help and the tech told me he was almost certain the motor was bad and had to be replaced (a $300 part.) Since I had nothing to lose I removed the windlass (lots of fun) and took it home. I made a set of alligator clips and connected the windlass to my truck battery to try and isolate the problem; windlass still didnt do anything. I then removed the gearcase cover and motor cover. I removed the compound gear then the motor. Lots of rust and oxidation. I noticed that I was unable to turn the motor rotor or 'drive gear' by hand so I took a set of pliers covered with a microfiber towel and gently worked the motor left and right until it 'broke' free. I connected the motor directly to the battery once again and it started spinning effortlessly! Cleaned the rest of the gear assembly, replaced the grease with fresh marine lubricant, resealed everything and now the windlass works perfectly, no issues whatsoever.

Also, when I put the windlass back on the boat I tested it without any rode before I bolted and siliconed it back into place. The windlass would only run in the 'up' position, not down. So I once again called Lewmar/Horizon and asked for some help. The tech told me that I needed a new clutch assembly and that I had to order this part. Satisfied with having the windlass work in the 'up' position only (I could always just toss the anchor and let it freefall), I completed the install. When I ran the chain and line through the windlass however, it worked in both the 'up' and 'down' modes! I suppose it just needed some tension for it to drive it down.

With this said, I know that Lewmar/Horizon is there to help but take their advice with a grain of salt. Since they are not able to accurately troubleshoot over the phone, I suggest you try other solutions before spending hundreds on parts that are not required.

Just some advice for anyone having the same problem. Before you spend $300 for a new motor or $800 for a new windlass, try this simple solution. Took a little while and a lot of patience but worth the time and effort.

I apologize if this post belongs in another location.

Fair winds and following seas!
 
yep.....Stuff sitting is the worst.

Same thing happened to me on a high pressure fuel pump. $500 for the pump. PO replaced it year before.

Took things apart and got to the pump. Thru a VERY small hole I could see the armature. With a Awl I was able to catch a grove on the armature and move it. Pump started working.
 
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