To Good to be true!

[Numbknots]

As I reported my 16 year old Maxwell VWC (vertical winch/chain pipe) crapped out. After a couple of days of scratching calling it was determined that a pin securing the spur gear had likely sheared. With the Help of HeyMagic's shop and the "ace Hardware"store in Elma I was able to get the .35 part. Gene and I also shimmed out some of (what appeared to be) to much end play in the "rack". Long story short I was convinced I had saved a bundle and proceeded to re-assemble, strip/sand/ and refinish the unit and re-bed/re-install in Tolly.

Well just to be sure I had a plan "B" I received the replacement "New production" (1200lb) Maxwell winch at 8am yesterday. I as a precaution field tested the winch by hooking it directly to a battery (with jumper cables and found it reversed just fine so I proceeded with a big smile to complete the installation. ( I did trace the new winch mounting template ove the existing 'deck plate layout' and determined that in the future it would be a fairly easy "upgrade".)

Well when all done installing I powered up the unit and tried the foot switches (nothing but Click/ groan and barely turn in the up--lock up in the down direction) ##$%^*%#@@. Well I decided to check out the "down foot switch" GLAD I DID!! Seems the switch was last replaced by the PO without bedding it in to insure water tightness. I found that about 3" of deck core was water soaked!!!! I (temporarily cleaned and rebedded the switch (water soaked) into the deck and drilled some (drying holes) from below in the chain locker. (another project will be to cut out the coring and replace the wood and reglass it in from below (thank goodness this boat has a chain locker big enough to get into!!!)

SSSSSSSSSSSSSoooooo. Plan be was in the works. 5 hours later I now have a $$$$ brand new Maxwell 1200VWC windless installed that from above blinds you with its polished/Plated Bronze! It has many enhancements (adjustable endplay adjustment) (Oil bath gearbox with sight glass) High output/low current draw (italian marine grade motor) (greately improved clutches and best of all it can be stripped for maintenance (to the deck line with only a straight bladed screw driver and a 9/16" wrench.

(so much for saving a bundle) on this repair. (Ain't boating fun)

Tim

[heymagic]

So did we take out too much end play or were the switches the problem ? Those new boat parts have a way of messing with a guys judgement anyway... :lol:

[Numbknots]

Gene,

I think we took too much end play out with the washer? The Up foot switch was fine, the down one was intermittent due to corrosion (the contact washer)

I just made an executive decision to go ahead and replace the unit, mainly due to the fact that I had completely packed the gearbox with new grease, and sealed the "old gasket" in with RTV assembled and stripped/sanded and replainted the complete unit! It would have taken a lot of work to remove the guts and remove the shim and do it all over again! (if you think of it grab up our "custom" spanner and drop it under my dock step if you are by the Marina?? (I forgot to get it off the bench)

I am going to rebuild the unit here at home and put it up for sale on e-bay as likely there is a need for one (parts no longer made) and I really think the problem i it is binding on the rack?

Thanks again for the use of your shop and for the opportunity to visit! (becareful when looking at the front of my boat, you could burn the retina of your eyes from the glare off that high priced Chrome!!!

Tim