[C320-list] OIL LEVEL IN WINDLASS

[Warren Updike]

John, Karl, our much esteemed Commodore, recently did an article for the
Mainsheet you'll probably see in the next issue on servicing the windlass.
Maxwell recommends changing or at least checking the oil level every 3
years, and clean/lube the shaft under the drum every year.  "Because the
unit is installed in the horizontal rather than the vertical for which it
was designed, you cannot check the oil level unless you remove it, because
the sight glass is at the top in the horizontal installation."  

I don't think mine had been serviced in maybe 15 years.  I needed a puller
to remove the drum.  If you lube the shaft every year or so, it should come
off easily.  Removing the unit is not difficult.  Getting to it is a pain.

Warren & Pattie Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"

-----Original Message-----
From: JJ Morrison [mailto:sail-ability at sympatico.ca] 
Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 5:12 PM
To: Catalina List
Subject: [C320-list] OIL LEVEL IN WINDLASS


i removed the inspection cover in the chain locker to have a look at the
windlass. There was no oil visible throught the sight glass and when I
removed it I could still see no oil. The bearing just below the sight glass
seems to be running dry. I added about an ounce of hypoid 90 and it gurgled
into the machine and I still no oil is visible. I do not want to overfill
the windlass so how does one tell if the correct amount of oil is in the
machine short of removing it? The windlass is a Maxwell 500.
Thanks
JohnM
1999 #574