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Where's my windless solenoid?

Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2016 9:43 pm
by 7421f
My Seawolf 520 has stopped working. The dreaded solenoid click. Problem is, I have been unable to find it. I've looked in the anchor locker with a mirror and light, but no luck. I didn't how to access from anywhere else. surely someone amongst us has knowledge of where it's at. I'd be appreciative if you would enlighten me.

Re: Where's my windless solenoid?

Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 1:25 pm
by Jimmy
I have an 88 11 meter but have a good windlass. All my solenoids were located on a bracket that was part of the windlass mounting. Access was through the anchor locker. I do not have experience with the seawolf, but assume they all work off the same 3 solenoid system? Try the Seawolf website to see what the wiring is like. That should show you more what to look for.

Sorry not more help. Good luck.

Re: Where's my windless solenoid?

Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 2:27 pm
by Jimmy
There is a post by Tcollins2 a few weeks ago that may help.

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Re: SeaWolf Windlass 520
Unread postby tcollins2 ยป Fri May 13, 2016 1:49 pm

Found it! Well thanks to some electrical drawings Bob sent me I found the solenoid. Hiding in plain sight. It's behind the starboard motor next to the battery charger. Need to get behind the motor and look forward to read it. The solenoid looks like the average run of the mill solenoid, not what I had seen from other website data. I have no power to it. So I think I have a bad switch in the panel. I didn't have my tester with me, so the investigation continues. You can make out the word windlass written on the wire.

Re: Where's my windless solenoid?

Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 6:29 pm
by thelast322
Hello 7421f ,

Sounds like you are on the right path. Trace the main conductor power source from your batteries, panel or dedicated circuit breaker to the windlass. Some of the boats "and code dedicates" that it should have a over-current fuse or circuit breaker very close to the power source. Make sure that it is hot and it sending you 12 volts to your windlass. I know through past experience I would hear the click but have no power to the windlass. The reason was the 1st mate never did a proper check to make sure the power panel was ready before "shifting colors" we got underway. :D

Butch