Hello John,
Excellent photo. I think the problem with your’s is similar to what I had. The Orientation appears correct but in looking at S-L similar parts (not identical or interchangeable from my experience), the springs need to rotate freely with the nylon bushings. I can’t claim to have solved the problem. Maybe by next season I can give an update. Cheers,
No luck with RC Plath in Oregon. He referred me to the Simpson Lawrence guy in Scotland. Some of his customers that have used those springs have had early failures as well. He checked into getting some springs made and a minimum order was 1000 springs for about $6000. Looks like I am going to need to become a spring expert.
Just an update, problem not solved, but I am learning. It seems that spring tension and length is critical. From physics 101- force is directly proportional to length. I put a couple of light springs on that were too short. It did not work. By lengthening them with a bit of string at one end (4 1/2" screw to screw) they work fine. Not a final solution, but at least now I now what I seek.
So what do you seek? There’s one of these on EBay, but the springs are broke on it too. Would like to purchase it, but need a solution also.
The one on eBay is likely mine. Spent hours messing with it yesterday. I can get it to the point where it kind of works as shown on the youtube video- sometimes not engaging both ways(too little spring tension) and sometimes locking (too much spring tension). I am about ready to give up. If I can find it a new home, I will not miss it. I had held them in high regard and bought it because a manual windlass is so reliable, simple and foolproof…
Diamondspring.com hand fabricates small orders of springs (less than 15). Might be worth taking a look at…
Trailing is the email response I got back from Ron Sears, ABBA Industries, Inc/RC Plath Co., after I made an inquiry regarding servicing my ABI Anchor Windlass. Ron clearly states they can replace worn parts, so its somewhat perplexing why they wouldn’t have springs available?
We can tear down, clean, replace any worn parts, and reassemble.
We suggest cleaning the clutch/brake friction ring and engaging faces yearly.
You can ship it to us and we will evaluate.
Ron Sears
ABBA Industries, Inc/RC Plath Co.
36339 Industrial Way
P.O. Box 1658
Sandy, OR 97055-1658
USA
503.668.5757
fax.503.668.4557
Plath Windlass
