Abi series 800 2speed manual windlass

[Eastward ho 24]

I just got an abi series 800 manual windlass ( I think)It’s the seatiger knock off one. I see most have a bronze housing, however mine has an aluminum housing. Can’t find anything on the net about them other then old threads here. It says theyre supposed to be oli filled. I guess that explains the plug in the front. I just got it and it’s working fine sounds good works on both strokes flawlessley. I took the bottom off and looked inside. It appears to look nice and clean. It’s greased inside though. I’m not sure what to do with it. Does any one know a source for the springs so I could get spares in case they go. Also I don’t know the history of it think I should degrease it and fill with gear oil again. I can smell the gear oil like it was in there.

[Jim Cate]

won't offer advice, but from some past experience, one reason that folks go from 90 wt oil to grease is that many of those windlasses leak when full of oil... and having hypoid oil running about on deck is not a great idea!

Jim

[Eastward ho 24]

Yes I defy don’t want to fill it with oil just wondering if it’ll affect the operation/ longevity