Since i bought my 450 windlass it never worked pulling up the rope. When it retreve the rope , the rope fold and get jammed between the wheel and the lower section. there is ans small space or clearance between the pulling wheel and the base and the rope get fod there and it is real problem take out the rope. I always finish to pull the anchor manually. Also my anchor never go down along , i have to push it. bad purchase the 450

Replacing the spring on a Muir VFF 600 windlass can be a relatively simple process if you have the proper tools and experience working with mechanical equipment. Here are some general steps to follow:

1. Turn off the power to the windlass at the circuit breaker or disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the motor cover from the windlass to access the spring and chain.
3. Disconnect the chain from the gypsy and remove it from the windlass.
4. Locate the tensioning bolt and use a wrench to loosen it. This will release tension on the spring.
5. Use a pair of pliers or a spring tool to remove the retaining clip that holds the spring in place.
6. Remove the old spring from the windlass and replace it with the new one.
7. Reinsert the retaining clip to hold the new spring in place.
8. Use a wrench to tighten the tensioning bolt and apply tension to the new spring.
9. Reattach the chain to the gypsy and test the windlass to ensure it is working properly.
10. Replace the motor cover and turn the power back on.

It is important to note that if you are not familiar with the windlass or do not feel comfortable performing these steps, it is best to have a professional do the work.

Usually the 450 series only a recoil starter....a pull rope to start it. Meaning you have to pull the starter rope to start it.

you need to pull it all the way out at the roller/wheel, get screw driver or some thing that can jam it not to let it roll back, and tight the rope to it and make sure not to slip the rope, and hold the roller/ wheel until you done with the rope, and release the roller/ wheel gentle slowly, let it wind in the rope.

There could be several reasons for this problem, but sometimes it is in need of a simple cleaning. Remove the 3-4 nuts holding the starter assembly on the top of the engine. Normally you will use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove them. Turn the starter over in your hand so that you are looking at the starter pulley. Inspect the starter rope and make sure it isn't jammed between the starter pulley and the housing. If it is jammed, grab the starter rope and starter pulley and rotate them both together clockwise until the rope becomes unjammed. If the rope isn't jammed, turn the starter pulley counter clockwise gently. It will probably spring back and draw in the rope. If it retracts the rope slowly, spray WD40 around the bolt in the center of the pulley and work the pulley back and forth until the pulley frees up. If it doesn't free up or this isn't the problem, get back with me and I'll try and walk you through the rest of the repair.

Check the brushes and if they are short just replace them.
This will solve the problem.
There is thermal cut out which will protect the winding if its hot and will stop windlass and after cooling down it can run again.

Every saw i have ever seen has left hand threads on the clutch else it will loosen itself as it runs.

I suggest a length of nylon rope (nothing left behind) be used as a piston stop (retain 6" ± so you can remove it). Make sure the piston is near the top of the cylinder before feeding the cord or it can fall through the exhaust port and damage the piston as it rises.

Good Luck. HTH
Lou

with the cover in your hand pull the cord out with a pair of needle nose pliers or a little screw driver and where the cord go through the case and before the wheel. pull 5 to 10 inches out and wrap the cord around the wheel turning the wheel but not winding the cord on., do 3 or 4 wraps then pull the handle to get all the cord out and let it retract. if not enough rewind just repeat with 2 wraps

Is this the main fuse???
600watts motor on a 12V system drops 50amps...
You should have an 80 or even 100 amps fuse for the power cables!

You have to remove the whole cover. Do not break rivets. Remove the rest of old rope, then wind pulley/spring the direction it would turn if the rope was being pulled. When it's wound tight, back off to align hole in cover and pulley. Insert end of about an 8' rope from the outside the cover through the pulley and tie a single knot/loop. Then let the rope be drawn in by the pulley/spring.

Of course, first check the voltage at the connections to the windlass. Have someone operate the switch while you measure with a volt meter. If no voltage check breakers, or fuses. Heavy current devices like a windlass will often require fuses near where they connect to battery power.


A windlass requires a LOT of current to run. Not just voltage. Trace the wires from the battery connection all the way to the windlass. If possible, loosen any connections (ex; a lug with a nut or bolt) and clean with a wire brush then reconnect. Be sure to disconnect the battery while cleaning. Many times wires will corrode past the insulation. Especially if they were not tinned wire to begin with (tinned wire has a silver shine, regular copper has a copper color and typically turns dark or even black when corroded).

Since a windlass requires a lot of current, often there may be a relay near the windlass that might go bad. Listen to see if this is activating while someone operates the switch.