1987 300DA Windlass pops circuit breaker

[NJMatt50]

Any one have any ideas why my circuit breaker pops when I try to use my windlass? I am assuming that the motor is shot but am open to other ideas. It trips if I go up or down after a few seconds. It helps when someone pulls the rope to assist. Thanks.

 

[wvsundancer]

Does it open as soon as you turn it on or after you try to reel it out or in? If it opens as soon as you apply power you may get lucky and have a bad connection or an open short. If it opens when you put a load on it it may be the motor..

 

[NJMatt50]

opens after I try to use it. It will not trip all day if I just leave it on.

 

[wvsundancer]

Do you have a volt meter? If so try to get a reading of the amp draw as soon as you try to apply a load.. This will help in determining if the motoer is bad or not..

 

[NJMatt50]

Yes, I have the meter. Where do I measure from? Right at the windlass?