Check Anchor Winch?

Hi,
When I used my Maxwell Anchor winch recently it stopped part way coming up and I got a slight burning smell.
Is there a way to check what is wrong with it with a basic multi meter?
Should I take it off or test in situ?
Thanks.

Hi Cockpit.
RE: Hi,
When I used my Maxwell Anchor winch recently it stopped part way coming up and I got a slight burning smell.
Is there a way to check what is wrong with it with a basic multi meter?
Should I take it off or test in situ?
Thanks.

Your multimeter will read Ohms (resistance) and volts.
The Ohm readings will tell you if there is a short to earth or an open circuit.
In your case a short to earth is when you windings have burnt out and there is a current flow directly to the motor frame. this will mean a huge current flow and the fuse or circuit breaker will blow.
Don't need a multimeter here. Simply blowing fuse will tell you what is happening.

An open circuit is when the windings have burnt out and there is no circuit to anywhere.
You will switch on the power and NOTHING will happen.
You can check an open circuit with a multimeter.
Disconnect the wires to the motor (of course switch off and remove fuse).
Put one probe on each terminal on the motor. If there is zero Ohms there is an open circuit.
Sounds to me like you have an open circuit (burnt out) motor.

JBarnes has suggested
I would really consider having a local marine electrician take a quick look at it.

As soon as I see the word "marine" I thing "SURCHARGE".
I would suggest removing the motor and taking it to a starter motor rewinder.
It is a 12 v or 24 v motor after all and that is what is in most cars or trucks.
This is what I would be looking at
www.bing.com/search?pc=COSP&ptag=D050421-N9997A915F698E57&form=CONBDF&conlogo=CT3335818&q=Australia%20starter%20motor%20rebuilders.

Either way your motor is probably toast ( that is the technical term).
And a rewinder will be able to tell you clearly.

gary