the gearbox for windmill is broken

[JamesTheory]

Okay, so I just got my hands on this awesome 60' Aermotor windmill, it's a real piece of history!

Right now, the whole thing is up on its tower, but the tower is still lying on the ground. I was giving the fan a spin, and it turned just fine, nice and smooth.

But the gearbox for windmill, the part that connects the fan to the pump rod (the mast), isn't budging at all. It seems completely frozen solid.

Which part do you think I should check first? I really have no idea how to fix this.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[greyF09]

Amazing find indeed. If the fan spins freely but the gearbox is frozen, you can start by checking the brake and the internal gears. Idle for years can cause old grease to harden or rust to seize things up. Remove the top cap and give it a good look inside. A little penetrating oil and patience could solve all this.

 

[dot and bubble]

Is there any oil in it and are there any obvious obstructions like chunks of rust or debris? Sometimes, this can jam things up

 

[Blowmymind]

Try to soak the gearbox in penetrating oil and let it sit overnight. You can try oils like PB Blaster or Kroil

 

[Tvrbo.speeds]

First thing I'd check is the pitman arm and shaft or try pulling the cover off the gearbox and see if anything is gummed up inside. I agree with @Blowmymind on t he soaking in oil but if it's really frozen, you might be looking at a full teardown.