I have damage to the mainshaft of my Lofrans Electric Windlass. I have removed the gypsy and inner clutch cons as well as the rope drum and access plate on the port-side. I thought that the shaft would then simply slide out but the main-gear has a convex gear that fits snugly over the worm-drive and this prevents extraction. I think that I have to pull the worm-drive out but it is pressed into place and I can see no method of attaching a puller to it.

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I have solved my conundrum thank you. At the front of the windlass is a oil-level sighting glass. If you remove this (it is just a plug, not screwed in), then you find the forward end of the worm-drive shaft. I gave it a tap with a drift and it dropped out easily. It looked as if it was securely pressed in and held by its bearings but that is not the case.

Once the worm drive is out, then the main shaft came out easily with the main gear-wheel still attached and the 3 circlips are much easier to get at.