difficult winches

[damienp]

I have just spent a frustrating couple of hours trying to strip and service a couple of gibb 40 self tailing winches on my GK29. Despite getting the circlip off with relative ease I was unable to strip them any further, nor was there any obvious way of doing so. A trip to the chandlers and a pint in the yacht club didnt reveal any more info.

Any ideas anyone?

 

[sailorman]

some early lewmars req to be removed from the boat to service, some parts are fitted/removed from the winch base /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Spuddy]

I got old Gibbs as well. Managed to get them turning but similarly baffled that couldn't get drum off for a decent clean. Had half a thought that complete unbolting might give access but never heard it mentioned before - so thanks.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I have an old gibb but non self tailing and there is a screw at the bottom ot thr hold that the winch handel fits. I nont know if the self tailing is the same

 

[Spuddy]

Yep, similar screw on mine. Took it out and then attempted to push drum up and off using wedges. No success but only used little taps cos wary of damage. Anybody know if it is safe to give it a real whack ?

 

[damienp]

Thank you all, nothing is as easy as it first looks, fortunatly the most difficult winch of the 2 has easy access to the backing plate and retaining bolts so I will give it a go and let you know the outcome.

D

 

[bobgosling]

I have old (1979) Gibbs and had to use a lot of brute force to get the barrels off the posts after removing the single big screw in the socket. Tried wooden wedges but ended up having to lever off with a big screwdriver.

 

[ChrisE]

Yep, my Gibbs (non-self tailing, 1977-ish vintage) needed a good seeing to (ie a good whacking) before releasing thier grip after undoing the screw.

 

[Spuddy]

Right then. Bolsters and club hammer it is.

 

[ChrisE]

Best of luck.....

 

[2Tizwoz]

A picture may help

These are from flickr. Dried up grease creates the problem. Try oil instead.