is there an alternative to buying winch grease?

[contessaman]

I need to strip, clean and regrease one of my barton 3 speed genoa winches. Whenever I have done this to a winch in the past I have just handed over the money and bought the little tubes of lewmar winch grease from the swindlers. Before I do the same again I was just wondering if there is a more economical alternative out there? would waterproof lithium grease suffice?
t.i.a

 

[vyv_cox]

The Lewmar stuff appears to be a silicone grease, plenty of alternative sources around. However, for many years I used automotive greases, both calcium and lithium based, without any detrimental effect on the winches. It would have to be pretty wet to wash a decent grease out. Only for the bearings though, the pawls should be oiled.

 

[sailorman]

I need to strip, clean and regrease one of my barton 3 speed genoa winches. Whenever I have done this to a winch in the past I have just handed over the money and bought the little tubes of lewmar winch grease from the swindlers. Before I do the same again I was just wondering if there is a more economical alternative out there? would waterproof lithium grease suffice?
t.i.a

some recon wash out in diesel & re assemble, it requires more frequent servicing but much quicker to do.
if you use grease,dont over do it, just a light coat

 

[Gwylan]

Husqvarna [sp] waterproof grease - in hardware stores and such. Has done very well for the last 2 seasons.

Do not use too much otherwise the winch in the sun will leak grease if it gets too warm. Some hope this year!

 

[Spi D]

When I serviced a winch years ago I found the grease inside to have transformed into a firm, lumpy goo. After servicing I wanted something lighter and went for waterproof semi-fluid grease designed automatic truck chassis lube systems.

Was very inexpensive and worked brilliantly ever after, all seasons.

 

[contessaman]

When I serviced a winch years ago I found the grease inside to have transformed into a firm, lumpy goo. After servicing I wanted something lighter and went for waterproof semi-fluid grease designed automatic truck chassis lube systems.

Was very inexpensive and worked brilliantly ever after, all seasons.

yeah this is exactly what has happened now. the boat is new to me so I dont know what the previous owner put on them. took her out for the first sail of the season and the port winch is soo stiff the grease has obviously solidified. Im going to strip and wash in paraffin or some proper engine degreaser I have in the garage.

can you provide me with a name or a link to the stuff you used please?

 

[Iliade]

IIRC (some) silicone grease(s) can be seriously toxic. Wear gloves.

For the small amounts used and the optimisation of the properties I'd pay the pound of flesh, unless you plan to service the winches every three months and don't mind a little grease smeared about their immediate vicinity.

 

[GrahamM376]

I use Ramanol on ours. http://marathonleisure.co.uk/media/ml_custom_attachment/GruebbRamonolWhiteGreaseTDSpdf.pdf

 

[JALDI]

I use Ramanol on ours. http://marathonleisure.co.uk/media/ml_custom_attachment/GruebbRamonolWhiteGreaseTDSpdf.pdf

+ 1 + cheaper than Lewmar's winch grease. Works well, although easier to apply when weather is warmer and not just 5 degrees in my experience, as this March.

 

[Spi D]

Virtually any brand will do, IMO. Truck supplies tend to be of 10+ kg.

You only need a small amount so I'd suggest you search eBay for 'semi-fluid grease' or Google 'waterproof semi-fluid grease truck' and get a small tube - or pay the nearest truck/tractor workshop a visit. Also used in some gearboxes on motorycles.

Not sure how important the waterproof property is in your winch. Should be sealed tight..?

 

[michael_w]

Diesel. Grease just kucks things up. Now I've dug the grease slathered on by a previous owner, each winch takes about 5 mins to do.

 

[jwilson]

As each winch only requires a very small amount of grease, you may as well use the winch makers recommended stuff. I'm on the tube of Harken grease I bought 6 years ago. Most people put far more grease on than the makers say. The Harken website has a video showing how to service their winches, and the amount they show used is very small.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I used Morris Oils waterproof grease mainly because I have a large tin of it. It does the job! You only need the lightest smear of it and use 3 in 1 oil on the pawls.