Lazy clutch

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gregcope

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I have a bank of matching lewmar clutches on the bridge deck. I think rated 8-12mm (Could be 10-12mm).

With some newer ropes, where the cover is still slippy/new the clutches (ie more than one) seem to slip and quite lazy or random as to when they grip.

Do they need a clean or service? Is there a case for a new spring to make them grip quicker?

i believe the “teeth” are fine as they do grip, just seem “slow”.

Any advice welcome!
 
You will get slippage if you transfer load suddenly from a winch to a clutch. Close the clutch, then ease the load off the winch, the clutch should then hold it without slipping.
Likewise, don't just throw open a clutch to release a line, take a couple of turns around the winch and put it under tension before opening the clutch.
 
So, Googling I think I have Lewmar D2 Clutches.

The teeth are called Dominos. They would seem mostly fine as the clutches do grip, its just the engagement point seems to vary.

I have found some new old stock springs so will try that. Taking them off/apart might be a mission.

I have not found any servicing instructions, which seems odd as I would assume they would need a clean / oil or grease at some point.
 
Could the swivel unit on the teeth be dirty and does not always swing down onto the rope properly, worth giving it a good hose out or a touch of lube.
David MH
 
I also have Lewmar clutches(D1) and they are superb. Mine have never slipped. It sounds as though you line may be too small for the clutch - From memory D1 are rated for either 6 - 8mm or 10 - 12mm diameter rope. D2 have a similar size rating. There should be a label on the clutch body denoting the correct size rope.
 
I would try WD 40 or similar if it cures the problem I would take it all apart and check if there is any debris or dirt or salt crystals in the unit
David MH
 
Just had a similar problem with a friend's boat. Clutches had not been cleaned for years and were not moving freely enough. Good clean out with soapy water and spray with silicon or Teflon lube and they were transformed. Much easier than rebuilding....
 
Supertramp said:
Just had a similar problem with a friend's boat. Clutches had not been cleaned for years and were not moving freely enough. Good clean out with soapy water and spray with silicon or Teflon lube and they were transformed. Much easier than rebuilding....
Click to expand...
Yup. Silicon spray worked for me.
 
We’ve had a lazy clutch recently, its not confined to Lewmars. Ours was simply down to a slightly stiff mechanism, WD40 and exercising the stiff part (got hold of it with needle nosed pliers) solved it.
 
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