Mainsheet jamming cleat

[HappyHunter]

After little use, the jamming cleat on my Lewmar mainsheet is not working. Pulling the sheet up does not move the two cam cleats, although they can be easily rotated by hand (rather dangerously, in any sort of wind). I have tried adjusting the angle of approach (all 3 positiions) but to no avail. Any hints?

 

[mikemonty]

return spring(s) either broken or the clearances gummed up with dried up grease or sand/grit.
Try a little WD40 or similar and work the cams back and forward in the hope that they free off (assuming they cannot be dismantled) then a little light oil if they successfully start to spring back to the "cleating" position.

 

[Lakesailor]

Second that/ A little freeing oil and handraulic maintenance works wonders. On sheet cam cleats it sometimes works to free off the pivot/fixing bolt a bit.

 

[lw395]

Some of the plastics may not be intended to be oiled.
Best bet is to remove, wash in hot water to remove salt, dismantle, clean, reassemble, start saving up for better product such as Harken, Ronstan etc.
A light squirt of silicone based lube is all I would put on a ball bearing type cleat, if it's plain bearing then maybe a light smear of teflon grease in the right place, which means taking it apart. The problem will probably be alloy corrosion.
Regular rinsing helps.

 

[Lakesailor]

Possibly they may not. But a working cleat that may need replacing is better than one that just doesn't work.