Quick winch service

[catlotion]

I've read about the correct way to service our Lewmar primary winches, but was wondering whether there's a quick lubrication fix. One of them is very noisy (rattling noise) and I thought I could maybe just take the top off and squirt something in there. If so, any tips for what to use? Spray grease?

Is this a rubbish idea? I know the full service needs doing but I wanted to quieten it just for a few weeks until we get time do the job properly.

 

[jerram]

To do the job properly only take 1/2 hr

 

[duncan99210]

Rattling noise would tend to indicate something's come adrift inside.....

 

[sailorman]

Rattling noise would tend to indicate something's come adrift inside.....

Rather the pawl are dry

 

[johnalison]

Rather the pawl are dry

I would have thought that would click rather than rattle, or worse still, make no noise at all.

The OP should bite the bullet and take the winch(es) apart, which takes no time at all, in fact, I came 4th in our regatta's winch-apart-and-together competion a few yrs ago. I think it took less than a couple of minutes.

A couple of tips if you've not done it before.
1 try if possible to sit outside the winch facing inboard with your legs astride it, so that errant bits fall into the cockpit.
2 take careful note of how the centre column drops when the brass lugs are removed. You will need to raise the column this amount before replacing the lugs.
3 use very little grease and get none on the pawl springs.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Very easy to do and makes a big difference also reduces the chance of one slipping with horrid results. Many videos on youtube which as usual is your friend.

 

[catlotion]

Thanks everyone! may bite the bullet and do the right thing.