Servicing winches knowhow.

[noswellplease]

The two cockpit winches are getting a bit stiff so I guess they need some cleaning and lubrication. As I have never serviced a winch before I'm wondering about the degree of difficulty. There is a allen screw at the base of the cavity which I guess holds the winch drum in place. What I don't facy is springs washers and and spindles all over the place and having to try and reassemble. Question would it be possible to simply remove the drum and lightly clean what I can see then oil and grease, and not dismantle all the moving parts. If there was a qualified person who could do the job I would ask them but there isn't unfortunately. Could some improvement be achivied this way or is more thought needed to make progress? Russ

 

[pvb]

It's not particularly difficult, as long as you're careful not to drop bits overboard! Most winch makers have instructions on how to service their products - take a look at the excellent Lewmar manual (download from here) if your winches don't have instructions.

 

[michael_w]

Winch servicing is pretty easy. I suggest you have a look at your manufacturer's website as there are bound to be instructions.

One secret is to dismantle one winch at a time so you've got its brother to compare; take a few piccys too.

My method is to assemble the tools: bucket, a pint or two of diesel, a toothbrush, Elephant Arse Wipe (aka kitchen towel), a small screwdriver often comes in useful. Plus any tools needed to dismantle the winch itself eg: Allen keys. If you've got teak decks, cover'em.

Take apart and use the diesel to clean off all the accumulated grease and kuck, keep a close eye on the pawl springs as they have a strong desire to turn into a UFO.

Reassamble without any grease, I know this sounds like heresy, but the diesel will give you all the lubrication you'll need and it'll make the job easier next time. Admittedly, with no grease, I'll do my winches twice a season. Takes me moments to do as there is no gunge to dig out.

Once you've done it a few times, you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

 

[KenMcCulloch]

[ QUOTE ]
It's not particularly difficult, as long as you're careful not to drop bits overboard!

[/ QUOTE ]
Indeed. I well remember servicing a very large central sheet winch (single winch for both headsail sheets) in Kyle of Lochalsh. As my co-worker removed the old, worn pawls he gaily tossed them over the side, comfortable in the knowledge that he had a whole bag of new ones sitting on the chart table. Imagine his chagrin to discover that the replacements were the wrong size.....

There aren't many winch service kit stockists in Kyle. He is now a very senior RYA Examiner and I think his anonymity should be respected.

 

[alant]

Reassamble without any grease, I know this sounds like heresy

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If you do decide to go the normal route, do not put grease anywhere near the pawls & springs. Just light oil.

As previously mentioned, the pawls & springs can easily become UFO's. Get a spares kit for your winch - most of these pawls are 'one size fits all' for that manufacturer.

Some grease on the other moving bits is ok, but don't overdo it.

 

[noswellplease]

Thanks for all the advice. Hope to get started and smarten things up a bit and I'll watch out for the flying springs! Russ

 

[Gunfleet]

One way of protecting yourself against dropped pawls, springs etc is to cut a hole in a small carboard box and then tape it to the coaming so it surrounds the winch.

 

[macd]

It would be helpful to know what make of winches you have. If they're still in production, the manufacturer's website will probably have all the info you need. In almost every case it's not a difficult job...when you've done it you'll think it ludicrous that it ever intimidated you. As other posts suggest, use a modest amount of appropriate grease for gears, light oil for pawls. And if it's the type with a circlip at the top, insert the winch handle before you release the circlip to stop it flying into space. The bits most likely to wear out are the pawl springs themselves (if you don't know what a pawl spring looks like, you'll soon find out). If the make of winch is still in production, these can be bought quite cheaply.

 

[dedwards]

IIRC Lewmar winches can be removed from their base without exposing the springs, which live in the top of the winch. Assuming your winch is the same, do that, place it in the bucket and then do all the rest of the work with it in the bucket. no need to worry about oil spillages or flying springs then.