winch refurb

[Guest]

I have a 42.5 foot sloop designed by James Mcgruer. She had some 30-year old aluminium main winches when I bought her but these were a bit "past it" and I have replaced them with new Harken bronze winches. However there are some smaller winches at the aft end of the cockpit which probably date from the late 1940's. I use them as mainsheet winches. They were made by Simpson Lawrence. They do turn but I am sure that some of the springs and other parts are damaged or worn. Does any one know of someone who could open them up and overhaul them for me? I did ask Lewmar but they were not interested.

 

[AlexHall]

Hi, if you are careful and dont have two left hands, you can easily do this yourself. Use diesel and a little petrol mixed in a bucket as a dunking bath. Avoid paraffin as it will become corrosive if not totally removed. Remember how all the parts went together, make alist if neccessary.
You will find the basic internals are common with most winches of the era, Barton, Lewmar, Barbarossa and some parts such as pawls and springs are compatible. Dont go overboard with the grease when re assembling. There's a book out there by Nigel Calder, which is quite helpful on the internals. Your hands will become quite grimy.
Ciao

 

[Peterduck]

The grease used in winches often turns to a wax over a long period of time. Clearly, this is not going to make it easy for you to use a winch in this condition. It is not the world's most difficul;t job to dismantle a winch, and they all follow a predictable pattern. However, there are a lot of little bits and springs which may jump out and surprise the unwary neophyte. If the winch can be unbolted from its base and taken home to be dismantled on a workshop bench, then definitley do so. Usually all that is required is to remove the old grease and regrease. Most of the winch manufacturers sell grease intended for thier winches.
Best of luck!
Peter.

 

[Guest]

Thanks very much. Three supplementaries if you don't mind:
(1) What proportion of diesel to petrol would you recommend?
(2) What if some of the springs or pawls are broken or so worn that they ought to be replaced? I assume you can't buy replacements and therefore you would suggest buying an old one to "raid" for parts?
(3) Any suggestions as to where I could source the book by Nigel Calder that you mention?

 

[AlexHall]

Two thirds diesel and a third petrol, should do the trick. As for spares take the old bits to a decent chandler and they might match up with some parts from existing winches, try the lot Harken, Lewmar and Barlow, Gibb if they are still around.

As for the book try amazon.co.uk,
Title: Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair and Improve your boat's essential systems.

Have fun.

 

[chippie]

One small tip: If stripping the winches down in the cockpit.cover the cockpit drains.(the voice of experience speaking.)