I'm going to disassemble and clean my winches (Lewmars). In the past I've used paint thinner to clean them and then given them a quick wash off in denatured alcohol, which I then let evaporate. My theory is that the paint thinner would otherwise leave a thin coating on the parts that would dilute the grease (or oil on the spring). At least that's my theory. What do the experts say?
cleaning winches
- Thread starter John R
- Start date
No expert here but I place everything in a tub of mineral spirits as I take apart the winch. Then I light wire brush and a small ice pick to clean out the gears. I also use a can of spray brake cleaner to get the tough grease loose. Then some gun or very thin say 3 in 1 to lightly coat the paws. Then a reasonable amount of winch grease on gear cogs and bearings and reassemble.
Just a way to do it.
Tips
Get the carboard from a case of beverage and cut it to fit over the top of the winch in case something falls from your grip.
Mind yourself about drips if your doing it in your cockpit.
Good luck
Just a way to do it.
Tips
Get the carboard from a case of beverage and cut it to fit over the top of the winch in case something falls from your grip.
Mind yourself about drips if your doing it in your cockpit.
Good luck
Rick is right on.. The box must be big enough so you can work on the winch easily and it will keep the springs and pawls from being sacrificed to the slip god. Mineral spirits or plain old kerosene works fine .. skip the alcohol step. Doesn't hurt anything, but does no good either.
Box? I don't need no stinkin' box. At least that was my thought the first time I ever cleaned them. I had three of the four cleaned and back together and was just finishing reassembling the fourth one when... clank! Splash! a gear fell out and into the water. It's the damnedest thing -- they don't make those gears to float. (I got lucky: I called a diver who came right out and actually found it on the bottom.)
But back to my original question -- is there any reason not to or any harm in getting the parts finally cleaned with alcohol?
But back to my original question -- is there any reason not to or any harm in getting the parts finally cleaned with alcohol?
Nope.. is fine to clean with alcohol .. but why.. ? Mineral spirits and kerosene would leave a micro coat of heavy oil (the part that does not evaporate) on the parts, which you'd then cover with a much thicker coating of grease.. which has a lot of oil in it. the other parts would be covered with a lighter oil, very much like what is left after the mineral spirits evaporate.. Like I noted, doesn't hurt, but does no good either.
Okay. I was thinking that that coating would dilute the grease or 3 in 1 oil (as the case may be). But I guess from what you're saying that it does no harm. Thanks.
Or.... you could just follow the directions on the Lewmar site ... use what they recommend and be done with it.http://www.lewmar.com/vid2.htm
That was pretty hilarious Joe. Sure its easy when you start with a brand new disassembled winch that you could clean with some spit and your tounge!
A twenty year old one is another matter but none the less a good place to start.
And the time to do the job is slightly under estimated. It was about two boat hours for each one.
Cheers
A twenty year old one is another matter but none the less a good place to start.
And the time to do the job is slightly under estimated. It was about two boat hours for each one.
Cheers
I talked to a Lewmar tech guy before cleaning mine 2 years ago. He said I didn't need to buy their complete maintenance kit and all I needed was a few spare pawls and pawl springs. Suggested cleaning with Simple Green, oiling the pawls with 3-in-1 oil and greasing the gears with lithium grease. This worked well for me and I had no trouble cleaning the gears that I KNOW hadn't been serviced for 15 years. I used the cardboard box trick, which kept me from needing it.
Yep, one has to be extra careful with a 21 year old.... uh... winch.
I guess you didn't notice that the cleaning segment was Part 2 of 3... part 1 is disassembly... part 3 reassembly. heh, heh.
Anyhow, John R's original question was what we thought about his personal theory on solvents and lubricants when cleaning winches, not how to break the sucker down. IMHO, I can't see why anyone would feel the need to get creative with something as easily researched as cleaning a winch... especially a Lewmar winch. Winch cleaning is a nice way to spend the afternoon with a game on TV.... Service them once a year and use the grease sparingly.... there will be very little crud, if any. I've used mineral spirits, 'cause I didn't have any diesel or kerosene ... but next time I'll use 409 or Simple Green because it smells better. The Lewmar service kit, grease.. brush... oil... will last many years so forget whining about the cost.
are we on the same page here..2 boat hrs = 8 land hrs......
Whoa, wait a minute.... I once read that when the Admiral asks how long Project-X will take, you calculate the time gathering tools and supplies, then add on the actual work, then the cleanup... then multiply by "Pi". 3.14xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
don't forget the part where you practice auditioning for the Colombo movie...about the time you get on board is when you think of one more thing you needed to bring and have to go get itare we on the same page here..2 boat hrs = 8 land hrs......
Whoa, wait a minute.... I once read that when the Admiral asks how long Project-X will take, you calculate the time gathering tools and supplies, then add on the actual work, then the cleanup... then multiply by "Pi". 3.14xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
regards
woody
I cleaned my 4 winches last year on our 1997 320 for the first time. Things I learned. #1.Take the winch parts home and clean them there - there were tiny spots all around the cockpit. #2 DON'T use too much grease. My winches were still "sluggish". I have heard since to use minimal amount of the heavy grease. #3 At Strictly Sail in Chicago I learned the the oil for the paws could be sewing machine oil - I have not bought any yet but plan to in hopes that it is thin enough.
I just use mineral spirits. No need to rinse with DA.. I tried the "green/environmentally safe" mineral spirits and the stuff is a JOKE......:cussing:
I find it easiest to bring the parts home and let them soak if the winch has not had proper maintenance in a while. If the winch is serviced regularly then all you need is a quick soak in mineral spirits, wash the parts with a cheap chip brush, dry and you're ready to go. I tend to use the "odorless" kind but it is not "odorless" but way better than K1 or diesel.......
I tend to prefer the Lewmar specific grease and find it does not "gum up" like other greases do... I always replace the springs with each cleaning, and the pawls if they need it.
Be very careful to inspect the pawl sockets as Lewmar has had a few winches where the pawl sockets become loose and the pawls fail to lock the drum...
I find it easiest to bring the parts home and let them soak if the winch has not had proper maintenance in a while. If the winch is serviced regularly then all you need is a quick soak in mineral spirits, wash the parts with a cheap chip brush, dry and you're ready to go. I tend to use the "odorless" kind but it is not "odorless" but way better than K1 or diesel.......
I tend to prefer the Lewmar specific grease and find it does not "gum up" like other greases do... I always replace the springs with each cleaning, and the pawls if they need it.
Be very careful to inspect the pawl sockets as Lewmar has had a few winches where the pawl sockets become loose and the pawls fail to lock the drum...