Lewmar Wavegrip 30ST problems

[drh1965]

Has anyone ever had this problem: my winches work fine for winching under load but I can't reverse the handle under load? I assume this is a wear issue but I can't determine what part is worn out by looking. Any ideas?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Pyacht might have a parts blowup like this 48ST: http://www.pyacht.com/graphics/Lew_WG_48st.gif . But I don't understand your question. Isn't the 30 a two-speed?

 

[drh1965]

Thanks for the reply. I can't make a full 360 degree rotation with my winch handle (interfence with bimini), so normally I crank about 180 degrees, back the handle up, and then repeat. I can't back the handle anymore. It doesn't budge in reverse. I hope that makes sense...

 

[Joe]

It is a two speed, right? You are saying the handle will not rotate counter clockwise? That you cannot get it to work in low gear? You know the drum only rotates clockwise... yeah sure you do...Your problem is unclear. Can you describe it in another way.

Here's a schematic of your winch: http://www.pyacht.com/graphics/Lew_WG_30st.gif

http://www.pyacht.com/lewmar-winch-schematics.htm

Dismantle the winch and inspect it. You can find instructions on servicing your winch at the Lewmar website. If you googlle "lewmar winch maintenance" you'll get plenty of resources.

http://www.pyacht.com/Lewmar-Winch-Service-Manual.pdf

If the problem is weak pawl springs, you can purchase replacements at you local West Marine....they will also have full service kits... or you can order them here or at any other online chandlery.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Now we understand. Sounds like weak pawl springs. Best thing is to dismantle, clean, lubricate, and replace the springs. Bet it works.

 

[drh1965]

Thanks guys. The direction that doesn't work is the counter-clockwise direction. I think that is the low-speed gear since the drum turns much slower in CCW (when it was working anyway). I ordered new springs and pawls but I don't see an obvious problem with the existing ones. Hopefully, new springs will solve the problem. I do have an exploded diagram of the winch but I'll admit that I'm not totally sure which gears/pawls/springs go with which speed. I'd guess it would be the larger diameter gear. Since the winch works fine when not under load in both directions/speeds, it is difficult to ascertain what the heck is wrong with it.

 

[Don12364]

With my Sherlock Holmes hat on - Winch only has gears, bearings and pawls. Anything wrong with bearings or gears would be immediately obvious so this only leaves pawls and their operation.

So:-
Serviced and incorrectly reassembled?
Pawls for low gear facing wrong way - if that is possible?

 

[Joe]

You need to dismantle the winch... don't order parts until you've removed the drum and examined everthing. Winches are not that complicated once you see them apart and you'll be able to figure out the problem pretty readily. Just read the maintenance manual and get to it. I can't emphasize enough that you need to take the damn thing apart before wasting time speculating on the problem.

 

[drh1965]

Hey gang. After a month long fight with viral bronchitis, I finally made it back down to the boat today. I found the problem... was very hard to find mind you. After tearing it apart, one of the pawls over the years had etched an almost imperceptible grove in the gear. Very occasionally, when pushing the pawl in, it would get stuck on this tiny grove. I had to use my finger nail to feel it. Anyway, I polished the brass mating surface on the gear with a Dremel and now it works perfect.

 

[sailingdog]

Just don't grease the pawls... that's bad... grease the bearings and gears...but use only light machine oil on the pawls.