Lewmar Winch Ocean Series 44ST

artboas · Sep 9, 2013

Should go, unless......

Flavio Patuelli said:
I purchased a used 1997 Hunter 376 on which is installed an Electric Winch Ocean Series 44ST. The Stripper Ring is missing, I ordered a new one, but I cannot install it because I cannot remove the Top Cap even using a screw driver in the little slots and a hammer. The Top Cap does not move and seem stuck. Is there a tool or recommendations on how to remove it to install the Stripper Ring.
Thank you

The PO used Loctite.
That would be a problem
Just to confirm, you're using a screwdriver & hammer and tapping the part CCW?
If it doesn't budge, you could try the following;

More pronounced "taps". Ie hit it harder.
You might heat up the part with a heat gun. If there is Loctite on the threads, this could help.

Good luck

Stu Jackson · Sep 9, 2013

Am I correct that you've researched the assembly on the Lewmar website?

Good luck. Time usually heals these things...patience.

artboas · Sep 9, 2013

44st is standard stuff

Stu Jackson said:
Am I correct that you've researched the assembly on the Lewmar website?

Good luck. Time usually heals these things...patience.

This is the ocean series. Been around for years
The top cap spins off, and the stripper plate lifts up.
The top cap just hand tightens, and it can be removed by tapping the detents with a screwdriver / hammer combo.
If it's not coming off, then you need to try a little harder

Rich Stidger · Sep 9, 2013

You could make up a special tool to remove the top cap.

I would get a 24" piece of 1" x 1/4" steel flat stock and drill two holes near the center of the flat stock with the spacing of the two detents. Drill the holes to tap a 3/16" machine screw. Thread two 3/16"x1/2" cap screws (I would use grade 5) flat to the surface so that the threaded ends protrude from the bar. Using a Dremel tool I would grind a flat spot into the protruding threads so that these flat spots will sit into the detents.

Now you have a tool that will engage the detents, not slip, and you have a 24" length of the bar to apply some real torque to the top cap on both sides without a big risk of damaging the ring.

If the PO truly used loctite on the top ring, find him and convince him that he would look good in a pair of cement shoes and then take him swimming. Seriously, I think there is a liquid that will break a Loctite bond that you could apply to wick into the threads. If it is just somehow "stuck", I would start with PB Blaster.

Rich Stidger · Sep 17, 2013

Flavio Patuelli said:
Yes P.O. (previous owner used loctite).

Good job.

Now, about the cement shoes suggestion........

artboas · Sep 17, 2013

Glad it worked out

Flavio Patuelli said:
artboas, Stu Jackson, Rich Stidger, thank you for your responses. I waited to go to the boat and report to you. I used a heavy duty impact tool and a short handle sledge hammer (marble mallet) and I succeeded to unlock it. Yes P.O. (previous owner used loctite). I cleaned it up with a brush deeped in acetone, cleaned it with dry rag, then sprayed W40.
I went there prepared with all suggestions, (24'' metal barre for special tool, hot air blower, torch), but the mable mallet and high impact tool resolved the problem.

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Find the previous owner, sneak into his house, and put crazy glue on his toilet seat. Leave the hammer & chisel on the floor for him.