I have a Lewmar power winch (model OP1/OP2)on my 1999 420. The winch manual says to "strip, clean and lubricate" it "regularly". I am about to do it myself or have it done. Any thoughts on doing it myself versus having it done professionally? The manual does not specify viscosity of grease to use, suggestions?
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I just did it
Jim, I procrastinated doing my winches for over 4 years. I finally jumped in, and once done, it wasn't that bad. Go to WM and buy a winch service kit. It contains grease, oil, pawl clips and a pretty good direction booklet. I then got an old towel and laid each piece on it to mimic the exploded view of the internal parts as shown in the book. I also took pictures along the way, but they proved to be not needed because it really isn't that complicated. TIP: Make sure you have a lot of solvent to do the cleaning because you will find the project will be very messy. Also, you will need a bristle brush to clean between the teeth of the gears. On my power winch, I discovered that there is a housing that is screwed on to the cabin top. The screws are about 5/16" wide and I elected not to remove them. This kept me from getting one of the two gear assemblies out. The other three unpowered winches didn't have this so I was able to take everyting apart. The picture shows what I am talking about. Good luck, John Richard, s/v Jack's Place
Jim, I procrastinated doing my winches for over 4 years. I finally jumped in, and once done, it wasn't that bad. Go to WM and buy a winch service kit. It contains grease, oil, pawl clips and a pretty good direction booklet. I then got an old towel and laid each piece on it to mimic the exploded view of the internal parts as shown in the book. I also took pictures along the way, but they proved to be not needed because it really isn't that complicated. TIP: Make sure you have a lot of solvent to do the cleaning because you will find the project will be very messy. Also, you will need a bristle brush to clean between the teeth of the gears. On my power winch, I discovered that there is a housing that is screwed on to the cabin top. The screws are about 5/16" wide and I elected not to remove them. This kept me from getting one of the two gear assemblies out. The other three unpowered winches didn't have this so I was able to take everyting apart. The picture shows what I am talking about. Good luck, John Richard, s/v Jack's Place
John, Better Do Your Electric Winch Again
The first time I did my winches, like you I didn't bother with the base of the electric winch (Lewmar 48)- to hard to remove. The next time, with the help of a BIG screw driver I removed the base and was glad I did. The gears were very dry and starting to show some wear. Not surprising since it is a heavily used winch. Peter Milne S/V Blue Heron
The first time I did my winches, like you I didn't bother with the base of the electric winch (Lewmar 48)- to hard to remove. The next time, with the help of a BIG screw driver I removed the base and was glad I did. The gears were very dry and starting to show some wear. Not surprising since it is a heavily used winch. Peter Milne S/V Blue Heron
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