The Great Winch maintenance of 2009

[KandD]

So after 3 months of ownership I got up the nerve to take apart my winches and re-lube them, which had not been done in at least 2 years. I started with my Maxwell 29 since I don't really use it (I've only used my Barient 28) and if I screwed up I could still go out sailing. I took it apart and I've seen less corrosion in my flooded-home-made-dive light. I've managed to clean up most of it, but there is this white crystalline powder that is being stubborn. Ideas?? I'll try and take a photo tonight or tomorrow.

 

[Deadline]

Use a Dremel wire brush, lightly.
I put the parts down on papers marked 1, 2, 3, etc.
You can also take digital photos for sequence.
I also use a box with a hole cut out in case springs start flying.
Once you've reassembled, it's quite an accompishment.

 

[Cpt. Jon]

oh great, guess I better do the same thing. I recently purchased our boat as well and I know that those winches need some love. Slightly intimidating process though.

 

[KandD]

It wasn't bad. The first one took me 3 days (probably 4-5 hrs total); but only because the corrosion was hard to get off. I ended up using a copper bristle brush. Cleaning out the bearings was also time consuming, but I found soaking them in solvent and then spinning was better and quicker then disassembling them. I was expecting little ratchets to go flying everywhere, but didn't have that issue - the cams were actually more of a gear, so they couldn't take off on me. The second wench I did took 1-1.5 hrs but was smaller. It's worth the work though, made such a big difference.

 

[Witzend]

I did mine Lewmars on my previous Hunter 37.5, no big deal, maybe an hour for each, but then again I didn't have the corrosion problem.

 

[Rick D]

OK, OK, You Inspired Me To Do Mine

I have done winches before over the years, but never a two-speed. I have put it off for two years and I am tired seeing it on my list. Time to get going!

 

[mcaswell]

My winches (Lewmar ST16 and ST30) are in need of maintenance. The ST16 in particular has recently started making a dull "clunk-clunk-clunk" sound when turned (as opposed to the sharp, distinctive "click-click-click" sound). I also noticed that I am now unable to simply pull a line that is wrapped around the winch. Hopefully nothing is busted.

Anyway, I found a Lewmar Winch Maintenance Kit on the boat (light oil, grease, a cleaning brush, and some springs). The manual mentions using "white spirit" to clean the parts. What is white spirit? Is that the same as mineral spirits?

--Michael

 

[Stu Jackson]

White Spirits

Hmm, politically incorrect????

Try kerosene works great for me.

 

[tsmwebb]

Hmm, politically incorrect????

Try kerosene works great for me.

I use WD-40 (kero in a spray can). Seems to remove the caked grease and such and maybe it displaces water, too... Who knows. It's an easy, if messy job.

--Tom.

 

[BobD17833]

White spirits = Mineral spirits

Cuts all the dried grease easily.
Get some clean lintless cloths, an old tooth brush ffor cleaning and cuetips for applying lithium grease. Use light oil on the pawls, grease may cause them to stick while retracted.

BobD
Boston

 

[mcaswell]

Thanks... did both winches today, and it was easier than expected. Took maybe an hour or so for each (even the 2-speed winch wasn't bad).

--Michael

 

[KandD]

Port side is done! Just 3 on the starboard and one on the mast left. The Barrients are surprisingly more complex then the Maxwells, but easier to put back together.