Winch lube

I

IH82BL8

.
Feb 6, 2013
437
Hunter 31 Deale, MD
First time servicing a winch. Starting with the only one-speed on the boat. I have same Harken lube, which states that it can be used on larger components, but light oil should be used on smaller parts, palls, etc. Since this is a one speed and had no small moving parts, can I proceed with this lube for all parts in this winch?

Thanks.
 
B

bffatcat

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Jun 8, 2004
853
Pearson 26W Marblehead
winch maintenence

Ive got two old barlow #23 2 speed winches Ive had them close to 15 years I bought them used Im sure they are now over 30 years old I use synthetic grease on them I service them once a year They work fine
 
Gunni

Gunni

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Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
No. You DO have small parts that require oil, not grease (see response #2 above). Improperly greasing a winch can cause it to spin under load. Saw I guy take a winch handle to his rib cage as a result. Harken posts service videos on line.
 
Joe

Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,196
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
There are small parts in every winch.... they're called pawls and springs. The large parts are the gears and bearings. A two speed winch has and extra set of bearings, a reversing gear and a reduction gear...Use the grease to lube the gears and bearings.... lightly. Put the oil on the pawls and springs. Just like it shows in the videos and maintenance instructions.
 
woodster

woodster

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Sep 15, 2009
6,243
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
Joe said:
Go to a chandlery and ask for winch oil.


https://www.velasailingsupply.com/H...LsU2K5BqFd8l0QFoNx0xDSWR6njK6HGudORoCmrHw_wcB

At the expense of getting shot down by the pros, I'd think any light machine oil would work. I have a Lewmar winch maintenance kit that came with the boat when I bought it 15 years ago... There's still plenty left for many yearly maintenances on my 6 winches.
Click to expand
Three in 1... oil is just fine for oiling the pawls it is the old standby for many projects .....it will not wag,bag or sag and smells pretty good too;) and can be found at the hardware store and most grocery stores
 
I

IH82BL8

.
Feb 6, 2013
437
Hunter 31 Deale, MD
Thanks, all.

Woodster, I'm familiar with 3-in-1, just wasn't sure if it was up to "marine grade".
 
pateco

pateco

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Aug 12, 2014
2,207
Hunter 31 (1983) Pompano Beach FL
woodster said:
Three in 1... oil is just fine for oiling the pawls it is the old standby for many projects .....it will not wag,bag or sag and smells pretty good too;) and can be found at the hardware store and most grocery stores
Click to expand
What about Marvel Mystery Oil?



And what type of grease for the bearings?
 
C

Calif. Ted

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Jun 8, 2004
2,955
Catalina 320 Dana Point
Just oil on the pawls, grease is too much for the tiny springs to overcome. You can use a light hand where you use the grease also, I like a thin coat spread with a small brush.
 
woodster

woodster

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Sep 15, 2009
6,243
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
Calif. Ted said:
Just oil on the pawls, grease is too much for the tiny springs to overcome. You can use a light hand where you use the grease also, I like a thin coat spread with a small brush.
Click to expand
i totally agree with every bit of that
 
centerline

centerline

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Mar 20, 2012
3,983
Cal 34-III, MacGregor 25 Salem, Oregon
pateco said:
What about Marvel Mystery Oil?



And what type of grease for the bearings?
Click to expand
as for the grease, i use white lithium grease. you dont want any real heavy stuff.

if you like red, use the marvel oil.... transmission oil is also great for the task.

a light silicone oil may even be better as it is waterproof.... other oils are not waterproof and will wash off quicker if exposed to the elements. but as the winch pawls and gears are not directly exposed, silicone oil is not really necessary.

light oil is light oil,,, use what you have and service the winches every 12-16 months and they will never give you a problem
 
Sailvayu

Sailvayu

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Jul 25, 2007
320
-Irwin -Citation 40 Wilmington, NC
WINCH lube see when I read the title I thought it was WENCH lube........different things so never mind ;-)
 
Sprega

Sprega

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Sep 12, 2012
115
O,day 27 Brownsville Marina
I use Singer sewing machine oil on the pawls and springs. It is one of the finest light oils out there. It won't dry or thicken like 3in1. It is available all over the place AND is inexpensive.
 
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