Winch Maintenance

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Roy10289

Roy10289

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Oct 13, 2007
179
Hunter 37.5 Plattsburgh
I have Lewmar 2 speed winches on my boat. They are becoming a little "sticky" when grinding and I think need some cleaning. I know that rebuild kits are available,but was wondering if the grease and oil for the pawls must be purchaced from Lewmar or if any good quality grease and oil will do?
 
Ed Schenck

Ed Schenck

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Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
Just used a good waterproof grease for the gears and '3 in 1' for the pawls. Don't get grease anywhere near the pawls and springs. Been about eight years since I last did them but I do keep them covered when not in use. These are 40STs.
 
Rick D

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,204
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
I just did mine and it wasn't nearly as hysterical as I'd imagined, having not done two speeds before and fearing all the paws would launch themselves as soon as I pulled the drum. I used Lewmar winch greas which is readily available through most chandlers or probably here online. However, I think SuperLube which is available at Ace and which is recommended for heads would have worked just as well. I did not order the rebuild kit and didn't need them. The instructions are on line at the Lewmar site. Enjoy! As was just mentioned, 3 in One oil or light machine oil only on the paws & springs. I used kerosene to clean the bearings and WD40 the frame before re-lubing. Have a cheap bristle brush and lots of towels, bins, gloves and a container to put the used kerosene into between winch cleanings is important. One warning to you: I was doing the cleaning in the companionway which is covered by a dodger. I had my head stuck over the cleaning tray for the better part of a day. I had a headache and sinus inflammation that night that would have brought an elephant to it's knees! So, be sure to do your cleaning in an open area and don't keep your head right over the tray. Good luck!
 
shorty

shorty

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Apr 14, 2005
298
Pearson P34 Mt Desert, ME
I've found a full strip down & clean w/kerosene, grease, oil & re-ass'y to be ~2 hours each. I made a mini parts washing tray with hardware cloth in a small plastic bucket to keep the parts off the bottom & out of the sediment. Waterproof grease from McMaster Carr.
"They" say to clean & grease at least once a year. Not necessarily a full strip but definitely keep well (but not over) greased. I do not get to the boat each weekend & with a short northern season I like to attend them every two years.
 
sailingdog

sailingdog

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Oct 22, 2008
3,502
- Telstar 28 Buzzards Bay
Any good waterproof grease with anti-corrosion additives will do a pretty good job. The best grease for the job, IMHO, is Dupont Teflon Bearing Grease, or not finding that, Dupont Krytox.

:D

As said previously, DO NOT GREASE THE PAWLS OR SPRINGS. Greasing them can cause them to stick and can turn the winch handle in to a rotating bludgeon without warning.
 
CalebD

CalebD

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Jun 27, 2006
1,479
Tartan 27' 1967 Nyack, NY
It is really a lot easier to do then you think it will be.
You won't need the 'service kit' unless you break or lose something. You will also be pleased at how well your winch works once you do this.
Download the free 'service manual' from the Lewmar website and just do the basics. 2-speed vs. 1-speed winches are not that different except that there are a few more parts (2 sets of bearings, 2 sets of pawls and whatnot).
I tried to attach it here but it is too big. Here is the link for downloading the file: Winch service manual- b2304 issue 6 (817KB)

Look for that file at this website:
http://www.lewmar.com/Product-literature.asp

Edit to add: the previous posts advice are also right on, golden or however I can express agreement.
 
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Johnb

Johnb

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Jan 22, 2008
1,505
Hunter 37-cutter Richmond CA
I bought a service kit part 19700100 which was quite useful because it has the little springs pawls and keys, some of which I needed to replace. After finding some springs broken I then bought extra and replaced them all, on all 6 winches.
 
Nik

Nik

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Mar 15, 2008
247
MacGregor 26D Valparaiso, Indiana
As this is your first time and not knowing the conditions of the innards. Buy the rebuild kits; if you need it you have it, if not now you have the needed spares. Also, make a cardboard box to fit around your winch, an enclosed tub of sorts, to contain the little nasties that may SPRING forth on disassembly and re assembly (Murphy's Law), also another good reason to have spare parts. The job is easy to do, if mechanically inclined. Go with the rest on the oil, grease and solvent advise; I use mineral spirits or turpentine (I have much in my cellar).
 
Scott B

Scott B

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Sep 20, 2006
2,953
Hunter 33 Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
Great demonstration video from Lewmar

[ttyouyube]<object width="660" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/W_MjOJYYZ4A&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/W_MjOJYYZ4A&hl=en_US&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="405"></embed></object>[/ttyouyube]


[ttyouyube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_MjOJYYZ4A[/ttyouyube]
 
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zeehag

zeehag

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Mar 26, 2009
3,198
1976 formosa 41 yankee clipper santa barbara. ca.(not there)
goood info--thankyou--the video doesnt play on linux as yet--but the info is perfect!!!
 
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