The winch is a mechanism subject to high stress. And like all good mechanics, it requires maintenance. A beginner can easily be frightened by the task. However, there is nothing rocket science about it. No special equipment is needed, no special tools, just a little concentration and method.
Cleaning the winch: the main rules
- A winch should be cleaned at least once a year at the beginning of the season.
- No rush, take your time.
- In a winch the gears are greased and the pawls are oiled.
- Too much grease is detrimental to the proper functioning. With salt it turns into a sticky paste.
- Replace wearing parts (pawl, spring) before breaking.
For cleaning, you will need :
Tools :
- Flat and Phillips screwdriver
- Allen key set
- Rags
- Brush to clean the parts, another to apply grease
Consumables :
- Fine oil for mechanics
- Winch grease
- Liquid cleaner (diesel, petrol, white spirit)
- Spare kit (pawls and springs adapted to your winches)
And now it's time to practice!
CLEAN YOUR WINCH IN 16 STEPS
1 - Unscrew the upper cup. A screwdriver or an Allen key depending on the model.
2 - Lift the headstock off the winch. Be careful that the bearings do not get stuck inside.
3 - Remove the two needle bearings. Don't worry, the needles can't escape.
4 - Remove the gearbox from the winch using an Allen key. Make sure that the screws do not go in the water.
5 - Remove the column, watching the third bearing.
6 - Remove the central axis. You can see the first pawls appear.
7 - The pawl seats must be very clean and the pawls must operate freely.
8 - Dismantle all the gears. Be careful not to lose the pawls.
9 - Organize yourself by placing the parts in the order of disassembly. Reverse order for reassembly!
10 - Clean the parts with diesel, petrol or white spirit. Avoid gasoline, too dry!
11 - When reassembling, the greasing must be light. A little grease at the end of the brush is enough.
12 - Grease only the moving parts: gears and bearings.
13 - No grease on the pawls! Just fine oil.
14 - Use seawater resistant grease.
15 - When closing, we have the pleasure of hearing the soft sound of clean ratchets...
16 - Manufacturers offer repair kits with ratchets, spring and grease. Have one ready.
