for Many of Our L.I. Sound
Offerings—
Servicing a Winch, Next Steps—
Here we can see the pawl and pawl spring
separately. The two arms of the pawl spring are what you will
need to squeeze toward the other as mentioned in the previous
instruction, to allow the spring and pawl out of their seat.
Remove the 2nd set of pawls from their gear
set as previously described a few steps back.
Clean all parts. Use mineral spirits,
kerosene, and or a good quality degreaser. Acetone is okay on
the metal parts, but do not allow acetone to touch any plastic
piece. Use a throw-away paint brush to get into all the nooks
and crannies of every single piece. Be sure to clean all old
grease from every surface on every part. A wire brush and/or
small wire wheel on a drill is sometimes helpful for getting in
between the gear teeth. Use only the paint brush and
cleaner to clean the bearings which are encased in plastic
cages. After each piece is cleaned, closely inspect it for any
abnormal damage or excessive wear.
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Don’t forget to remove the spindle
bushings from inside the gear sets to inspect and clean.
After every piece is clean and dry,
it’s time to lubricate each, and reassemble.
Note: Try to dry any solvent/degreaser left
over on the parts before applying the new lubricant, so it
doesn’t start to work against that as well. Spraying with
compressed air will help to dry it. (You can use the same can
you use to spray down your computer keyboard if you don’t
have a compressor handy.)
Though pawl springs may look okay upon
inspection, they do get weaker over time. Replace them with new
ones at least every couple years. They are only a couple bucks
each. Also, be sure pawl ends (where they contact the gear
teeth) have not become too worn. This can cause winch slippage.
Any question, replace them.
When replacing the pawl and spring into the
gear, first put the spring into position within the pawl and
squeeze as shown. While squeezing, place the unit into position
on the gear.
Read about
our namesake,
the Swan 46,
Use Lewmar Pawl Oil (or 3 in 1 oil) to
lubricate the pawls and springs. DO NOT USE GREASE on the pawls
or springs!
Lightly lubricate every single piece using
Lewmar winch grease. Use a paint brush to brush it evenly onto
and around each piece. DO NOT OVER GREASE! Too much grease will
just collect more dirt and make the next service take twice as
long. Cleaning caked on dirty grease can take hours. Note the
lightly greased gears in the picture, ready for
reassembly.
Replace the main spindle into the housing,
then temporarily install one half of the collet through the
slot on the housing into the groove on the spindle to hold it
at the correct height.
Reinstall each piece as it came out. Place
each of the two gear sets into position, insert its spindle and
then lightly tap the spindle so the top sits down into the
inset flush with the surrounding surface (not shown).
Don’t forget to put the flat bushing
down before installing the bearings and spacer on the shaft.
Note the amount of grease on the bearings.
Each roller bearing is lightly covered, both inside and out.)
Install drum and stripper arm together. Be
sure to align the stripper arm so that it slips over the
extended piece between the top and bottom tailers.
Stick your finger into the center and lift
up on the main spindle to allow the collets to slip completely
into position. The 2 halves should be virtually touching, top
and bottom when correctly in position.
Rotate the stripper arm until the threaded
holes line up with the openings in the collet halves.
Screw on the top cap and you’re done!
Easy, right? If you don’t think so, we’ll do it for
you for $54.95 per Lewmar winch (up to size 40) and a few
dollars more for other brands. It really is a bargain
considering the time and effort involved.
