Lewmar 30ST Winch - Handle Not Locking

[bluenoser613]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to figure out why my winch handle will not lock in my Lewmar 30ST winch. The handle goes in and out freely. If I move the lock on the handle it cannot be removed from the winch. Basically the lock is working backwards.

The handle seems okay to my untrained eye. The lock rotates fine. The spring is intact. The square plate moves freely.

When I look in the main spindle of the winch I do not see how the handle is supposed to lock. Therefore I am uncertain where the problem is. The Lewmar service manual that I have does not discuss servicing the spindle or handle in any way.

Is there a component in the main spindle that needs servicing, or is the problem most likely with the handle?

Regards,
Brent

[Nibiruwayne]

Hi Brent ,
With the handle out of the winch, the corners of the square locking plate should be between the vertices (points) of the spline . This is the neutral position and if the handle was in the winch you would not be able to remove it. By turning the lever against the spring, the corners of the square plate line up with the vertices(points ) of the spline allowing you to insert the handle into the winch. Release the lever and the spring positions the corners of the plate in the locked position. Sorry this is so wordy.

[donradcliffe]

Try the handle in someone else's winch.

[Target9000]

Originally Posted by donradcliffe

Try the handle in someone else's winch.

Kinky...

[bluenoser613]

Originally Posted by Nibiruwayne

Hi Brent ,
With the handle out of the winch, the corners of the square locking plate should be between the vertices (points) of the spline . This is the neutral position and if the handle was in the winch you would not be able to remove it. By turning the lever against the spring, the corners of the square plate line up with the vertices(points ) of the spline allowing you to insert the handle into the winch. Release the lever and the spring positions the corners of the plate in the locked position. Sorry this is so wordy.

Awesome. Great description. I suspect the handle is the problem.

Thanks.