Problem servicing a 1970's Lewmar 43 winch

[Target9000]

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

Even the non-removable winches can be substantially disassembled in place; gears, pawls, bearings. You can wipe down the rest pretty OK.

This is not true of the 1970s vintage of 43s but true for most others. On mine you must disassemble to get to some of the pawls.

[Target9000]

Pre1982 Lewmar 43 Two Speed Standard Winch - YouTube

[pbiJim]

Any time that you take apart an old winch for the first time, please also consider that a previous owner may have made an "upgrade" that could change the disassemble procedure. If something feels like it doesn't want to budge, take a second look for custom additions to the original design.

[yeterp]

I serviced my two Lewmar 43 winches following Target9000's video. I had two problems. I destroyed one bottom circlip getting it off, it's a lot more difficult than getting off the top circlip, but fortunately the part was available at my local marine store, Fisheries Supply, for $2. On one of my winches the spacer that separates two sets of ball bearings had broken into three pieces. I didn't even try to find that part. I went to Lowes and found that two inch schedule 40 pipe is a perfect fit. It cost $5 for two feet and I have enough left to make another 15 Lewmar 43 spacers. Also, taking the winches off the boat made it a lot easier to refinish the teak the winch sits on.

Peter

[pbiJim]

Originally Posted by yeterp

I serviced my two Lewmar 43 winches following Target9000's video. I had two problems. I destroyed one bottom circlip getting it off, it's a lot more difficult than getting off the top circlip,

I have found that the quality of snap ring pliers varies greatly. I have found some at Grainger that are easily twice as strong as even the one-piece tools that I find at auto parts stores.

Also, a little penetrating oil sometimes helps the stuck ones to get free more easily.