ST 48 Lewmar Winches (aka 'This Old Boat' Blues)

[RHoodJr]

I’ve got a couple of mid 80s ST48s, (the one with 4 hex screws on top), that I’m struggling with servicing. I have an old parts cut sheet but can’t tell exactly how it properly comes apart for service. I asked a Lewmar rep at Annapolis and he said that the winch may need to come off the deck. Boy if that’s the case it will be time for some new Andersons! :-) Anyway if there is some out there that has or has serviced these and can help with a short description, both me and my pocketbook would really appreciate it.

Thanks

[svcambria]

Lewmar web site, Support section, PDF page 14, 48 two speed self tailing winch diagram:

http://www.lewmar.com/%5Cassets%5Cim...olume%2010.pdf

Michael

[RHoodJr]

Thanks for the link, but mine are not like any of the examples found in recent literature. There is an additional housing inside the drum that has 4 slotted screws holding it to the base. The pins through the secondary gears are not removable from without removing the housing. Therefor those are not accessible for cleaning and servicing.

[delmarrey]

If you want to clean it w/o removing it from the deck, get 2 to 4 cans of brake cleaner from an auto parts store.

Scrape off what you can, then spray on the cleaner while turning the gears, and having some rags handy to soak up the mess. Also, you may want to tape off around the winch and deck to keep the stuff from splashing out on the gelcoat.

The residual cleaner will evaporate fairly quick. It's alcohol based w/some additives. And under pretty good pressure. It'll squirt out a jet stream.

BTW >> http://www.pyacht.com/graphics/Lew_WG_48st.gif

http://www.pyacht.com/graphics/Lew_WG_48.gif

[svcambria]

Ah, brake cleaner - will keep that in mind.
I have used WD-40 spray with success in the past - with the rags, old toothbrushes, and toothpicks.

Michael