Winch owners, learn from my mistake...

[Polak]

To preface, the winch is a T-Max EW-1100

In preparing my 40 for the pending sale yesterday I unspooled the synthetic line in order to install a steel cable at the buyers request. (I don't know either.)

Once ready to spool the new cable under load the winch wouldn't work. The last time the winch was used, to my knowledge, was Dec. '06.

Back at the shop, both solenoids tested O.K. So we took the winch off and slowly disassembled on the bench. Long story short, the drain holes for the motor case had become clogged w/ mud trapping moisture in the housing.

The rust and crud were able to be mitigated and no fatal pitting had occurred. The culprit to the no worky problem turned out to be the springs on the motor brushes, two of which had almost completely rusted to nothing.

As soon as I opened the manual there on the inside cover, in large print, was: "Operate your winch at least once a month, spooling 15' out and back in under power and load."

Obviously I don't blame the winch for this, it was owner error all the way.

So be kind to your winch if you want it to be there for you when you need it.

[e9999]

well, OK, but is it obvious that operating the winch would have opened up the drains?

[Polak]

Originally Posted by e9999

well, OK, but is it obvious that operating the winch would have opened up the drains?

No, but paying a little attention to it would have I think. After the last trail ride I hit the 40 w/ the power washer and moth balled it.

I realize that neglect will ususally lead to failure, now. I just took it for granted.

[reffug]

I as well of plenty of other people I know have went to use their winch for the first time in forever only to find some small problem which prevented it from functioning properly. Sucks cause usually when you need it you really need it.

It just happens to be one of the items on most trucks that people take for granted when it comes to PM.

[Polak]

Originally Posted by reffug

It just happens to be one of the items on most trucks that people take for granted when it comes to PM.

Yeah, that ain't gonna be me anymore! Fool me once, shame on, uh, me, no, you, no, me, awe screw it, you know what I mean.

Luckily for me the replacement part was only $8 + shipping. Not a terribly expensive lesson, this time.......

[Skillet]

I love to spool my wench.


Wait...what?

[reffug]

Originally Posted by Skillet

I love to spool my wench.


Wait...what?

Do they have those in Brazil?

[Skillet]

Originally Posted by reffug

Do they have those in Brazil?

Yup. But I forgot how to pronounce it in Portuguese.