8274 Free spool problem (2 Viewers)

[Gappy]

I have a new to me Warn 8274 that came on a '77 fj45. The winch has a build date of April of 1977. When i took delivery, the free spool knob was very sticky so I took the knob out, cleaned it up to operate freely in and out. The winch operates as it should with the knob pushed in and engaged. When the knob is pulled out it does disengage the winch as it should but the line will not free spool out as it should. What would cause this?

 

[gnob]

The bushing on the other end of the drum is frozen or full of shyt

 

[Gappy]

The bushing on the other end of the drum is frozen or full of shyt

Why does it winch freely in and out if that bushing is froze up?

 

[gnob]

Because the motor and gear reduction makes more power than your arms.

 

[Gappy]

Because the motor and gear reduction makes more power than your arms.

LOL, i thought that would be the answer.

 

[gnob]

Theres a mod for grease zerks on that end. In reality hitting it with grease occasionally keeps it gtg

 

[subzali]

Or the brake assembly is dirty/rusty. Mine acted same as yours but a quick disassembly and cleaning of the brake and it spools great now.

 

[1911]

Most times, a short burst of powering out (just bumping the remote switch) will free it up and then you can free spool out the rest of the way.

 

[Gappy]

Most times, a short burst of powering out (just bumping the remote switch) will free it up and then you can free spool out the rest of the way.

I tried that numerous times…no luck

 

[Gappy]

I also tried some very light "persuasion" by trying to free spool lightly in reverse off of a tree, again, no luck.
It really feels like more than just rust or smudge or crud because in free spool it feels locked up.

 

[gnob]

Pics?
Show the brake and end plate.

Can you move the brake rachet by hand?

 

[Gappy]

Pics?
Show the brake and end plate.

Can you move the brake rachet by hand?

Yes, moves freely, I’ll post video

 

[Gappy]

Well here are pics, video won’t load but it does move freely, ratchet and drum.

 

[gnob]

If the rachet brake pawl is free, you dont have a brake issue.
Its literally two minutes to pull the end support.

 

[subzali]

My sticky brake had nothing to do with the pawl; the brake shaft was dirty with surface rust, preventing the discs from achieving adequate separation to reduce drag. So I took some emery cloth to the shafts, cleaned up the discs a bit, and put it all back together. Works good now.

I agree that the end support is easier to check and should be checked first.

 

[PIP]

8274 takes a bit more oomph to turn the drum in freespool compared to other winches.

 

[70 FJ40]

I'm having a similar problem. My winch works great but I can't get the free spool knob to pull out. I've watched a couple videos to try and get familiar with how it all works. Can I just remove the 4 bolts around the free spool knob and pull it out to see what the problem is or will that mess something up inside?

 

[gnob]

I'm having a similar problem. My winch works great but I can't get the free spool knob to pull out. I've watched a couple videos to try and get familiar with how it all works. Can I just remove the 4 bolts around the free spool knob and pull it out to see what the problem is or will that mess something up inside?

yes. dont drop the gear. you want to take out the four bolts. as you're pulling it out turn the handle 180° so it holds the gear from the bottom.
once out, the knob unscrews and the shaft pushes out. there is a spring and detent ball, dont lose them as it comes apart.

 

[jembourbe]

If you haven't already taken things apart, try pulling on the knob while at the same time grabbing a fistfull of the brake assembly (both sides) and jiggling/rotating it back and forth.

Those gears bind a lot...

 

[dazerb]

This is helpful. Just picked a fully rebuilt 8274 and now that it is on the bumper, i can't freespool.
I loosened the bolts and still can't. I could turn it before i put it in.
So, must need washers to get it square?!
Will be wiring it up this week as my new cables just came in from BatteryCablesUSA. Custom length, custom ends, and 0 guage with beautiful shrink wrapped ends.
I still have to install my pulling cable on the drum...
I know Warn says to stretch the cable onto the drum with 1,000lbs, but i need to get the first 5 wraps on there... Is there any "trick" or do i just "get it on there" and then tension it for the remainder?
I've never installed one, just used them.
I have 150' of 5/16s cable.