HDJ81 - Weak OEM Winch

[shromani]

90 HDJ81 with factory winch. What are the factors that may reduce the pull strength of a factory winch? I went to use it for the first time and found it’s pull no what I would expect from this winch. I’ve used other winches so I have a feel for winch strength and this one seems to stall far too soon in the pull. I’ve had this winch off the truck, apart and reassembled. It has a new 5/16 wire rope, new fluid. I had my idle up in the truck too thinking it wasn’t getting the power. I’m going to need a 2nd snatch block if I can’t get it pulling better. I’ve heard it’s possible rated at 9500#, definitely at least 8000#

Thoughts?

Another questions. Are there any aftermarket winches that can fit as an OEM replacement?

Thanks.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

How are your batteries? Also, maybe clean all the electrical connections between the batteries and winch. Also check winch solenoids. Those are just basic winch things. You can have someone check the voltage AT the winch motor while you are operating the winch with a big load. If the voltage is low you'll have to figure out where the voltage drop is happening.

 

[IanB]

They are rated at 8000lbs, and mine seems strong. X2 to the above, maybe it's got a weak connection somewhere.

 

[shromani]

They are rated at 8000lbs, and mine seems strong. X2 to the above, maybe it's got a weak connection somewhere.

Thanks for both your tips, I'll check my connections, perhaps it needs a better ground. I'll also check the voltage drop at the hot side of the motor under load. The batteries are a year old and strong. What value would indicate an excessive voltage drop? Also how serviceable are the solenoids while still mounted. I'd hate to remove that winch again.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Thanks for both your tips, I'll check my connections, perhaps it needs a better ground. I'll also check the voltage drop at the hot side of the motor under load. The batteries are a year old and strong. What value would indicate an excessive voltage drop? Also how serviceable are the solenoids while still mounted. I'd hate to remove that winch again.

Just pulling a number out of my head, I'd think that any less than 10V at the winch motor would indicate unacceptable voltage drop somewhere. Monitor your battery voltage at the same time, because the internal resistance of the battery will also drop the voltage, which you have no control over. So what you want to know is the voltage drop between the battery +ve terminal and the winch motor +ve terminal while the winch is under load in operation. Winches draw in the low 100s of amps, so there will be voltage drop there for sure, but should only be a volt or two at most if the wiring/solenoids are good.

 

[shromani]

OK, thanks for the information. I'll see what sort of numbers I get.

 

[shromani]

Circling back, I believe the issue is with my batteries, they have since proven themselves weak. I need to replace them soon if I wish to do any serious power draws from them. Can't expect the winch to perform if the batteries are flat. I'll test it again when I can pony up the coin for two good batteries. In the mean time I'll keep two snatch blocks with me to help out