New winch won't free spool.

[flyboy56]

Just mounted new warn 9.5 xp-s up and it won't free spool out. When I move disengage lever it does feel like it is doing something inside, but it is all I can do to spin drum (line not on yet) with both hands. I hooked it to power to run it both directions some like they suggested and it turns in and out ok (although much louder than other winches). They want me to mail it to a repair center. Any suggestions, I really really don't want to remove that bumper!

 

[superjuice]

Can you turn the lever while it's running in and out? Seems like a pretty big problem to let slip through QA, might just be sticky.

 

[flyboy56]

Can you turn the lever while it's running in and out? Seems like a pretty big problem to let slip through QA, might just be sticky.

Did not try while it was turning. What would that tell me? It is tight enough there is no way you could pull the line out , you would have to run the motor.

 

[86tuning]

Those drums don't really spin or anything when they're unlocked. There's quite a bit of drag from the new seals. Are you using steel wire rope or synthetic rope?

 

[flyboy56]

Those drums don't really spin or anything when they're unlocked. There's quite a bit of drag from the new seals. Are you using steel wire rope or synthetic rope?

It has synthetic, but I have not wound it yet. Are you saying it shouldn't free spool? If you use the motor to payout line aren't you technically winching against the brake? It is a grunt to turn it when it's disengaged.

 

[86tuning]

The winch in 'freespool' mode will turn but doesn't spin or anything. My ancient warn M8000 is quite stiff when in freespool mode. But with a rope on it, I can pull it out just fine. There is a lot of friction from the seals for waterproofing.

Before doing anything else I'd spool in the winch rope a bit (say, five turns or so) and then set to freespool and see if you can pull it out. I wonder if your spool is stuck, or if it's just brand new and sticky. At least this way you'll know one way or another.

You're absolutely correct, using the winch to power out the rope is not a good idea, it pushes against the load-holding-brake and can wear things out, especially if there is a load on it.

 

[flyboy56]

Talked with Mike in the repair division at Warn. He said because of the way they seal that it will be tighter than a lot of winches. Told me to use it a couple of times and it should free up some. It was nice to see a company and person with some service skills. He is a mud member as well and told me he had a 40.