Winch Maintenance - 1971 Typhoon

[Peter Young]

Can anyone tell me anything about this winch from my 1971 Typhoon? How to dismantle, what I will find inside, how to lubricate?

Not sure this is original, but it seems to be. No markings or model numbers....

Thanks for any info.

-Pete

[Jim Walsh]

A photo of the top would help. Do you see a slotted screw when looking from above?

[Peter Young]

Top view -

[Jim Walsh]

That’s your key to disassemble. Some of the old winches were designed so you could hold the handle vertically and it fit the slot so you always had your disassembly tool at hand. It also kept you from over-torquing the screw upon reassembly.

[Peter Young]

Thanks, now that I have the winch handle I see the WC mark confirming its a Wilcox-Crittenden, so that's progress. Now I just have to figure out how to get it loose enough to take apart - I have no idea how many years its been since its had any attention.

[radsailor]

I will be following this thread as my original Typhoon winches need service as well.
I have serviced Harken and Lewmar winches, but not these beautiful dinosaurs.

[Peter Young]

I am more than a little bit reluctant to start in on this. I have no experience in winch repair or maintenance, and my initial attempt at loosening/unscrewing with the winch handle was not a success - it didn't budge. Not sure if I should be trying to apply some heat as a first step, or in combination with a lubricant, really don't want to mess it up.

So, how about I follow your lead and we keep the thread going? I welcome any advice from those who have spent time with these originals, this board is so full of great advice and shared experiences: I would really appreciate learning what I am getting myself into with these winches.

[mgphl52]

Did you try using a crescent wrench on the winch handle for better leverage?

[Markst95]

I did mine a long time ago, very simple inside, a couple of pawls and springs is all I think.

[Peter Young]

With a little extra encouragement, it came apart easily enough and all in good shape. Perhaps I failed to give the PO enough credit but now straightforward and simple.

Thanks all.