winch ?

[Gerry]

I am rebuilding my winch. When I put the drum, washer and 2 keys on the shaft it became very hard to spin the drum. The keys are tight against the washer is this normal or should there be a small amount of play between the washer and keys?
Thanks,

[MSeriesRebuild]

I am rebuilding my winch. When I put the drum, washer and 2 keys on the shaft it became very hard to spin the drum. The keys are tight against the washer is this normal or should there be a small amount of play between the washer and keys?
Thanks,

Snug is correct, however tight is unacceptable. You may want to slip the keys back out, examine closely & remove any burrs or slight imperfections from both the keys & keyways that may have been created as a result of removing & installing the keys. Check the thrust washers also & file away any imperfections carefully. Lightly oil the parts, reassemble, preferably using a hammer with a plastic head to install the keys into place. If you fell it is still too tight, likely 1 of 2 issues is in play.

The drum isn't sliding fully into position on the shaft for some reason. This could be the brass gear is pressed onto the drum shaft too far, the drum oil seal isn't pressed in quite far enough, are you using the correct thickness drum oil seal, etc. The brass gear out of its exact spot on the shaft is the most likely issue. These specs are exact, just a little out of place will cause issues with shaft placement.

[Gerry]

Charles,
Thanks for the reply. To turn the drum by hand is hard once the keys are in place.( should this spin free with only a slight resistance? Like before the keys are in place) I took it apart and checked for burs and the seal is ok. I wondered about the brass gear. I didnt remove it but it may have been wrong to start. How does one adjust?
Thanks,

[MSeriesRebuild]

Charles,
Thanks for the reply. To turn the drum by hand is hard once the keys are in place.( should this spin free with only a slight resistance? Like before the keys are in place) I took it apart and checked for burs and the seal is ok. I wondered about the brass gear. I didnt remove it but it may have been wrong to start. How does one adjust?
Thanks,

More than likely the gear is ok if you didn't remove it. It isn't a really tight press & could have moved while disassembled if it ever got bumped around, etc. You'll have to judge the likelyhood as to whether that may be the case. If it didn't get any out of ordinary handling while out, odds are good it's ok I would say. The only way to adjust placement of the gear on the shaft is remove the shaft/gear assembly & press the gear 1 way or the other.

I can't judge the kind of turning resistance you are describing, this being a low RPM component & the fact it is lubed from an oil reservoir makes the likelyhood of over heating & causing issues far less. The shaft turning when the drum clutch isn't dogged into engagement with the drum will be slim to none anyway. As long as the clutch is engaged, tight movement in this area will not be an issue as the assembly is locked together. Based on your facts, I'm thinking you will be fine to go ahead with assembly. Don't take this as gospel, I'm not there to see & feel it, if you feel something isn't as good as it could be, go with your gut & check it out. Better safe than sorry.

[Gerry]

Thanks Charles,
I think it might be a hair tight but I am going to leave it. Like you said I cant see it being an issue especially since it will get very little use.
Thanks again,