Problem with winch

[frankthomas]

Is anyone familiar with the operation of this winch? It is on an older Shorlandr trailer. Might be a Dutton. The lever does nothing. It is spring loaded but flipping it up or down does nothing. Right under it there is a little lever you can catch with your fingertip. Pulling up on that disengages the winch and it will free wheel. I assume the larger lever locks the smaller catch lever in freewheel but I've tried everything and it won't lock. I've looked closely at it and cannot see how it is supposed to work or if something is broke.

Anyone know how it is supposed to work or if there is a repair that can be done? Thanks!

 

[Horigan]

I think it’s a brake to control release of the boat on rollers.

 

[ahicks]

It's a ratchet set up. That little lever underneath, depending on which position the handle is in, will only let the winch turn one way. The pics show the spring is in place, so if it's not working properly it sounds to me like it's due for a good dose of oil and some time spent freeing it up.

 

[clyroden]

Were you able to solve the problem? I'm planning to get a winch this month right after I get my tonneau cover so I'm kind of looking for references since I will be the one to install it.

 

[dwco5051]

Took a good look a picture #3 and enlarged it looks like the gear on the winch handle has buggered up teeth on the part where the locking pawl would engage.

 

[dwco5051]

Here is a better picture of the damaged gear.