Winch Maintenance

[crazycarl]

Before installing two newly acquired used winches, I disassembled them for cleaning. I will first state I have never performed any maintenance on my 19's winches, but after seeing the crud inside these new to me winches, I can't imagine mine look any better and I'll bet they look worse.  Both sets of winches operate smoothly and give no indication of lacking proper lubrication.  I cleaned one and placed it next to the second one for comparison.
(i put the tiny springs in a sealed container so i wouldn't lose them)

Do you clean your winches, and if so, how often?