lubricating Barlow 15 winches on 82 Compac

[Bryan]

Hi,

I need  to lubricate my Barlow 15 winches.  My question is...can I use any kind of grease to lube the winch?  I realize that the pawls are lubed with machine oil only, but I'm mainly concerned with not harming the nylon / plastic parts inside the drum by using the wrong type of grease. Should I order special winch grease?

Any advice would be appreciated!!

Thanks,

Bryan

[wes]

When I bought my 19 (it came with Lewmar winches) I ordered the Lewmar winch maintenance kit, $27 from Defender. It included winch grease, winch oil for the pawls, a brush, and spare pawls. Considering the tiny amount needed even if you overhaul the winches every year, I expect it to last basically forever. One of the most interesting learning experiences of my first year sailing is how few manufacturers of sailboat hardware there are, and how long they continue to support their products. The Lewmar pawls in my 1988 winches are the same ones that come in the maintenance kit today. Amazing, and cool.

Wes

[skip1930]

Bicycle bearing lube, kind of yellowish and thin.
This stuff normally doesn't get wet inside a winch.

skip.

[Bryan]

Thanks Wes and Skip!

Appreciate the tips / advice...

Bryan