Degreasing things...

[excossack]

Ive started stripping down a Superwinch X6 prior to it getting bolted to the winch bumper. So while its off , i thought it would be a good idea.
Its apart on the bench, most of its degreased with a aerosol degrease which is ok for the flat bits or bits i can get a brush onto.
The hard part is cleaning the planetry gears(?) the three cogs in the middle of a big cog.
Ive tried aerosol degreaser and it doesnt really shift the grease. So, a prime time to use the degreasing gun on the compressor.

Now, what can i use to degrease it?
Thinners/ Panel wipe (i have some)
White spritit (i have some)
Brake cleaning fluid?

Or some other degreaser ? Parrafin maybe?

 

[Furry Freak]

My suggestion would be, go to Machine Mart and buy their bench mounted degreaser bath. I have one, cira £38. It is indispensable. Fill it with Jizer and get stuck in. I have a Warn winch and a Goldfish Goodwinch so I know what you are facing. This is just like the big workshop models that are mounted on a drum, only it sits on your workbench and takes 5 lits poured in. I couldn't be without it.

FF

 

[excossack]

This is really the last bit to get cleaned up and regreased. I shall have a look at the MM ones - Cheers.
The only remaining job is to get the motor back in the housing.. I took it apart to check the brushes and now im not sure how it goes back together as the brushes have springs behind them, as soon as i release pressure on the brushes they pop out the holder.
Ive emailed Superwinch for advice.

 

[Furry Freak]

Ahh, I know what you mean. You need to grow a third arm! I have used wire to tie them back, stick screwdrivers in etc. It's a hateful job and clearly there must be a trick to it. Please post the answer when you get it.

You could buy degreaser and put it in a hand pump spray. Giving the parts a soak, even in diesel or petrol makes it easier. I got Jizer in a power spray can. That was VERY effective. Not that pricey either. You need to wipe off as much as you can of course. I was looking for marine grease for my winch. You know. outboard motor sort of stuff. I usually run my winches, even in free-spool every week or so even when not using them in anger. I lkie to keep them stirred up inside.
The Warn winch is rubbish. It's a year old and corroded to hell inside. I complained they respond then the line went dead. The Goodwinch is a different thing altogether. They couldn't be more helpful and it will run under water.

FF

 

[Angusdog]

I took it apart to check the brushes and now im not sure how it goes back together as the brushes have springs behind them, as soon as i release pressure on the brushes they pop out the holder.

What about a disposable 'ring compressor' made from zip ties? You could get the bushes in half way, then snip the zip ties and push it all the way in? TBH I have no idea what your winch looks like, but I love solving puzzles.

 

[excossack]

I dont think the zip ties are an option.
Imagine a metal tube around 6" long by 4" wide with two magnets around the inside with a seperation between the two for the bolts to go down between the magnets.
The brushes sit at the bottom of the tube on a bakerlite type material. This has two bolts which go through the casing and the power wires attach to on the outside.

The brushes sit on springs so when compressed the brushes sit inside a housing and the armature slides into the tube and make contact with the brushes.
I tried poking the brushes back in with a bamboo cane but they spring out again....

I'm sure theres a simple way of doing it but im missing the inspiration......