GCRS Repair

[rockettree]

I dropped the GCRS capstan yesterday and broke the plastic jaws. I got replacement parts and I'm all ready to replace them. It seems like a very simple repair but I know it's a very complicated mechanism so, anybody have any words of warning or advise?

 

[tomthetreeman]

I have seen some youtube videos showing a complete rebuild, and I remember it seemed pretty simple... I imagine the external parts would be even easier.

I also have a friend who works on a sailboat and she can do the complete rebuild on the boat, at sea. That's probably a little harder.

-Tom

 

[treehumper]

Good question. It got me to thinking since I own a GRCS as well. So I googled it and came up with this.

While it may not be exactly the same one it is clear on how to take it apart, clean and maintain it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTJR2bQRG40

 

[rockettree]

Thanks, I'll check those out.

 

[treehumper]

Armed with the cleaner, grease and oil, I set out to do some maintenance on the winch. Every video I've looked at shows the first step of undoing the large screw in the center of the socket for the handle and that it comes undone easily. I can't even get my started! No way that thing is coming out as easily as shown without some sort of grip on the drum to hold it from turning with the screw.

Has anyone here tried to take their winch apart?

 

[tomthetreeman]

Maybe it's reverse-threaded?

 

[treehumper]

Got it. Used the claw of a hammer to hold the centre shaft. On with the dissambly!

 

[rockettree]

I used an Allen key to stop mine from spinning, inserted in a bolt and wedged against the fair lead thingy.

 

[AndrewG]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3KDqrgebPA

Sounds like your done but this is the inventors vid for pm

 

[treehumper]

I'm done now. I'll say from experience that it's best to disassemble it completely if it's been a while or if you've picked it up second hand as I had. The pawls and second set of bearings are under the brass housing. They were probably dirtier than the main bearings. Besides it's a great way to see exactly how this compact powerhouse works. I'll post a few pics once I get them uploaded from my phone.

 

[rockettree]

It's definitely super cool to see how it works. My repair took no time at all and the parts only cost $50. What an awesome little machine!