Posted February 9Feb 9 I've recently acquired a second-hand [boat with a] 290ES & self-tensioning drum. It's been in regular use without any problems as far as I know. But it sounds really noisy to me, compared with simple types of winch servo - a right ol' screech as it spools in/out. Is this normal? I don't recall other IOMs/RMGs (except maybe one) being particularly rowdy. Manual says the acetal gears are self-lubricating, tho it might have some metal gears too. Could be a bearing (it does to me have the sound of a car's failing alternator or water pump....) Such a pita to remove drum and extract it - or, more accurately, to put it back together again lol - so I'm reluctant to mess with too much 'on a whim'. Maybe its normal.... Any thoughts/experiences/ideas? Thanks.
February 9Feb 9 there's nothing to mess with them just spray some WD40 on it it's probably sailed in salty conditions!
February 10Feb 10 It’s not a gearbox issue it’s more likely to be the end bearing on the motor. It can sorted by replacing the motor, it is an inexpensive repair. Contact me through my website if you want
February 10Feb 10 RMGs are way noisier than other makes because the gear shafts are made of brass and don't fit that well, however if it really is screeching then Bill is probably right and the motor bearing is close to seizing - probably due to corrosion. Don't use WD40 - terrible stuff that leaves a residue which will seize the motor. You could try some light oil and run the motor for a bit but better to sort it properly. Replacing the motor is easy. The size is a 280 but they come in a variety of windings and voltages. You want a 9V one and can sort of guess the right winding by looking at the current draw of the motor v the spec of the winch. Or you could just send it to Bill.
April 14Apr 14 Bill changed one for me last year, cost about £30 plus postage so very maintainable in my book! But just a bit noisy anyway!!
April 14Apr 14 Author Recently got mine back from Bill. Yep, they seem to often be quite noisy things anyway, but at least mine doesn't now sound 'in pain'!
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