Warn M8000 servicing

[Dave Bennett]

I have an M8000 and while it's off the truck awaiting new synthetic line I want to service it.

My primary concern is that the lever which engages or freespools the drum is FREAKIN' HARD TO TURN - I'm a big guy and it's all I can do to get that SOB turned where I want it... methinks a disassembly, clean and lube is in order so I'd like to hear what others have done and what lube they use inside the winch.

Looking for smooth, no stress operation of both winch and lever.

Thanks!

 

[barlowrs]

Hey Dave, this is not on a Warn, but maybe some of it is applicable and helpful? It is what I did on my XCR8: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40936&highlight=XRC8

 

[1911]

http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/electrical/129_0708_warn_m8000_winch_breakdown/index.html

 

[hillbillyjake]

do you maybe have a 2' or 3' piece of pipe to put over the lever? i would say that this would make it easier to turn.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Hey Dave, this is not on a Warn, but maybe some of it is applicable and helpful? It is what I did on my XCR8: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40936&highlight=XRC8

This is what I need to do, what lube to use (that doesnt cost 25k per 5 gallons...) is the real question.

 

[Dave Bennett]

http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/electrical/129_0708_warn_m8000_winch_breakdown/index.html

Thanks!!! :wings:

 

[alexrex20]

ya, it's pretty easy. just take out the long allen bolts and slide off end piece. once you get it open you'll see why it's so hard to turn. that little lever is sliding that big huge collar on/off the clutch gear. that link from fourwheeler.com is a great write-up, but a little more in-depth than you really need.

the one thing the article didn't address is better sealing the opening for the clutch lever. even with the o-ring in place, water can easily ingress into the housing during a dunking. i suspect that's how i got mine so gummed up on the inside.

putting a cheater bar over the clutch lever is flat out stupid. that's a good way to break it off.

 

[hillbillyjake]

putting a cheater bar over the clutch lever is flat out stupid. that's a good way to break it off.[/QUOTE]

easy dude. i was joking. i've read enough of doc's post all over the web to know that he knew i was joking, too.

 

[Dave Bennett]

easy dude. i was joking. i've read enough of doc's post all over the web to know that he knew i was joking, too.

No worries

Besides, the access hole in the ARB is barely big enough to get my fist through, much less a cheater bar!

 

[hillbillyjake]

good deal. just wanted to clear up the confusion.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Got this done today, cleaned out the old waxy gunk/grease and put in new lube and now that lever turns super easy. A 30 minute job with the winch off the truck. Now for some synthetic line, hawse fairlead, and remote mounting of the solenoid pack and in cab winch control.

 

[alexrex20]

have you considered the wireless remote instead of in-cab controls? the setup for the M8000 is only $120 on Amazon.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Industries-76080-Wireless-Control-System/dp/B0012UDC4I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295253504&sr=8-1"]Amazon.com: WARN Industries 76080 Winch Wireless Control System: Automotive[/ame]

only works on the newer (within the past several years) M8s with the 5-wire solenoid.

 

[Dave Bennett]

have you considered the wireless remote instead of in-cab controls? the setup for the M8000 is only $120 on Amazon.

Amazon.com: WARN Industries 76080 Winch Wireless Control System: Automotive

only works on the newer (within the past several years) M8s with the 5-wire solenoid.

Very cool. Anyone here using this????

 

[Warn Industries]

Very cool. Anyone here using this????

I've used it. :sombrero:

Honestly, if you've got any questions, feel free to give me a holler.

- Andy

 

[Dave Bennett]

I've used it. :sombrero:

Honestly, if you've got any questions, feel free to give me a holler.

- Andy

Andy,
On the M8000 solenoid box there is a small black wire labeled "motor ground".... does this have to be connected to a bolt on the winch OR can I just ground it wherever? It leads directly to the winch controller connection and the winch itself has a major 0 or 2 gauge ground cable so I'm thinking this small ground is JUST for the controller. I'm relocating the solenoid pack (as I type) under the hood so I'd prefer not to have to extend the wire.

Thanks!

Dave