warn m8000 weather proofing

[slander]

I just orderd a new wanr m8000 and some new winch rope for my truck. My old m8000 has pretty much bitten the dust after 7years of me neglecting it and shitty illinois weather. The problem was moisture got in and ate the motor alive, i failed to periodically grease it and road salt rusted evreything exposed to the elements. My question is how do i weather proof this thing? I wont be submergeing it, but it will be on my dd and have to deal with all that road salt and rain spray. I was thinking of slathering all the "Joints" like where the motor meets the drum and stuff like that in a layer of grease and reapplying evreyonce in a while. Also where can i find some grease thats safe for electronics that can be used on the electrical hook ups? What have you done to kinda seal the winch up and keep salt and crap out of it?

[toymota]

Salt just eats shit alive. If you don't plan on driving a disposable vehicle in the winter, you should consider moving, or plan on alot of cost in maintenance. City work trucks that are out every day take a bath every night to last a few years.

The factory finish is pretty good as is. The joints aren't bad either. To improve this, you might consider slathering all joints (inside on the oring) with anti seize. dielectric grease could likely be packed into those boots to help the connections last longer. If you really want to go nuts on it, you might consider spraying the thing with under coating or bed liner. Would be a major PITA if repairs are needed, but it would likely seal all the joints really well.

Put the solenoid under the hood.

The best defense is to keep it clean. The problem is that like most people, you don't likely have a heated car wash at home.

Synthetic line might make the drum last longer, but who knows what salt does to that stuff.

[slander]

My old synth line didnt seem to be botherd by the salt, im probibly going to keep it as a spare line. I currently live in an apt so washing probibly not a practicle option!! Man i hate road salt lol!! I can honestly deal with the thing rusting, its the salt and water getting into the winch itself. My selinoid box is behind the grille/under the hood so its okay. I may just pull the winch off this winter!

[toymota]

Now there is an idea. Keep that thing in a tool box. Make a receiver mount for using on the front or rear so you have it when you need it. Remount when the salt goes away.

[WallyP226]

About the only suggestion that I have is to mount the box where you can get at the solenoids easily to maintain them and use dielectric grease. I have run into the same problem.

Wally

[johnecon2001]

Put a sock over it. Or something made of neoprene.

[firebox40dash5]

If you want to weatherproof the solenoids, swap them for an Albright contactor. The easiest way I know of to do that is Superwinch PN 90-14452, runs about $100 online. It'll last a lot longer than the 4-pack Warn uses, and it's pretty much waterproof. If the Warn solenoids are in OK shape, you can probably sell them on ebay for close to what the contactor costs you anyway.

Are you talking about corrosion inside the motor, or just on the outside? If it's inside, I'd say pull the bolts, and put a little RTV at the joint of the motor can and the side plate, and maybe the same on the planetary side, and make sure the little vent in the motor end cap is facing down. Outside, slather the terminals with dielectric grease under the boots.

[slander]

Are you talking about corrosion inside the motor, or just on the outside? If it's inside, I'd say pull the bolts, and put a little RTV at the joint of the motor can and the side plate, and maybe the same on the planetary side, and make sure the little vent in the motor end cap is facing down. Outside, slather the terminals with dielectric grease under the boots.


Inside, i have accepted the fact that any metal part WILL rust on this thing no matter how much paint is slapped on there. The main problem was with the old winch was that the terminals rusted so bad that i busted 2 of them off trying to remove the nuts! So grease grease rtv and more grease it is!!!

[Scuba]

I was just reading about Ramsey winches, and they make a neoprene winch cover. Idk if it'll fit yours but might be worth a shot...

[slander]

I was just reading about Ramsey winches, and they make a neoprene winch cover. Idk if it'll fit yours but might be worth a shot...

How can i show off my cool winch to the high schoolers at the mall with a cover over it??:D:rolleyes: