Going through my list of repairs etc for xmas holidays and 1 of those was to sort my mast winch which works ok but stalls a bit when hoisting main down. So i opened it up and applied grease. My answer to everything...now the brake on the winch doesnt work....i thought...oh. grease on brakes....stupid...how can i fix this?
My answer to everything: Brake clean, available in a spraycan at your local automotive place.
Closely followed by degreaser.
bear in mind this may or may not work, no warranty either expressly stated or implied, ymmv, etc.
Ive got some onboard...ill try that but looks like im gonna have to run the sheet back to cockpit for Thursday departure
The 100% alcohol is considered as a best cleaner.
The best replacement is Isopropyl Alcohol, sure Vodka, metho might work as well.
Problem with the most contact cleaners and degreasers on the market,
they leave residue behind, if you carefully select, they work magic.
simle test, pray..drop on your hand ..goes white in a second...not recommended
Pressure pack brake cleaner. Wear safety glasses!!!!!!!!!!!! Plenty of rags and keep spraying till clean. The winch will require some grease and other parts oil, check first with the manufacturer. Diesel worked into the bits with a paint brush will clean it too but the brake cleaner will get it dead clean.
Kerosene and paint brush worked beautifully in my Barlow's.
When taking the winch apart WATCH OUT for the pawl springs disappearing overboard!! 
Don't over grease ....apparently a big cause of winch problems ( pawl spring gumming up etc etc) I used to use a new, cheap, paintbrush for the greasing too.
Thanks everyone..ive gone and whacked a massive cam cleat cabin top near cockpit. Same system i had before. Up and down from cockpit rather than wrestling with the sail at the mast. Ill sort the mast winch out another time. ..
Hi charriot,
Thank you for your suggestions, I tried some off those and they did work thank u.
if you have some more ideas, please do share wid us.
