Greetings and Salutations.
A couple of years ago or so when several folks on the
rec.crafts.metalworking newsgroup were impacted by flooded shops and
machines under water, the general opinion was that the only way to get
a machine that had been flooded back to working condition was to
totally disassemble it; scrub everything down; replace all bearings;
and reassemble with new lubricant. I am proving this thesis again
with a Warn winch I just picked up on Ebay. Although it was described
as "near new", it would not free-spool when I tested it, nor would the
motor work. I have just spent a long day pulling it apart and
scrubbing down planetary gear clusters, etc. There was a real
distinct "high water mark" inside the winch and a lot of mud. No
serious damage to the gears, etc, but while the ballbearing on the
motor shaft "seemed" ok, I could tell it was gritty when I tried
turning it. Nothing to do but replace it.
At least I enjoy taking a crapped out piece of abused
equipment and making it "new" again...and it WILL be cheaper
than a new one even when I am done.
Regards
Dave Mundt