Lewmar D1 clutch problem

[Sanduskysailor]

Just bought a boat with 5 Lewmar D1 rope clutches. Triples on starboard work great. Doubles on port have a problem. They won't lock rope. When handle is open you can manually move internal mechanism and lock. Clutch releases if you pull line. What am I missing here? anybody else have this problem? Makes me long for the days with my Easylock midis.

[JohnRPollard]

You should be able to pull in on the line even when the clutches are closed. I assume this is not the issue you are describing -- but just in case.

The only other thing I remember about these clutches is that they came in several different models with each model accommodating a fairly narrow line diameter/size range. Could it be that the line size is incorrect (too small) for the clutch?

[Sanduskysailor]

The clutches are for 10-12MM. The line is 3/8ths. The inside mechanism that slides doesn't seem to catch like the ones on the starboard side. You can manually push slide forward until it catches but it won't hold if you pull the line after it is locked. Strange!

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by Sanduskysailor

The clutches are for 10-12MM. The line is 3/8ths. The inside mechanism that slides doesn't seem to catch like the ones on the starboard side. You can manually push slide forward until it catches but it won't hold if you pull the line after it is locked. Strange!

That 3/8" line (9.5mm) may be a bit small for the 10-12mm clutch, but it sounds like you are describing a mechanical problem with the clutch anyway.

Have you tried contacting Lewmar?

[Gary M]

I have 6 D2s which are supposed to be a step up from the D1s and mine do not hold well, even with properly sized line i.e. 12 mm line in a 10-12 mm clutch.

Even Plain old XLs does not hold well and high tech lines are worse. My clutches are only a couple of years old, no wear on the domnioes.

They just do not seem to hold. We leave the main and jib halyards on self tailers and if we really need another heavily loaded line to hold we must cleat it after the winches.

Next time I will try Spinlock.

Gary

[szego]

Gary - what kind of line are you using in the D2's? I'm considering getting Lewmar's for 12mm line also (standard double-braid poly) and am interested to hear anyone else's experience with them, especially compared to the Spinlock XTS/XCS.

Paul.

[sailingdog]

I have Lewmars aboard my boat, and chose more for the lines-led-aft project I did last year. My reason for choosing them is they have the best combination of low line wear, decent line grip and price. They have regularly rated well in Practical Sailor tests...

My guess is that Sandusky's line is that he is missing a spring in the domino line clutch mechanism, by his description of the clutch action.

I'd point out that some of the Spinlocks have trouble releasing if the line is under a high load.

[amschristian]

I'm having the exact same problem with my D1 clutches. The problem really got nothing to do with the line Sanduskysailor is using. I asked the same question in another forum and several people recommended to the clutches off dismantle them and clean them very thoroughly. Then oil them and try again if the mechanism is working as expected again. I have yet to try it out. At the moment when we sail I just push the clam sledge forward by hand and dont pull on the rope anymore afterwards because as mentioned earlier....that will make the sledge release again.

Would love to hear how others have fixed this problem. Or if someone did contact Lewmar and got a a response from them.

[celenoglu]

I agree with sailngdog. check thge springs. They might be missing or blocked.

[Liquorice]

At some point a year or two ago, Lewmar had problems with their clutches.
Talk to Lewmar, you may get a new clutch or a repair kit.