www.iFourWinns.com

For all the have the electric engine hatches...

Yesterday I started my 300hr maintenance routine. Changed the oil, and the raw water impellers. While changing the impellers and inspecting all the hoses, I notices a zerk at the bottom of the cylinder right at the electric motor. This is the pole that raises the hatch. I didn't know it needs lubrication. I gave it a couple squirts from a grease gun and the hatch motor is quite a bit quieter. Amazing what a bit of grease does!

I helped edit the Vista manual for Four Winns prior to it's final printing. I didn't see any mention of any maintenance in the final printing or the draft version.

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Often overlooked I think! I greased the actuator on mine over the winter; I decided to remove the electric hatch lifter from my '04 245 Sundowner last winter, all the paint was flaking off the motor and the wiring loom contacts were slightly corroded, due to the "always wet and humid by design" engine compartment.
It's held onto the lower bracket by a pushed in stainless steel pin; stainless + zinc alloy diecasting + water = plenty of corrosion! I fitted a nylon bush to physically isolate the pin from the motor body and repainted the motor ( sad, I painted it red to match the boat colour!). Neat idea that the pushrod/ sleeve is designed so you can still open the hatch manually should the motor or connections fail due to corrosion (as mine did).

I have now also put in some seals to stop water getting in.

Regards,

Graham