Warn 8274 shorting?

[Sprockett]

Throw the switch, winch turns for half a sec then clicks and stops. Hitting the switch again does nothing. So, I turn the drum a bit and try again, does the same thing, on for a sec then click and off...but this time I notice a flash of light. Uh oh.

One more time looking for light but this time she just keeps turning...however, as she's turning she throwing sparks and hesitating...now I can see where it's sparking. It sparking between the right side of the drum and the housing! See pic.

No, what with the whole drum being energized? How do these things ground? I assume through the housing but it's shorting on the right side...I mean, that side of the housing is only connected to the left side by the drum and the winch plate.

[yyc_tbird_sc]

Although I've never experienced this problem myself, I have heard of it before. If I'm not mistaken, one of the ground (or brush) leads comes loose and shorts out on the case. I believe that there is a company called Amptech that can fix this for you (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong).

[boggincj7]

Just in case you decide you want to take a look at it, here is a really good write-up. Hope this helps a little.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/8274/index.html

[cLAY]

Older model 8274s didn't come with a ground cable but grounded throught the bumper. This could often cause problems. Its a good idea to install a ground wire straight from the battery negative post to one of the bolt/screw heads on the back of the motor.

[Sprockett]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Just went down to the parkade and ran 8 guage power wire from one of the mounting bolts directly to the negative. Solved everything.

Is there any reason not to run the winch ground directly to the neg post? Something about heating up the battery...?

[BlackYJ]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Just went down to the parkade and ran 8 guage power wire from one of the mounting bolts directly to the negative. Solved everything.

Is there any reason not to run the winch ground directly to the neg post? Something about heating up the battery...?

This is how I have my 8274 connected, but I believe my ground is #2 gauge.

[Sprockett]

Yeah, I'll get 2-4guage when I do it permanently. I was just touching wire to post to verify it sovled the problem.

[cLAY]

Directly to the battery is the only way is should be done. Ground cable size should match the positive cable size. No need to go bigger than that.