Best way to weather proof a winch motor?

[85 Jimmy]

Awhile back I rebuilt and upgraded my old warn 8274 by putting a new 6hp motor from a 9.5 xp. Here's the thread, I'll try to fix the pictures.
https://ck5.com/forums/threads/anyone-upgrade-their-8274.306439/
When I put it all together I sealed everything up with grey RTV trying to keep water and humidity out, but I guess I didn't get everything.

The other night it was raining real bad, a guy drove into my neighbors ditch, so to be a nice guy I went out and winched him out. Everything went great, but then the next day I went and spooled out the synthetic line to spool it back up evenly. Then when I went to re-spool it, all I'd get is a click. tore the motor down and everything is rusty and the brushes are frozen.

Anyway, once I get the brushes moving freely again and go back together with it, what's the best way to seal it up? I suspect that it was just condensation in the motor from humidity, and not actually rain water getting in. Or should I just spray everything down with WD-40 or silicon spray?

 

[nvrenuf]

Put a cover on it.

The sprays will eventually dry up, won't they? What about dielectric grease?

 

[runamok151]

Put a cover on it.

The sprays will eventually dry up, won't they? What about dielectric grease?

x2. Nothing will prevent the older winches from getting water in if you dunk them when wheeling, but the cover will keep the vast majority from getting in while just sitting. Some of the newer ones are very waterproof and have ratings for time submerged.

 

[85 Jimmy]

I know I need a cover for it, but I don't think that will stop condensation from forming inside the motor. You don't have a cover on yours, do you John? (Not counting your shop)

I got the brushes moving free. I'll grab some dielectric grease and slather everything with it when I go back together.

 

[nvrenuf]

I do have a cover that I usually have on it. You're right, the shop is a cheat though.

That same winch was on my old truck that was always out in the weather for probably 15-16 yrs, never had a problem. Knock on wood, the ONLY work I've ever done to that winch is new battery cables.

Edit: I bought that winch used in '87.

 

[85 Jimmy]

I never did any work on it before I swapped motors... This is the first time I've really used it (the guys truck was buried up to the frame in mud) since I swapped motors though. But I still shouldn't have to mess with the motor.