I have a Harken 6:1 ratchet block system that I use on my 5.2.

Last time I was out the ratchet was not working. It made it very difficult to sail!

After looking at it I figured out it still works if the lower block is leaning forward. and yes I have checked the switch and it is set the correct way.

So why would this be happening, is the block broke or am I stupid?

Probably a bit of sand in it. Spray the hell out of it with a jet of water with the line off of it with the block able to spin freely. spray a huge amount of generic silicone lubricant into it. Tap it, knock it around (percussive maintenance). I rescued a single rachematic this way (saved 60$).

When I get second hand bits I always put them through a vinager and water wash. Half a cup of vinager in a half sink or bucket of water.
I leave that overnight and then hold the block under water and spin all sheeves and then with a hose blast the sheeves and spin them more. This is often very succesful.
This will clear old salt etc but will not, obviously effect a mechanical fix.

I guess what I want to know is there something that normally fails in the Harken blocks, like I said the ratchet mechanism engages when you lean the blocks forward. WOuld that signal something?

The ratchets are held in place by springs. Maybe there is a broken spring that would be simulated by gravity when the block is forward.

Later,
Dan

That is kinda what I was afraid of, can it be fixed or just have to buy new?

Don't lube it; wash it only.

If this fails; contact harken locally. They may well just replace it if there is a fault.

I had a block fail and they replaced it PDQ !

We had two early model Harken autoratchets fail, and had them replaced for free. We had some grief with the scandinavian importer, but the guys at the main office in the U.S. made things happen really fast.

Contact Harken and ask for advice (send them model information and pictures if you can). If the unit is broken and still under warranty my experience is that you will have it replaced.

The blocks are pretty old and came with the boat so I do not see me getting them replaced. But I will try, maybe someone at Harken knows how to fix it.

I think Harken have a five year warranty on most of their stuff?

First off I would just like to thank who ever at Harken emailed me back. I sent the email and within the hour I had recieved an answer.

Sadly the blocks are rivited together and the problem can't be fixed but there was an offer to help me on a new set so I will just see how it goes, but so far I am very impressed with the customer service.

Harken has a great customer service program, they stand behind their products and have lead the way in bringing new technology to the forefront. Great products, backed by great service, more companies should have a program like this.

Although I haven't dealt with them directly, I have heard that Harken's customer service is outstanding.

Tiny company doing big things. Great attitude, incomparable technical understanding and remarkable customer service. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

gree2056 - Have you tried the cleaning route? Cleaning and working the sheave back and forth will typically resolve issues if you have sand, etc. stuck in there.

Whether you get this one fixed or buy a new one, be very careful if you decide to lube a block, traveler, cam cleat, etc. Most lubes will attract dirt, salt, etc. which causes things to bind. Best bet is McLube, as it works as a dry lubricant and tends to not collect garbage. Of course, routine cleaning (rinsing at a minimum) should be considered normal maintenance.

Hope this helps.

Mike

Yeah I tried cleaning all last night. It didn't affect anything and the guy said that the model I have usually has the same problem mine did. So they have offered to cut me a deal on the new one.

I just want to say that there are very few companies out there that have good customer service and the few that do stand out. So if anyone from Harken is reading this, way to go!~

Glad it is going to work out for you. I am heartened that Harken is being generous to their sailors. This news will make us come back to them.

I would like to hear more goods news stories about supportive companies so we can all benefit from great service on great products. It is harder to get good word out than bad word. Let's try here.

Later,
Dan

I am from NZ and recently purchased a new 8:1 mainsheet system and sundry from Harken Stateside because of a strong dollar here.
The woman at Harken was excellent!
She had everything sorted for me personally in no time and was very patient with my requests.
I keep that stuff simple. Treat me well with an excellent product and you get all of my custom.
I was told to go to several other Harken suppliers as they were cheaper...this was true....except for a huge difference in postage which left me dealing with the Harken on line store.
I saved over $200NZ by buying on line.