Winch won't freewheel

[CNFD2522]

Just joined the site. First time posting. Our fire dept just got an M35A2 from a local law enforcement agency. It's a 1968 Jeep/Keiser with a front mount winch. The truck runs and works great except for the winch. The winch will engage and retract cable but the drum release pin jumps in/out the whole time the drum is turning. Is this normal? Also that same pin is easy to pull out but won't pull out enough to twist the knob around so it will stay out. If someone holds it out, the drum will freewheel and doesn't seem to be binding on anything. We tried to remove the pin by loosening the 3/4" fitting but it seems like the pin is being held by something inside. I looked through TM-9-3830-206-34P at the winch part diagram and it looks like just a straight spring loaded pin. Starting to think it might be bent inside. Am I missing something here? Any help would be greatly appreciated. We really would like to have this winch be functional. Also wish a heart-felt thank you to all the veterans who are on this site.

 

[clinto]

The pin is bent. Pull on it really hard. Order a new one from White Owl in Kinston, NC. Install and adjust as the TM describes.

 

[gringeltaube]

... or the coil spring is rusted in place, preventing the pin from coming out?


This is how the assembly looks like...
And here is a thread that deals with a broken lock pin, and how to get it out.

Years ago I had posted the exact lock-bolt dimensions, if you can't find an OEM replacement part.
Also, the dimensions for a replacement spring, all shown below... (I'm sure you will need a new spring, at least!)


G.