Spinning Reel tear down and clean-up...Need HELP

[Krazo]

I've got a few Shimano Sahara's in various sizes that are all in need of cleaning and possible repair.  They range in size from 750 to 2500 and were all used on lakes and rivers around here.  Well after my experience this past weekend, having the 2500 feel like it had a load of sand dumped in the gears while in the middle of a float trip(and I dont think the reel ever touched the water), I decided it was time to clean em up.  Well starting with the 2500, I tore it down, all the way to the gears inside by the cranking handle.  To my surprise there was really no dirt, sand, grime or anything else that was just obviously a problem.  I cleaned up all the grease I could and put a little of the Ardent Reel Butter on the gears and what not and then reassembled.  And now, it will reel, doesnt seem to be as sticky /herky jerky, but its not smooth;  takes a little bit of force but will crank all the way around and reel.  Any thoughts on why its not so smooth or what I can do different?  I was thinking about some type of synthetic grease possibly.   

[Dutch]

Did you flush and reoil your bearings?  Did you clean the anti reverse component?  

[Krazo]

1 hour ago, Dutch said:

Did you flush and reoil your bearings?  Did you clean the anti reverse component?  

you could be on to something with the bearings as Im not all that familiar with this work.  There were a couple that sit right on the spindle and no I did not flush, not sure how, but I did put some oil right on those and let them sit for a few minutes.  I also took the top off what I think is the anti-reverse piece (black & gray round piece in the pic on the spindle?) and put some oil in there.  it was pretty clean to begin with. 

   

[Dutch]

That piece you are pointing to is the anti reverse.  I is supposed to be clean and dry.  I’m  not sure how you are going to fix that, maybe with Qtips and alcohol.  I would never take it apart.  I did that once.  Once was enough.  
 

When I do bearings, I soak them in acetone, dry them out well, then put no more than 1/2 of 1 drop of Shimano oil on each one.  
 

I’m guessing what you are now feeling is your anti reverse binding because of the oil.

Where are you located?

[Krazo]

6 minutes ago, Dutch said:

That piece you are pointing to is the anti reverse.  I is supposed to be clean and dry.  I’m  not sure how you are going to fix that, maybe with Qtips and alcohol.  I would never take it apart.  I did that once.  Once was enough.  
 

When I do bearings, I soak them in acetone, dry them out well, then put no more than 1/2 of 1 drop of Shimano oil on each one.  
 

I’m guessing what you are now feeling is your anti reverse binding because of the oil.

Where are you located?

HA.  well, lesson learned i guess.  good news is I still have 2 or 3 more of these that I havnt yet made that mistake on.  Maybe I shouldve paid more attention to the youtube videos on these.

Thanks for the tip on the bearings, I'll try the acetone bath on these while Im cleaning up the anti-reverse.  

I'm in Willard.  

[DADAKOTA]

I always clean bearings with lighter fluid for a cigarette lighter.  Works well.  Sure does not take much rocket fuel to lube the bearings once cleaned.

[Dutch]

3 hours ago, DADAKOTA said:

I always clean bearings with lighter fluid for a cigarette lighter.  Works well.  Sure does not take much rocket fuel to lube the bearings once cleaned.

That was what I used until it no longer contained naptha, which is a good solvent.

[Bushbeater]

If you have Coleman fuel it works very well. I do lightly oil the anti reverse and have had no issues.

[Krazo]

Ive got the acetone, just havnt had the time.  I'll mess with it in the morning.  but cleaning out the anti-reverse piece will be a chore.  lots of little springs on that thing.  sounds like maybe I should just clean it all again with the acetone, re-oil the bearings, and then grease up the gears. but I might try another grease this time.  I was thinking maybe like a multi-purpose automotive grease.  what do you guys think?  I know the Reel Butter is made for this stuff but man, it just seems too thick, and I've lost confidence in it.

[rps]

great info!