Quick & Dirty Reel Service

[HeavyDluxe]

Hi, everyone.

 

I've got two spinning outfits, both outfitted with '35' class Pflueger President reels... The one I use the most is that reel on a M/F rod for soft plastics, etc.  The reel has two seasons of light use, and, until now, I hadn't done any reel maintenance on it.

 

Well, this week, we've been enjoying our annual trip to a house on a lake... At one inspired moment, I decided to talk a walk off the end of a dock while holding my rod/reel. I managed to catch myself before I went in the drink, but the rod went in without me.  It was shallow and easily retrieved, but it was submerged.  Anyway, afterwards, the reel has shown some symptoms of the trip into the briny deep - namely, the handle cranks rather stiffly, particularly when you try to start reeling from a stop.  If I spin it from the bail, things seem smooth but the handle bearing/area is seizing up a bit.

 

It's not a high-dollar reel, obviously, but it's more than enough for me.  I'd think of shipping it to DVT for service, as they're highly recommended on here.  But, once you add in shipping to a basic service, I'm up to the point of buying a replacement reel (especially since I could do it with a Trion or something, now).

 

Does anyone have a quick/dirty method for servicing spinning reels that might help here?  I searched the forums before posting, and most of the spinning threads seem to talk about big, annual breakdowns - which everyone seems to agree are close to being too difficult for the novice.  

 

FWIW, I own some firearms, so I have things like CLP on hand that might serve as a light oil to be shot inside. 

 

Thanks in advance.

[F14A-B]

Yea, you either going to do a proper clean with Mike @ DVT or.... Just buy a new reel at the price, if you just buy a new reel, then you might attempt it? But after a swim.... I never, ever truly restored one, I can fix any Aircraft on Earth... But as far as spinning? I leave that to those experts, can't know everything.....

[HeavyDluxe]

The way I figure it's "nothing ventured, nothing gained" at this point.  Shimano publishes a simple service guide that I think might be a place to start (http://goo.gl/VqsReJ). I just figured I'd see if anyone else has something to say helpful on here before I get home this weekend and take a shot at it on Sunday.

[roadwarrior]

I'm interested in hearing how your project turns out.

[SirSnookalot]

If there is a local repair facility a cleaning should run 16-$20, assuming all parts are in good order.  If that option isn't viable I'd check out some videos on how to dismantle and clean a spinning reel, be a good idea to have the schematics too.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Shipping for a single reel from VT to NY is probably $6 and the price of service for members here is $19.80 ($22-10%). That's close on a Trion but only 1/2 of a new President. If you DIY I'll be happy to help if you get stuck and don't even think of opening any reel without a schematic. Keep in mind they are mostly a parts list and don't necessarily show part orientation and disassembly/reassembly order.

[Koofy Smacker]

Lucky for you the Presidents are very easy to service yourself. I am very familiar with stripping them down completely for ultrasonic cleanings so if you have any questions dont hesitate to ask. Also like stated above, don do it without a schematic and even take pictures/notes while disassembling. Numbering the screws and noting what parts they went to can really help as well

[Loop_Dad]

You might have already done this but, if you haven't....

 

In addition to the advices already given:

 

Have a nice open clean work area, so in case you drop something, you'll notice it and you'll find it. (you'll drop things)

 

Use cupcake baking pan and place the parts in order you remove them. (many screws and washers look a like on schematics)

 

Place parts in the cup cake pan in the way you can tell the original orientation. (hard to tell which side is up/ down on schematics for small parts)

 

Study schematics carefully and have idea of 'what to see next when this part is taken off' before you remove that part. (so that you don't accidentally lose small washer or springs which is hiding behind)

 

Do when you have lots of time. (so that you don't make mistake due to time constraints)

 

Good luck.