Reel lube question

[FishGuitBeer]

I'm cleaning and spooling reels......seem to remember oil goes on some parts, grease on others...which be which? :-?

[d.hark]

Pretty sure grease goes on the gears and oil on the bearings.

I have a 2nd questions. Can I just add an aftermarket oil like hot sauce, reel butter or something like that to a stock bearing? Or do I need to clean them out and then use such product??

[FishGuitBeer]

That's a great question!

[Saladmander]

I would definitely clean them first.  Just adding oil would be fine if the bearing sounds like it's running dry and needs to be lubricated.  But, if you're going to change to a different oil for performance reasons, I'd definitely get the old stuff out first.

[Saladmander]

Oh, and check out ReelMechs website.  He has some really good information on reel maintenance.  It's what he does.  

[Mike-in-WV]

With the new Revo S I just bought there was no grease in the box, just oil. Did some checking and if you want your reel to cast a little further then clean off all the grease and just use oil. Make sure you place a small drop inside the pinion gear too as well as all the bearings and gears. It doesn't take much to keep a real running smooth. I did this with my other Abu Garcia reels and they cast and run so smooth it's unreal. Very little grease in them to begin with. I'm not saying this is a good idea for all reels so checking with the manufacture or reelmechanic first is a good idea. , Mike

[Jig Man]

Naptha which is found in cigarette lighter fluid is a very good solvent for cleaning bearings and other reel parts of oil and grease.

[Just_Old_Fisherman]

I have always thought that if bearings need fresh oil, they need to be cleaned first.  Otherwise, you are oiling the dirt/sludge remaining from the previous oil.  Unless they have never been oiled/lubricated there will be some residue from the previous lubricant.

[.RM.]

Jig Man,

Naptha which is found in cigarette lighter fluid is a very good solvent for cleaning bearings and other reel parts of oil and grease.

You really need to quit paying so much attention to the so called experts at TT.....  :

Lighter fluid will eat at the nylon parts in a reel, it is a carcinogen (it can and does cause cancer), not to mention the flash point. The best I have seen to clean reels is Birchwood Casey® Reel Scrubber, second best is Simple Green and hot water soaking......

Mike-in-WV,

Did some checking and if you want your reel to cast a little further then clean off all the grease and just use oil. Make sure you place a small drop inside the pinion gear too as well as all the bearings and gears. It doesn't take much to keep a real running smooth. I did this with my other Abu Garcia reels and they cast and run so smooth it's unreal. Very little grease in them to begin with.

Your right less is more in reel lubrication. All gears and bearing packs should be cleaned before re-lubing. Grease on the main drive and pinion gears teeth only and down to the base of the gear teeth.

Just_Old_Fisherman.

I have always thought that if bearings need fresh oil, they need to be cleaned first.

Nuff said there.....

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!  

[Saladmander]

I have always thought that if bearings need fresh oil, they need to be cleaned first. Otherwise, you are oiling the dirt/sludge remaining from the previous oil. Unless they have never been oiled/lubricated there will be some residue from the previous lubricant.

Yeah, you're right.  Bearings definitely benefit from a full cleaning before adding oil, especially changing oil.  However, I'll add a drop of oil in some key spots and bearings if they get noisy in between full breakdowns.

[FishGuitBeer]

Thanks RM! good info