I must be crazy

[SirSnookalot]

Been having fits with my stradic 4000 fi, the line roller bearing is rusted( common stradic problem) in place and cannot be removed.  By the time I pay for the shipping both ways, then parts and labor I'm better off buying a new one, but like a schmo I'm sending in to Shimano.  The grinding noise is not noticeable if i I fish in the wind......lol.  I do like this reel.

[J Francho]

PB Blaster would get it out, but you already sent it out. I've replaced complete roller assemblies, and parts can't be much more than $25. Its a 15 minute fix, so labor isn't an issue. USPS Priority Mail for one reel is $4.80 to almost anywhere, if you use click and ship.

[SirSnookalot]

My reel mechanic had it a few days and couldn't budge it, always a chance I'll get a new reel,seeing as Shimano has the part on back order until Feb, worth a shot  , I'm buying a new one(3000fi) anyway in addition to the fix, to replace a Daiwa I'm not crazy about..

[J Francho]

Backorder eh?  Might be my fault, LOL.  I replaced a bunch on a stable of saltwater rigs for a buddy.  Nothing locked up, but some surface oxidation, so we replaced the whole roller stack.

[.RM.]

Parts orders are handled differently than a reel sent in for servicing.

Most likely the guys in the repair dept. will replace the whole bail assembly (bail arms, line roller, and bail wire) rather then just changing out the bearing pack.

Tight Lines!

[SirSnookalot]

Parts orders are handled differently than a reel sent in for servicing.

Most likely the guys in the repair dept. will replace the whole bail assembly (bail arms, line roller, and bail wire) rather then just changing out the bearing pack.

Tight Lines!

Pretty much what they told me, the bail assembly was $25.90, which I was going to order but the cust rep was unsure if all the internal parts were included.  I'm sure it may cost me about $70 and down time, but I may just get treated " right ".  It's only money !

[bilgerat]

Pardon the hijack Snook, but this may be helpful for someone in the future.

http://www.kanolabs.com/google/

In my line of work, I've used every penetrating oil known to man. The PB Blaster John mentioned is very good, the stuff in the link is far and away the best there is. It is on the pricey side, but it flat out works.

[SirSnookalot]

thanks bilge, appreciate the info.

I've used PB blaster many times, it's good stuff.  One thing I've from business is to use professional service where part are usually available  and second never use a back alley mechanic.  Running 4 Mac diesels trucks and several med to heavy duty gas rigs taught me going cheap is more expensive in the long run.

That said I'm done with Shimano, as much as I like the stradic it just doesn't hold up to the salt as other reels do, no wonder not that many seen down here.  But I'm chasing and going to fix this reel, should have just tossed it into the brine.  One nice thing about being retired, I have time and money so no big deal.

Just a little side bar, had 2 abu's both about 2 years old, an 802 and 704, with a very slight gear feel.  Called Pure Fishing and spoke to a tech and he said just a little short on lube, send them in and I'll replace both of them, 6 days later Fed ex dropped off a new soron 20 and a new soron 40, upgrade with no charge and they even paid the shipping back.  I'm sticking with these guys.

[weewilly]

keep em lubed

[RandySBreth]

The tip on the Kroil is a good one. I've used it on stuck bolts, screws (mostly firearms) - but it's like magic. Just needs a little time to get in there.

That's a shame the Stradic's don't like the salt. I'll remember that.

[maineman]

I work in a steam plant and we use Kroil on ever thing. It is the best penetrating oil on the market. Also the best bore cleaner there is for removing powder in  firearms. 

[SirSnookalot]

All is well with the stradic 4000 fi.  Shimano replaced the entire bail assembly with no charge, not even shipping, and only took 2 weeks, I was pleasantly surprised.  They are back in my good graces 

[Bassn Blvd]

I don't know what's up with Shimano's spinning reels in saltwater.  I don't use mine much in salt, but my brother does and had the same problems with the Stradic.  He switched to the Quantum Cabo and loves it. 

I fish Shimano baitcasters exclusively in saltwater and NEVER had a problem, seems to be just the Stradic.

[philsoreel]

Pardon the hijack Snook, but this may be helpful for someone in the future.

http://www.kanolabs.com/google/

In my line of work, I've used every penetrating oil known to man. The PB Blaster John mentioned is very good, the stuff in the link is far and away the best there is. It is on the pricey side, but it flat out works.

X2

Kroil is the best penetrating oil I have ever seen. Pricey but worth 5x the price when you need it.

[SirSnookalot]

I don't know what's up with Shimano's spinning reels in saltwater. I don't use mine much in salt, but my brother does and had the same problems with the Stradic. He switched to the Quantum Cabo and loves it.

I fish Shimano baitcasters exclusively in saltwater and NEVER had a problem, seems to be just the Stradic.

I have read countless posts about the line roller bearing on the stradic rusting out.  My cabo is excellent, bit heavy for doing a lot of casting but I'm used to it, I've been using my cabo 30 lately for light duty trolling on a 25# class rod.

[bilgerat]

I don't know what's up with Shimano's spinning reels in saltwater. I don't use mine much in salt, but my brother does and had the same problems with the Stradic. He switched to the Quantum Cabo and loves it.

I fish Shimano baitcasters exclusively in saltwater and NEVER had a problem, seems to be just the Stradic.

I did some work on a fishing yacht this past summer and I noticed they had a couple of rigs with Stellas mounted to them. The captain said they were one of the worst reels for saltwater he's dealt with. *note* private yacht, not a charter or headboat where the gear gets abused daily.