Shimano Curado Cream???

[Mikekw3]

I have been using my Curado since November and this has never happened. Anyone have an idea of why this is happening?

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa100/mikekw3fish/77e1162d.jpg

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa100/mikekw3fish/16850c13.jpg

[trevor]

I've had that happen to other reels, too. I just cleaned them and re-greased them. I guess the oil/grease just gets old?

[BassThumb]

I've seen grease turn white inside trailer bearings that had water in them. The reel is wet in the picture. Does this happen only when the reel is wet?

[bilgerat]

Two things...

First, grease really should not be used on levelwind components. Any dirt or debris will be trapped in the grease and cause accelerated wear or binding.

Second, that is way too much grease. It looks like it was applied with a paintbrush.

Use a light coating of oil on external levelwind parts.

[Mikekw3]

I never even put anything on it ever...

[bilgerat]

Just out of curiosity - Did it come new out of the box like that or did you buy it used ? I don't own a Shimano but my Revo was way overlubed when it was new, but even the levelwind didn't look like that.

[Mikekw3]

It bought it in November brand new, I haven't used it much until yesterday, and I never even oiled or greased it.

[bilgerat]

Most reels come way overlubed from the factory. It should be stripped down to the frame for a thorough clean and lube. A "bonus" to this is you will see a big performance improvement.

I do my own but Delaware Valley Tackle (board sponser) seems to be a straight up guy. I'm sure he'll put his $.02 in when he sees this post. He even gives a discount to members here.

[jdw174]

Never, never, never (did I say NEVER?) put grease on the reel pawl. It will collect dust/dirt and wear out the pawl and worm gear. A good grade of reel oil is what you need, just a couple of drops at a time. If I were you, I'd tear those reels down pronto and clean up that area, then OIL it.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

What you see there is gease and water mixed. In general, reels do come way over lubed from the factory and can benefit from a deep claening and proper lube. Fish them hard for a bit to be sure there are no warranty issues and then service them. Also as posted above, the level wind should be lightly oiled and not greased due to the exposed nature. Service for BassResource.com members is $16.20/reel ($18-10%). Let me know if I can help.

[Bluebasser86]

If you get the diagram of the reel or find it online they're not too hard to take apart. There's an old thread on here on how to take apart a Curado to clean all the grease out of them and relube the bearings. I did it with several of mine this winter and it makes a huge difference in casting distance and overal performance of the reel. I just spread a cheap white sheet out on a table to take them apart so if I drop something it usually catches in the sheet and is easy to spot. If you don't feel comfortable doing it there are plenty of people who do it for reasonable prices as has been mentioned.

[.RM.]

Like Mike stated.

It's Grease and water, Shimano always greases the worm gear cover to keep level winds moving right out of the box. A quality service will change it all.

Tight Lines!!

[J Francho]

That stuff is delicious on toast!

Wipe it off, and flush it out with some Shimano Bantam Oil.