i have been blessed to be able to purchase some very nice shimano reels (calais, metanium xt, chronarch 50mg.)  HOWEVER, in the past year, i have done little, if any, maintenance to them.  my intention was to send them to ReelMech to have them serviced.

Last week, it rained, i didn't have any rod blanks to build, so, i decided to try my hand @cleaning my reels.  after a LOT of trial & error, & some cleaning solution, yellow rocket fuel, etc., i finally got them all serviced.

took them out fishing & it was AMAZING!  i honestly think they're smoother than they were when they were brand new!  ..i have to be careful judging distance w/crankbaits, traps, etc.....  they are Wonderful!

now, i'm not suggesting you try this at home (it took me 30 minutes to figure out how to take the cover off the calais! LOL)  ..but, i Am suggesting you get those bad boys cleaned & lubed...it's like getting new reels!

ronnie

Very true.  Last year was the first year I have ever had my reels cleaned and lubed (by ReelMech), and man what a difference.

It is a good thing when an angler can take charge of their own reel servicing. It can save you money in the long run, and you do get a better understanding of what the reel really is, and how it works. But for those that don't have the mechanical ability, or time to do their own servicing. I recommend that you have them serviced buy a qualified service shop, before every end of season storing. ...

justtrying,

Congratulations on taking care of your reels on your own. The one thing you didn't mention was to, "make sure that you have the reels schematic in front of you" if you try this on your own...

I have a tip for you, because you are using TG's Yellow and it has a really low viscosity rating, you may have to re-lube more often. The lube was created for TG's ceramic bearing packs (and because they have tighter tolerances) they created the oil lighter than most lube's you'll find. Just a tip...

KU_Bassmaster,

It is true there is a big difference after a reel is serviced. The main thing to remember is that this is an ongoing affair, and should be done each season just to maintain that quality..

Tight Lines All!!!

justtrying,

Congratulations on taking care of your reels on your own. The one thing you didn't mention was to, "make sure that you have the reels schematic in front of you" if you try this on your own...

Tight Lines All!!!

10-4 on the schematics!!!!   if i hadn't had them, i'd be in Big Trouble!

and, about the yellow rocket fuel, i Thought it seemed might "thin"/....    Siiiigggghhhh, now, i'll have to do them all over ...but, at least, i've got the assembly/dis-assembly down pat! LOL

I CLEAN AND LUBE MY REELS AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. I FIGURE I SPENT ALL THIS MONEY I MAY AS WELL KEEP THEM IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. PLUS, LIKE YOU SAID, IT DOES MAKE A NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE WHEN THEY ARE SERVICED.