This may sound bizarre but it has proven to work quite well. This process works on all reels. However I would not do this to your better/high end reels. This great for all others. An old fisherman friend of mine showed me a trick that really improves the gear action on your reel. Get some fine grained sand and mix with lubricant. Open the gear side of your reel and generously apply it to the gear teeth and surfaces. Replace the gear housing. You can remove the handle and rapidly spin the handle axle or do it by hand, your choice. Spin the handle as if you were retrieving line for 10 minutes or so. Then remove the reel casing again and thoroughly clean out/flush the gearing mechanism. Apply new lubricant and close up the reel. The aforementioned action removes any high spots and imperfections on the gear teeth mesh. It really smooths out the reeling function. Believe it works. I had my doubts but no more. If you are still hesitant to try this, get an older reel you no longer care about. After this you probably put this reel back into service.

[movedhere] General Bass Fishing Forum [move by] Glenn.

Welcome and that is an interesting bit of info.

Can do the same thing with toothpaste. 

I've heard of the toothpaste trick, but actual sand? I'd think twice before trying that one.

I wouldn't want to give this a shot. I try to prevent getting sand in my reels at all cost. Sounds a little sketchy IMO.

Valve grinding compound.

I can see how it would take the sharp edges off the gears and make them mesh more smoothly, but it also sounds like it could really screw up your bearings.

I heard that sugar in the gas tank isnalso great for performance. :

mmmm....I'll pass.

I'm guessing this would not be your typical sand?  Maybe a very fine grit?  I've never heard of it, but it does make sense in theory.  I like the toothpaste idea a little better.  The toothpaste would take much longer and more of, but it doesn't seem like it would ruin a reel as easy as the sand could.