Abu 6501c3 bearing issues

[Reel Newbie]

So I recently cleaned an abu 6501c3 I had gotten from a yard sale. Apart from some patina on the brass internals and a few scratches here and there, the reel is still smooth and cranks ok. The one issue I have is that even after cleaning out the spool bearings with carb cleaner and removing the shields, they don't spin dry for any more than a second. They don't rattle or make any sounds, so I doubt that the bearings are worn. Any thoughts?

[Dominick]

Any thoughts?

Yes!  Replace them.  Dominick

[oc1]

X2

[Reel Newbie]

Ooh pricey for a $10 reel.... any other ideas to clean it?

[steelhead_killer]

Just replace them.  Once they are gone there is no bringing them back to true form.

Ooh pricey for a $10 reel.... any other ideas to clean it?

[Keta]

Ooh pricey for a $10 reel....

It will then be a $50.00 reel.

[Reel Newbie]

Ooooh that budget..... If only I could shell out that much in a pinch... Oh well, guess I'll just have to live with the slower bearings. Thanks for the replies.

[mhc]

Dawn at Smoothdrag sells a set (pair) of stainless 4x10x4 bearings that fit the C3 spools for $14.00 - I think Lee (Keta) meant the reel would be worth $50 with the new bearings - not cost $50.

Mike

[Keta]

I think Lee (Keta) meant the reel would be worth $50 with the new bearings - not cost $50.

Yup, and it will fish for another 30 years if maintained.