Zebco Cardinal 4 spool

[Steve V.]

Hello,

Is there a way to take the release mechanism out of an aluminum Zebco Cardinal 4 spool and clean it? If one is hard to get to release, can it be cleaned and fixed?

Thanks,

Steve

[jtwill98]

I have not tried and looking at my original carbon-graphite spool it doesn't appear to be easy.  It looks like the mechanism is a snap-in and I can't see any release. 

One thing you might do is spray some WD-40 or some other lightweight cleaner into the mechanism with those small red straws that come with the cans. Let it run out or use compress air to force out debris and dry it out.

Try to free the release if its stuck and if successful, then add a good silicone-based oil.

[Steve V.]

I have not tried and looking at my original carbon-graphite spool it doesn't appear to be easy.  It looks like the mechanism is a snap-in and I can't see any release. 

One thing you might do is spray some WD-40 or some other lightweight cleaner into the mechanism with those small red straws that come with the cans. Let it run out or use compress air to force out debris and dry it out.

Try to free the release if its stuck and if successful, then add a good silicone-based oil.

I thought about that after I posted. I might try that and then run it through my ultrasonic tank with Dawn dishwashing liquid and then lubricating it.

[Midway Tommy]

No need to do any of that stuff unless maybe it's been used in salt water. The mechanism is simple. Inside the spool recess is a flat washer, flat wire friction type spring and a coil spring under the release button. While these examples are plastic spools you can see how they are configured in this discussion.

https://alantani.com/index.php/topic,35227.0.html

Aluminum spools are made the same way.

Do not spray WD40 into the spool main shaft hole. WD40 is terrible to use on spinning or fishing reels!

If you think the spool cavity is dirty you can insert a small artist type brush with some solvent like acetone, lacquer thinner or mineral spirits on it to clean the interior parts and then lube them with a light amount of SuperLube grease on the brush. You should also buff/burnish the point/tip and groove on the end of the main shaft and add a little light grease there, also. That's all that is needed to keep spool button releasing and working correctly.

If absolutely needed, but I would only do it if I had no other choice, the chrome ring is pressed in and can be popped out from the underside of the spool with the correct process and tools, punch, small screw, etc. I have done it many times but one has to be really careful not to screw up any of the inner spool working parts when you do it.

[jtwill98]

Do not spray WD40 into the spool main shaft hole. WD40 is terrible to use on spinning or fishing reels!

WD-40 is not a single multi-use product anymore. It has evolved into a brand with a line of products, cleaners, degreasers, white lithium grease, penetrants. silicone lubricant and more.  https://online.flippingbook.com/view/164409/

[Midway Tommy]

Do not spray WD40 into the spool main shaft hole. WD40 is terrible to use on spinning or fishing reels!

WD-40 is not a single multi-use product anymore. It has evolved into a brand with a line of products, cleaners, degreasers, white lithium grease, penetrants. silicone lubricant and more.  https://online.flippingbook.com/view/164409/

Their product was so bad and over rated for so long that nothing new they come up with will convince me to try it out. There are way to many other quality products out there with good reputations to choose from.

[Gfish]

Oh man, has it ever evolved. I saw "roller chain lube" and "bike chain lube" and then "dry bike chain lube". I can see a desire for the dry stuff, but what would be the difference between a roller type(garage-door?) and a wet bike type? Maybe gettin a bit too specialized for me, though I guess that would sell more product for them.
What I was looking for was something that is emulsion resistant, especially for saltwater applications.

[jgp12000]

I use amsoil chain lube on atv chains & my sickle mower blade.
It is waxy wont sling off good stuff.I have lubed a Mitchell
300 before with nothing else.

 https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-chain-lube-aclsc/

[Brewcrafter]

Before this thread gets too derailed...
In the Tools and Lubes section there is a very long, very detailed, and very accurate collection of information regarding lubicants. - john

[oc1]

Chain and cable lubricants are extra tacky.  It used to be called moly lubricant (as in Molydbenum, a primary ingredient).

[Midway Tommy]

Before this thread gets too derailed...
 - john

So true, John. All Steve really wanted to know is if a difficult to operate spool release mechanism on Cardinal 4 aluminum spool could be "cleaned & fixed" and/or taken apart.