Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Shimano Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: InVision on March 30, 2016, 02:00:08 PM

Title: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: InVision on March 30, 2016, 02:00:08 PM
Hi guys,

Let me first say that forum experts probably hate amateur people like me. BUT, I can tell you that amateurs like me very much appreciate your expert help!!

Background - I check in here from time to time mostly when I have a problem.  Well I noticed that the friction ring was broke up into pieces on my Stella 20000FA so I tore into the subject reel.  Well as my luck goes, I had all the reel parts laid out as they came off and the table got knocked over.  What a mess.  I moved to the dining room huge table, lesson learned.  Now I am having to try and figure out what goes where.  I have the parts breakout that came with the reel, but there are some parts that could be any of the few that are nearly the same.  To beat all %$%$^, I am missing one 8032 bearing, in the spill.  Wow are they proud of that little thing.

I cannot find a good write up or video on the exact model I have.  Similar Stella SW models I can find. 

Got several questions as I rebuild my old Stella 20000FA.

1) Clean bearings with solvent and lub with reel X.  Sound correct?
2) A dab of marine lithium blue grease on gears? Sound correct?  How about the worm shaft?
3) Most importantly, is there a site that shows actual photos of the Shimano RDxxxx parts?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.  I could not find anyone local who would work on the Stella.

M

PS - Why would Shimano make the anti reverse section so it fall apart in some many pieces when you remove it.  Gees, them little springs are awful. 
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: InVision on March 30, 2016, 04:31:44 PM
Wow ordered the RD8035 bearing a few days ago and guess what  !!!

Yep found the lost one.  Never hurts to have a spare or 2.

M
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: foakes on March 30, 2016, 04:46:02 PM
Hi M --

Glad to have you on board!

Post some pics when you get that 20000 together or if you get stuck -- let us know.

For what it is worth -- I would replace all 14 bearings in that reel, plus the ARB.

You will pay the same for shipping 1 or 15 bearings -- and will have the others for spares.

And as long as you have it apart, anyway.

Plus, that is a $1000 to $1300 reel depending on whether you buy it wholesale or retail -- why have to tear it down when another couple of bearings go bad -- and they will eventually.

Those bearings are around 8-10 bucks each -- depending on which ones they are -- so you might have $150 in new bearings -- but it will last through a lot more fishing trips with no bearing issues.

Just my opinion.

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: johndtuttle on March 30, 2016, 04:48:17 PM
Quote from: InVision on March 30, 2016, 02:00:08 PM

Got several questions as I rebuild my old Stella 20000FA.

1) Clean bearings with solvent and lub with reel X.  Sound correct?
2) A dab of marine lithium blue grease on gears? Sound correct?  How about the worm shaft?
3) Most importantly, is there a site that shows actual photos of the Shimano RDxxxx parts?
4) Why would Shimano make the anti reverse section so it fall apart in some many pieces when you remove it.  Gees, them little springs are awful. 


1. Yes

2. Yes. Worm Shaft prefers a lighter grease. If your marine grease is very thick cut it with corrosion/reel-x.

3. Not that I know of.

4. Shimano Clutches are particularly good ones but are not intended to be opened pretty much ever, unless in an emergency. They can be cleaned without opening them by soaking them in a plastic safe solvent. If you do open it put back together dry.

Tutorial here: http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=15339.0
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: philaroman on March 30, 2016, 05:41:53 PM
wow, I know something John doesn't...  I get a cookie :)

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/shimano-stl20000fa-stella-spinning-reel-parts-c-200301_200302_200747.html
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: johndtuttle on March 30, 2016, 05:50:18 PM
Quote from: philaroman on March 30, 2016, 05:41:53 PM
wow, I know something John doesn't...  I get a cookie :)

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/shimano-stl20000fa-stella-spinning-reel-parts-c-200301_200302_200747.html

I think that is super cool! Never used e-replacement parts before.  :o
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: philaroman on March 30, 2016, 06:06:27 PM
BTW, that's my favorite, best-organized source for schematics/part PHOTOs & their prices are great...  but I never actually bought from them, so I can't vouch for their stocks or prompt shipping.

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/shimano-parts-c-200301.html

If they're not in the resource section of this Forum, please move this post -- it's not specific to InVision's question
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: InVision on March 30, 2016, 08:13:26 PM
Folks thank you very much.  I don't think I have any bad bearings.  All are silky smooth.  I priced the bearings and it was over two bills.  I actually found the ereplacements web site.  Some of the photos helped, some were blurred and some were missing.  Great price on friction washer so I will let you know if they deliver.  I order nearly a week ago.

Any help identifying this part?  I think it is a RD8327 Idle gear collar.  But which way does it go on shaft, it is beveled on one side.

It is getting a little scary when so many parts are "Obsolete".

Thanks,

M
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: InVision on March 30, 2016, 08:22:38 PM
Quote from: johndtuttle on March 30, 2016, 04:48:17 PM

4. Shimano Clutches are particularly good ones but are not intended to be opened pretty much ever, unless in an emergency. They can be cleaned without opening them by soaking them in a plastic safe solvent. If you do open it put back together dry.


Well this is not a sealed assembly.  It is just falls to pieces when you remove the pinion gear.

M
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: foakes on March 30, 2016, 10:09:18 PM

It is getting a little scary when so many parts are "Obsolete".


When parts are obsolete on a $1000 - $1300 reel, which is a fairly current model -- I have a problem with that.

A little history to recall --

Not too long ago, Shimano was possibly one of the best companies when it came to parts and customer service.

I do not know how many times a client came to me with a broken Shimano RD spinner, for example (I hate working on these Rear Drag Shimanos).

Instead of fixing it up for them -- I would just give them the address of Shimano, USA -- they would send in the reel for repair -- and either it would come back close to new -- or Shimano would just replace it with a brand new current model -- all at no charge.  Sometimes it didn't work out to be free -- but the labor and parts charge was very fair and low.  Same way at trade shows or Saturday morning seminars and reel clinics with the Shimano reps at shows or tackle shops.  Most of you guys remember this.

The word of mouth was powerful.

They also took very good care of their independent repair shops around the Country.

That is not the case anymore with consumers or dealers.

The new kid on the block is Okuma for customer service.  They are outstanding -- and have a solid array of quality products.

And one of the old kids is taking note of the right way to do business -- Penn is following the same model of excellence and listening.

Just my opinions.

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: handi2 on March 30, 2016, 11:08:17 PM
Quote from: InVision on March 30, 2016, 08:22:38 PM
Quote from: johndtuttle on March 30, 2016, 04:48:17 PM

4. Shimano Clutches are particularly good ones but are not intended to be opened pretty much ever, unless in an emergency. They can be cleaned without opening them by soaking them in a plastic safe solvent. If you do open it put back together dry.


Well this is not a sealed assembly.  It is just falls to pieces when you remove the pinion gear.

M

Yes it does fall apart. If your really lucky you can turn the reel upside down and remove it whole. Ive done them enough now that taking them apart and back in is normal procedure.
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: InVision on March 31, 2016, 08:12:44 AM
Quote from: foakes on March 30, 2016, 10:09:18 PM

It is getting a little scary when so many parts are "Obsolete".


When parts are obsolete on a $1000 - $1300 reel, which is a fairly current model -- I have a problem with that.

A little history to recall --

Not too long ago, Shimano was possibly one of the best companies when it came to parts and customer service.

I do not know how many times a client came to me with a broken Shimano RD spinner, for example (I hate working on these Rear Drag Shimanos).

Instead of fixing it up for them -- I would just give them the address of Shimano, USA -- they would send in the reel for repair -- and either it would come back close to new -- or Shimano would just replace it with a brand new current model -- all at no charge.  Sometimes it didn't work out to be free -- but the labor and parts charge was very fair and low.  Same way at trade shows or Saturday morning seminars and reel clinics with the Shimano reps at shows or tackle shops.  Most of you guys remember this.

The word of mouth was powerful.

They also took very good care of their independent repair shops around the Country.

That is not the case anymore with consumers or dealers.

The new kid on the block is Okuma for customer service.  They are outstanding -- and have a solid array of quality products.

And one of the old kids is taking note of the right way to do business -- Penn is following the same model of excellence and listening.

Just my opinions.

Best,

Fred

Fred,  I appreciate your opinion on brands.  M
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: Ruffy on March 31, 2016, 08:53:10 AM
InVision, I prefer to pack all the bearings in my spinners with grease. They aren't critical to freespool as in a conventional and it doesn't make them much stiffer to crank at all but the corrosion resistance benefit of it is well worth it.

Cheers,
Andrew
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: johndtuttle on March 31, 2016, 03:48:52 PM
Quote from: InVision on March 30, 2016, 08:22:38 PM
Quote from: johndtuttle on March 30, 2016, 04:48:17 PM

4. Shimano Clutches are particularly good ones but are not intended to be opened pretty much ever, unless in an emergency. They can be cleaned without opening them by soaking them in a plastic safe solvent. If you do open it put back together dry.


Well this is not a sealed assembly.  It is just falls to pieces when you remove the pinion gear.

M

Oh, my bad! Been awhile since I looked at a Stella FA. Glad to know they have improved them since.  ;D
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: swill88 on March 31, 2016, 10:09:29 PM
Quote from: philaroman on March 30, 2016, 06:06:27 PM
BTW, that's my favorite, best-organized source for schematics/part PHOTOs & their prices are great...  but I never actually bought from them, so I can't vouch for their stocks or prompt shipping.

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/shimano-parts-c-200301.html

If they're not in the resource section of this Forum, please move this post -- it's not specific to InVision's question

I've bought many tool replacement parts from them for at least the last 8 years.  Good company, out of Utah.
The only problem sometimes is a part may have been out of stock and the whole order will get delayed. You just need to be proactive with them.

Steve
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: InVision on April 01, 2016, 02:10:37 PM
Well the folks with the bearing called and all parts I ordered are now discontinued.  I found 4 fiction rings, 3 screw collars, 2 idler gear collars, 1 worm gear spacer, 3 adjusting washers and 1 handle screw cap.  I ordered all they had and now the site says discontinued.  There is one guy parting out a STL 20000FA on eBay but the parts looked really used.  As Fred said, no a great feeling when they discontinue any repair parts on a $1000 reel.

I wish someone had the ball bearings.

Will get parts next week according to USPS.

Mike
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: MarkT on April 01, 2016, 02:17:21 PM
The FA was the 2003 Stella?  You should be able to measure the bearings and find ones that size somewhere like bocabearing.
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: InVision on April 01, 2016, 02:40:18 PM
Thanks for the info

M
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: foakes on April 01, 2016, 02:46:00 PM
Just measure ID, OD, Width --

BOCA, Dawn at Smooth Drag -- and nearly any other good bearing supplier can supply these.

It is important to get at least the same quality bearing as a replacement.  There are a lot of cheaper bearings that will seem like they do the trick -- but will not hold up. 

You do not have to spend a lot of $$$ -- but look at the rating code and order appropriately.

That new Kali-Bird thingy Ted gave me works really good for this.

Best,

Fred

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=46y6U3OsRNA&autoplay=1
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: InVision on April 01, 2016, 09:42:40 PM
GREAT INFO.

I am assuming you want SS not ceramic correct?

Thank you
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: johndtuttle on April 01, 2016, 10:30:03 PM
Quote from: InVision on April 01, 2016, 09:42:40 PM
GREAT INFO.

I am assuming you want SS not ceramic correct?

Thank you

There really is no use for ceramic bearings in a spinning reel unless nothing else is available, generally speaking. :)
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: exp2000 on April 01, 2016, 11:00:47 PM
Quote from: Ruffy on March 31, 2016, 08:53:10 AM
InVision, I prefer to pack all the bearings in my spinners with grease. They aren't critical to freespool as in a conventional and it doesn't make them much stiffer to crank at all but the corrosion resistance benefit of it is well worth it.

Cheers,
Andrew

X2

By mixing a light grease blende the reel will not be too stiff.

I only use CX in baitcaster spool bearings where maximum freespool is required.
~
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: InVision on April 03, 2016, 01:46:31 PM
First order from replacement due tomorrow.  Second order for all the parts for the 20000FA that they had in stock is due Friday.  Seems like a good place to order, of course most all parts are Discontinued.  I really need a RD8352.  Not found anywhere.

M
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: Wolli on April 03, 2016, 09:00:03 PM
Hi M,

i have two Rear Protectors (RD8352) and one Rear Shield (RD8351). Both in best condition without any damage or corrosion.

The only troubles im living in Germany. Do you know anybody who travels next time to Germany? Shipping by courier is very expensive...

Wolli
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: InVision on April 04, 2016, 08:41:41 AM
Wow.  I wish I knew someone who traveled there.  Any idea how expensive to ship to US Florida 32579?  I would be interested.

M
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: InVision on April 05, 2016, 09:23:27 AM
Well thanks to some help here I have got the Ol' Stella STL20000FA body rebuilt and lubed.  I put it all together with Reel-X (Except Clutch) and then applied Blue marine grease to gears and lightly brush on worm gear.  The result is the smoothest I think I can ever remember in 20 years of owning the reel.

This week I am going to start on the very complex spool drag system.  I purchased some Cal's Drag grease.

Question:  After I disassemble drag clean bearings and such, where do I actually apply the drag grease?

Thanks again for the help !

M
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: Wolli on April 06, 2016, 12:36:51 AM
M.

let you know tomorrow.

Wolli
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: Wolli on April 10, 2016, 11:12:20 AM
Hi M.

its your "birthday"....

just learned that my sister flies end of next week to friends in Kansas.

She takes the parts (Rear Protector, Rear Shiel and the three Screws with her and will mail them to you.

Let me have your complete postal address by PN or Email as soon as possible!

Rgds

Wolli

Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: InVision on April 14, 2016, 09:08:42 AM
Great news.  Sorry for late reply but I was in hospital with a heart issue.  PM sent.  Thank You.

M
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: Bryan Young on April 14, 2016, 12:33:12 PM
Quote from: InVision on April 14, 2016, 09:08:42 AM
Great news.  Sorry for late reply but I was in hospital with a heart issue.  PM sent.  Thank You.

M
WHAAAAAAAT???

I hope everything is well with you. TAKE CARE!
Title: Re: Shimano Stella 20000FA
Post by: InVision on April 27, 2016, 04:57:35 PM
Would just like to go on record saying this member goes beyond.  Thank You Wolfgang (Wolli).

M