I'm rather new at working on Mitchell Reels so I apologize if this is a dumb question. How does one know when a shim is needed on these reels? I mean, its it obvious or is it a more subtle thing? Thanks, Joe.
If the operation is smooth, quiet, and tight -- the shims are OK.
If not -- it will take from 1 to 4 new shims to shim just the rotating head.
Unfortunately, it is not an exact number -- it is more kind of a trial and error deal.
Best,
Fred
You must be working on a 300, as in my experience the 300 is the only model that requires all the shim tweaking. Also, even when the correct "feel" is reached, the reel will still growl a bit, it's just a result of the 300's gearing. Fred is spot on...it is a trial and error process. 8)
You will be lucky to find a 300 with all its shims. They have been apart so many times they get lost. The ones I open that are still stock do have have shims under the gears and the rotor.