Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => General Questions and Trouble Shooting => Topic started by: Lunker Larry on March 31, 2014, 02:10:40 PM

Title: Is the drag grease the issue?
Post by: Lunker Larry on March 31, 2014, 02:10:40 PM
Doing a lot of reels as everyone is getting ready for the summer up here. The way this winter is going it may be a long wait.
I've been thinking about this for a while. Regarding Shimano and their dartanium drag washers getting sticky. I have used Cal's on these washers and find I don't see the issues that I did when I used the Shimano grease.
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed this? Is it the washers or the grease?
Title: Re: Is the drag grease the issue?
Post by: Bryan Young on March 31, 2014, 03:08:43 PM
It's really the washers.   The dartanium washers are solid carbon disks and like any smooth, flat surface, if you put a liquid between them it becomes like a vaccum.  It is that vaccum that creates the sticky drags.
Title: Re: Is the drag grease the issue?
Post by: Lunker Larry on March 31, 2014, 08:00:04 PM
That makes sense, but when removed they feel sticky and have spots where it looks like the grease has built up.
Thanks for the reply. Just one of those things I noticed.
Title: Re: Is the drag grease the issue?
Post by: Keta on March 31, 2014, 09:36:30 PM
Grease mixes with the carbon as it wears down and makes the gunk that causes the rough drag.
Title: Re: Is the drag grease the issue?
Post by: Lunker Larry on March 31, 2014, 10:59:03 PM
Is it that way with all drag grease. Like I mentioned, I notice it more with the Shimano grease.
Title: Re: Is the drag grease the issue?
Post by: Keta on March 31, 2014, 11:44:14 PM
Quote from: Lunker Larry on March 31, 2014, 10:59:03 PM
Is it that way with all drag grease.

Yes, when the washers get hot they start to break down and mix with the grease.  Dartanium was not a good drag material.
Title: Re: Is the drag grease the issue?
Post by: Lunker Larry on April 02, 2014, 01:39:24 AM
Thanks all. Appreciate the response.

LL