Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Is is okay to put grease under the rotor cup? I was thinking that it might make the reel smoother but I was also concerned that it could get into the roller clutch assembly. Opinions?

What reel are we talking about here and where precisely are we putting grease?

most spinners that I know of wouldn't gain any smoothness just by adding grease under the rotor cup

I wasn't referring to any reel in particular but spinning reels in general.

I tried it out on an old Penn 6500ss and it definitely gave the reel a different feel but I've never seen anyone put grease there in any of the tutorials. The reel was a little bit harder to turn but it did feel a little smoother to me. I figured that I would try it and see what other people thought. I assumed that it would help protect it from the elements as well.

This might not be a good idea to do on a Shimano though with the roller clutch, correct?

I don't use Spinning Reels but what happens when Sand gets in there.

Mike

Quote from: fatstriper on June 25, 2014, 02:54:23 AM
I wasn't referring to any reel in particular but spinning reels in general.

I tried it out on an old Penn 6500ss and it definitely gave the reel a different feel but I've never seen anyone put grease there in any of the tutorials. The reel was a little bit harder to turn but it did feel a little smoother to me. I figured that I would try it and see what other people thought. I assumed that it would help protect it from the elements as well.

This might not be a good idea to do on a Shimano though with the roller clutch, correct?

So, depending on the reel usually under the rotor is the heart of the beast (pinion, bearings and anti-reverse bearing). Most spinning reels do very well with extra *light* grease there for protection and aggressive greasing can add an additional barrier for those worried about a dunk in the wash surf fishing.

It is a problem with Shimanos as the Roller Clutch Assembly does not tolerate grease at all and in fact, should be left completely dry. So no grease near it.

Also, it is a sand magnet. This is actually good as it prevents it from getting deeper into the reel, but it will have to be cleaned out and replaced if it does collect some.

To improve smoothness the single best thing you can do is oil the main shaft instead of using grease. Grease makes the long travel inside the pinion too "sticky" and oil will free it up.

Lastly, just to emphasize, a light marine grease is best or one cut by an oil. Spinning reels notoriously have limited cranking power and heavy and sticky greases can make them feel sluggish. I generously apply light grease for protection (Penn) and avoid using heavy bearing greases on spinning reels.

Quote from: johndtuttle on June 25, 2014, 04:17:58 AM

Quote from: fatstriper on June 25, 2014, 02:54:23 AM
I wasn't referring to any reel in particular but spinning reels in general.

I tried it out on an old Penn 6500ss and it definitely gave the reel a different feel but I've never seen anyone put grease there in any of the tutorials. The reel was a little bit harder to turn but it did feel a little smoother to me. I figured that I would try it and see what other people thought. I assumed that it would help protect it from the elements as well.

This might not be a good idea to do on a Shimano though with the roller clutch, correct?

So, depending on the reel usually under the rotor is the heart of the beast (pinion, bearings and anti-reverse bearing). Most spinning reels do very well with extra *light* grease there for protection and aggressive greasing can add an additional barrier for those worried about a dunk in the wash surf fishing.

It is a problem with Shimanos as the Roller Clutch Assembly does not tolerate grease at all and in fact, should be left completely dry. So no grease near it.

Also, it is a sand magnet. This is actually good as it prevents it from getting deeper into the reel, but it will have to be cleaned out and replaced if it does collect some.

To improve smoothness the single best thing you can do is oil the main shaft instead of using grease. Grease makes the long travel inside the pinion too "sticky" and oil will free it up.

Lastly, just to emphasize, a light marine grease is best or one cut by an oil. Spinning reels notoriously have limited cranking power and heavy and sticky greases can make them feel sluggish. I generously apply light grease for protection (Penn) and avoid using heavy bearing greases on spinning reels.

Thanks John, that is some really useful and insightful information. I have to work on a spinning reel tonight and I will try cutting the grease with an oil. I will also try oiling the main shaft.

As for adding grease under the rotor cup, I will continue to add it to my Penn spinning reels that I use for surf fishing. I assumed as much with the Shimanos, it specifically warns you about getting grease in the roller clutch. 

I grease it with a toothbrush and wipe off excess grease. Same with the under side of the spool where no drag washer exist.

Quote from: Bryan Young on June 25, 2014, 04:50:06 AM
I grease it with a toothbrush and wipe off excess grease. Same with the under side of the spool where no drag washer exist.

What is the benefit of greasing the under side of the spool. To protect it from corrosion?

Yes greasing the under side of the Penn Spinfisher spools is common practice. Just enough to leave a fingerprint. I have also seen many, even new in the box, that had a little grease under the spool, in the center nut where the rotor mates to the anti-reverse ratchet. I then grease under the spool retaining washer and nut.

I do when the spinner has a dog instead of a roller anti reverse bearing. I feel it helps protect from salt spray and the resulting corrosion.

That's correct...for corrosion protection.  Any metal part is subject to corrosion, and a little protection in an unseen area is better than none.