Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Here is a comparison of the new Tranx 300B versus the old 300A.  Shimano did get rid of the handle shaft seal over the clutch bearing, but that will not affect what your buddy experienced (large amount of salt accumulation on the inside when the reel is exposed to salt spray and  not flushed with freshwater).  Looks like they kept all the rest of the seals:

https://youtu.be/pkRojzUjZZQ?si=w09L0_IQtjj2exdc

Don't know if they did the same to the 400.

Some other interesting changes include a different side plate mechanism for the non-handle side, so maybe less accidental detachments.  Also a plastic worm with a worm gear that has a spring clutch so that any excessive load on the levelwind will cause the worm to slip instead of wear. And now the casting break can be adjusted without removing the side plate.  So it looks like Shimano has been listening and is mostly addressing the main durability and usability issues on the Tranx.

-J

Quote from: jurelometer on May 13, 2025, 07:15:59 PMAlso a plastic worm with a worm gear that has a spring clutch so that any excessive load on the levelwind will cause the worm to slip instead of wear.

ABU switched to a plastic idler gear in the tail plate so the levelwind carriage could not break or cut off your finger tip if it was caught.

Quote from: steelfish on May 05, 2025, 05:29:26 PMTranx 500 with salt problem?  naah 

this is a tranx 500 I've been working on, still waiting for the replacement parts and tons of bearings that need to be replaced.

I am not the most precise with my cleaning routine, usually just empty the remains in my water bottle over the reel when fishing onshore, and after a boat I do a more thorough job by washing under running water.    Have never experienced anything like you are showing here.

Are those salt crystals or grains of sand in the reel?

Quote from: Cor on May 14, 2025, 07:01:12 AMAre those salt crystals or grains of sand in the reel?

Both

grains of sand and salt crystals, I was told the reel showed some problems while using it and the owner took the reel out from the rod and put another reel and left the tranx on a place of the boat where the water(splashed) could reach it, the reel stayed in the same place for months until they though it could be a good idea to send it to me to look for the problem.      

Good video, thanks Dave. Guy's a bit of a wisenheimer, reminds me of someone I know... Some cool new technology on the Tranx.
Don't know about all those—what I would call "pseudo-seals". Worth it? Maybe... or maybe it's better to be able to flush and dry. Then again, there's those tiny moving part—spaces where water can work it's way in.

Quote from: steelfish on May 14, 2025, 04:24:45 PM

Quote from: Cor on May 14, 2025, 07:01:12 AMAre those salt crystals or grains of sand in the reel?

Both

grains of sand and salt crystals, I was told the reel showed some problems while using it and the owner took the reel out from the rod and put another reel and left the tranx on a place of the boat where the water(splashed) could reach it, the reel stayed in the same place for months until they though it could be a good idea to send it to me to look for the problem.      

Surely grains of sand are a curse on levelwind reels and such should not be used on beaches, one grain of sand will stop levelwind in its tracks, could damage it?