Mitchell reels and shims...

[basenjib123]

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.

[foakes]

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

[mo65]

   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.

[handi2]

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.