Box of Tekota’s came in the mail today from Seattle.  500’s and 600’s.  Three of the four suffer from the same problem, corroded handle to the drag sleeve.  Grrrr.  Instead of tear down, clean, inspect, replace worn parts, assemble and return.  The job gets much more complicated.  Without removing the handle, you can’t get to the rest of the reels internal parts.  So now the dance, first step, penetrating oil, heat, freeze, repeat until freed from corrosions grip.

Next neutralize the corrosion with 50/50 water and vinegar soaking for 15 minutes.  Rinse and dry.  Liberal application of CorrosionX and get on with the rest of the reel.  The one way bearing in these reels is always susceptible to saltwater intrusion.  Remove, flush and pack with good marine grease and install.  Depending on the age of the reel, some came with carbon fiber drags some do not.  All these reels required new Carbon fiber drag washers.  Grease them lightly with Cal’s drag grease and install.

Spool bearings need to be flushed and re-oiled with TSI-321.  Remove the race and soak submersed until cleaned thoroughly with lighter fluid then alcohol and let air dry on a paper towel.  I throw them in the ultrasonic cleaner in an open container with lighter fluid for the best results.  Never attempt this with a flammable fluid in a closed container.

Inspect the main gear and pinion for wear and corrosion.  The under side of the gear typically needs to be cleaned up and the corrosion knocked off.  I use a Dremel with a fine buffing wheel.  Brings the finish back to near mirror.  While I am there I run a cotton swab on another Dremel with some polishing compound on the inside of the pinion to clean it up.  Be sure to clean after with some alcohol .

Check the level wind gear and inspect the pawl for excessive wear.  Grease the rest of the  internal parts and under the rings and assemble.  Test free spool, test drag, check screw tightness and wipe down with a clean cloth to remove and excess grease and oil.  Next…

This series Shimano is very popular in the Pacific Northwest for salmon fishing in and around the Puget Sound.  I work on 50+ every year.  When properly maintained and with a little basic care they perform wonderfully with strong smooth drags and quiet operation.