Cleaning an old Shimano Crestfire?
Dec 4, 2019 19:11:07 #
I found and old Crestfire low profile reel out in my garage. It's hardly had any use but has been sitting out there collecting dust and oxidizing for probably 15 years or so. So I want to give it a good cleaning and lubrication and I don't really have a clue what I'm doing. It's a baitcaster and all my experience is with spinning reels. I put it in the sink with some Dawn ( a pretty good de-greaser ) and let it soak for couple hours, then I put it through the dishwasher. Now I want to really de-grease with alcohol and then lube. Should I just throw it in a bucket of alcohol to smoke, or should I take the covers off and do that? Or what? Could use some advice here.
Dec 4, 2019 19:25:04 #
I don't know, Spirit. Is it worth the $20.00 to have it professionally cleaned? Otherwise, I would google "How to clean a bait cast reel" and have at it. Good luck!
Dec 4, 2019 19:32:51 #
jzobo77
Loc: Kingman, Az.
I don't know how to clean it up any better than what your doing. But I always for years spray my reels down with WD40. And for lubes I use a product call "Super Lube" Grease. And they have a spray also. Hope this was some help. Back in the 1980 when I was working in a sporting good store, Shimano was my top seller and they would void your warranty if you did not clean your reel with WD40.
Dec 4, 2019 19:47:58 #
And I have heard not to clean your reel with WD40. (???????)
Dec 4, 2019 19:52:53 #
I am a firm believer in wd40 as a water displacement product. It's not a bad lubricant. It's a horrible lubricant. An old Navy warrant officer taught me that lesson some 45 years ago when I's working on radars and rotating antennas exposed on the weather decks of small boats. You don't find a much harsher environment. I use it regularly and skimpily on all my reels. Anybody know if it reacts with fishing line? I'm not sure, but I don't see how it can't do something.
Dec 4, 2019 20:07:48 #
flyguy wrote:
I don't know, Spirit. Is it worth the $20.00 to have it professionally cleaned? Otherwise, I would google "How to clean a bait cast reel" and have at it. Good luck!
Nah, I want to learn how to do it myself and this is a great little reel to practice on because if I screw it up it won't be a big loss. Google and youtube and this forum. We'll figure it out.
Dec 4, 2019 23:13:56 #
kvothe
Loc: West Deptford new jersey, but the salt calls
Used to climb the mast myself and clean the thing that looked like a tiny umbrella skeleton that was situated UNDER the first beam on the main mast USS Nimitz CVN 68 it was just, wait for it ....PMS!!!!
Dec 4, 2019 23:14:43 #
kvothe
Loc: West Deptford new jersey, but the salt calls
Pms = Planned maintenance system in navy talk lol
Dec 4, 2019 23:16:37 #
kvothe
Loc: West Deptford new jersey, but the salt calls
Oh, Id take the reel to a PRO and let him have a looksee, they always have some special knowledge about my gear
Dec 4, 2019 23:28:01 #
I was with Beachmaster Unit out of Coronado, the Phib base. Worked on navigation radars on the LCU's. Among other things.
Dec 5, 2019 01:14:25 #
Anyone know how to get the side plate off this thing to mess with the brakes? Watched a video and dude popped it right off, didn't mention it at all, like it was no big deal and any idiot could figure it out. Uh huh.
Dec 5, 2019 01:14:46 #
Dec 5, 2019 08:19:24 #
Dec 5, 2019 09:51:16 #
ccrewstx
Loc: Just south of Houston, Tx near Alvin
Start with the handle side then the rest of it. Be sure to get a parts schematic for it from internet. All shimano reels have parts diagrams there. Also take pics as you go since menory may fail. also put parts in definitive places as remove so not mix up screws and etc. Hope you did not ruin bearings but there is internet direction on cleaning bearings and be sure to put bearings on a tapered cork or similar stick etc and spin bearing on a dremel or drill to get all water out then lube good. I use an artist type paint brush handle in a dremel or drill to fit into bearings and hold bearing with cloth.
Dec 5, 2019 10:46:47 #
JRK227
Loc: Cedarburg, WI
Use a muffin or cup cake pan to keep parts organized as you disassemble the reel for cleaning. If you have never done this before, take pictures on your phone of each step. It takes the guess work out of putting it back together.
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