Shimano reel(s) Issue

[Capt. BassinLou]

I wanted to share some information with you guys, and maybe someone has a solution.

As many of you know. I'm an avid Shimano reel user, and Mike does all my reel servicing. I take care of my reels and fish them hard. The following pictures are my personal reels, and I'm sure Mike is ok with me sharing my reel issues.

I'm having condensation issues, causing internal corrosion problems on bearings and other parts.



I/We suspect keeping my reels covered after use could be the culprit. Another theory is my home waters. I do not fish brackish or salt water with these reels, but you would assume I did when you saw inside my reels.



Has anyone else had internal corrosion issues with their Shimano's? If you have, do you keep your reels covered after use?

Thanks for reading.

[J.W.]

Dang. Can you feel the corrosion (like "crunchy" bearings), or would you only notice this if you opened the reel up? My son has some Shimanos. We don't use reel covers. We haven't noticed any corrosion on any reels yet, but I haven't opened those Shimanos up, either. Maybe it's there and I just don't know it yet.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Dang. Can you feel the corrosion (like "crunchy" bearings), or would you only notice this if you opened the reel up? My son has some Shimanos. We don't use reel covers. We haven't noticed any corrosion on any reels yet, but I haven't opened those Shimanos up, either. Maybe it's there and I just don't know it yet.

The reels started feeling and sounding  very "geary".  Especially when I would hook into a bass. I knew they were getting bad, when I could hear the reels in my videos.

[Capt. BassinLou]

The good news is, my reels arrived today, and they are good to go! Putting them back to work tomorrow!

[J.W.]

The good news is, my reels arrived today, and they are good to go! Putting them back to work tomorrow!

 

So question is, are you going to keep using the reel covers or ditch them to see if it makes any difference?

[Capt. BassinLou]

The good news is, my reels arrived today, and they are good to go! Putting them back to work tomorrow!

 

So question is, are you going to keep using the reel covers or ditch them to see if it makes any difference?

I'm ditching them for now to see test.

[FlatsNBay]

I've never heard of that happening before. I bet it's the reel covers.

[Hobious]

that is weird.  by the act of fishing the reels get wet.  the fishing-line drags in so much water alone.

this makes zero sense to me.  reels get wet. 

so we are thinking the reel covers are not allowing the water to evaporate?

[Capt. BassinLou]

that is weird.  by the act of fishing the reels get wet.  the fishing-line drags in so much water alone.

this makes zero sense to me.  reels get wet. 

so we are thinking the reel covers are not allowing the water to evaporate?

Correct. My theory is that the neoprene reel covers retain moisture and prevents evaporation.

[big g]

Lou, leave them strapped on the deck on the way home, that will air them out for sure. 

[Dark3]

Ive always used covers and Ive never seen this before.


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[Dark3]

What are you using to oil these bearings?


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[Princeton_Man]

that is weird.  by the act of fishing the reels get wet.  the fishing-line drags in so much water alone.

this makes zero sense to me.  reels get wet. 

so we are thinking the reel covers are not allowing the water to evaporate?

Correct. My theory is that the neoprene reel covers retain moisture and prevents evaporation.

I've long suspected covering reels while line and particularly braid is still wet could lead to moisture problems. Most of the time, I don't put the reel covers back on until I clean up and reorganize from a trip and that can be a week or more. Plenty of time for the line to dry.

[Capt. BassinLou]

that is weird.  by the act of fishing the reels get wet.  the fishing-line drags in so much water alone.

this makes zero sense to me.  reels get wet. 

so we are thinking the reel covers are not allowing the water to evaporate?

Correct. My theory is that the neoprene reel covers retain moisture and prevents evaporation.

I've long suspected covering reels while line and particularly braid is still wet could lead to moisture problems. Most of the time, I don't put the reel covers back on until I clean up and reorganize from a trip and that can be a week or more. Plenty of time for the line to dry.

That makes sense.

[FlatsNBay]

I've been thinking about your problem and I've got the solution figured out. Buy a Daiwa!! 

[Capt. BassinLou]

I wanted to come back and give you guys an update on the working theory I posted about originally in regards to odd reel corrosion.

I had to send this same reel back to Mike because a spring was malfunctioning in the thumbar. Not the reels fault, I work this reel hard as Mike can attest to.

When Mike opened up the reel this time, he found zero corrosion issues from the last time he had the reel last year.

I believe my theory was correct. The reel cover may have played a role  causing internal corrosion. 

I will say it again. For the price point, these SLX reels are work horse reels that can withstand abuse!

Thanks again for the help, Mike! You're turn around was awesome!

[J.W.]

Thanks for the update, Lou. Glad to hear the corrosion didn't continue.

[big g]

Thanks for sharing Captain.

[Mike Cork]

It was cool to get to tear into the same reel again and see a difference.

You know we should get you a field test position with Shimano since you have the ability to put some wear and tear on them through excessive use

[Capt. BassinLou]

It was cool to get to tear into the same reel again and see a difference.

You know we should get you a field test position with Shimano since you have the ability to put some wear and tear on them through excessive use

That would be fun!! We both know which one of those reels would not score high. Thanks again for the quick turnaround time, Mike!