Reel Maintenance.... help????

[striper74]

O.K., here's my question....  I have a Abu Garcia Ambassaduer  5500 series that I have not done anything to maintain.  I picked it up in 1993 for largemouth fishing and fishing the Delaware river.   I started using for fluking a few seasons ago and it still works perfectly.  I also have a Shimano Torium 30 I bought about a year ago.  What kind of maintenance am I looking at and can I do it myself.  I've taken spinning reels almost completely apart and put them back together no problem.  Last year I got an old penn 750ss from my wife's grandfather that was seized and now works perfectly. I've never touched a conventional though.  Any help greatly appreciated. 

[Bucktail]

I stripped down my Torium last year and I replaced the drag with Carbontex washers.

Here's a link to basic conventional reel maintenance from Shimano.

Here's their new YouTube site with reel maintenance videos.  http://www.youtube.com/fishwithshimano

Alan Tani is another great resource for reel maintenance, trouble shooting and repair.
Torium/Trinidad Service Tutorial

Hope that helps. Good luck!

[striper74]

Thanks for all the links Bucktail.  The 1st Shimano link looks basic enough for me to handle, but that Alan Tani link with all the pictures scares the hell out of me.  Thanks again!

[Bucktail]

If you need help, let me know.

[striper74]

Thanks for the offer, I should be okay.  It's gently used so I don't think I need to get too invasive for this season.  Unfortunately it hasn't had a lot of use.  I just want to make sure I take care of it.  I paid 2 bills for it last year (I know the price has dropped a little).  Thanks for your help!   I definately need to go and deconstruct my Abu Garcia. 

[Bucktail]

Two things to remember:
 
1.  Don't over-lubricate and be especially careful not to allow any oil to get into the drag.

2.  Use the Shimano grease and oil OR (if you plan on using different brands) make sure completely clean out all the old grease and oil first.