bushing reel maintenace

Bushing reels rely on a very thin oil film and clearances for optimal performance. Optimal startup wont be achieved until the reel is fished and critical surfaces wear in. Spinning it on your couch will take forever. Not much else to say here but go fish it!

Clean the pin using a soft cloth. Clean the groove of the pin thoroughly.  Inspect the pin for any damage, it should be smooth and shiny with no major wear marks or damage.

Use a Q-Tip to remove any foreign contamination and old oil. Wear markings on the bronze bushing are normal, but major gouges or bronze shavings are not. Dirt or lack of lubrication are the leading cause of excessive bushing wear.

This lever clips into the groove of the spindle and is responsible for holding the spool onto the reel. Make sure the area around the lever is clean and free from dirt and sand. Check that the lever operates freely and springs back. Be careful not to pull up and bend the lever, and do not push the spool onto the reel without pulling the lever open first. Do not remove the cap, small parts will fly. Contact me for assistance if you encounter an issue with the lever mechanism.

Oil is vital to prevent internal metal on metal contact and keep the reel spinning well. Apply one to two drops of light oil onto the journals of the pin (the larger diameters), the tip, and into the groove. 

Common oils used are gun oil, sewing machine oil and air tool oil. Avoid oil that may turn milky when in contact with moisture, or thicken drastically in the cold.  If you have a favorite oil that works for you, I'd love to hear about it. I have been a fan of air tool oil as it is one of the thinnest oils available. 

Over time, especially with a new reel, the set screw and retaining lever will bed in. This will produce some axial (in/out) play and will be heard as a "clank" while reeling. Should you wish to eliminate it, adjust the set screw clockwise 1/32-1/16 of a turn at a time and recheck. The reel should have minimal axial movement, without any binding. Older reels use a 1/16" Allen key, newer ones use a 5/64" Allen key. You may need to readjust throughout the season. When in doubt, keep the adjustment on the looser side.

The end play adjustment set screw we just discussed is held in place using a low strength thread locker. It should be adjustable, but held in place. If the set screw is very free spinning, immediately remove it and apply a low strength thread locker, or contact me for assistance.

Should you encounter any issues with debris out on the field, it is acceptable to rinse the reel in the river to flush out contamination. I advise carrying a small bottle of oil with you as running the reel dry will accelerate wear.

Often a bushing reel will slow down in below freezing temps. If you are fishing in extremely cold weather, avoid over oiling. Oil will thicken in sub zero temps drastically slowing down the reel. If needed, wipe a bit of the oil off the spindle, or use a lighter viscosity. Do not dunk any reel into the river while temperatures are below freezing.

Have a question or need help with something?   Shoot me an email and I will respond ASAP.