Cleaned a Stiff Mitchell 300

[Dave_K]

Hi all,

First post here.
I've just finished disassembling, cleaning and reassembling an old Mitchell 300. It was functional but stiff.
On reassembly I tried water resistant wheel bearing grease but that seems to make too much resistance,
particularly where the slide and shaft are concerned. I removed that grease and used light oil to reassemble,
as a test. Now it's very free. I'd like a light grease for the gears and slide which won't stiffen things up again.
Suggestions please?

[piscesman]

Welcome to the site. There have been discussions on this before. Probably buried in some thread here. Everyone has their own opinion. I use marine bearing grease and light weight oil, applied with a small brush. You don't need a lot of grease either. Just be careful when taking reel apart. Many small washers and shims will go awol and cause you grief.
Kim

[jtwill98]

I too find grease like Penn Reel grease to thick and sticky and thin it down with some synthetic oil like SuperLube.

Here lately, I've been using FluidFilm, a lanolin based grease. It is the same grease I use on my car lift slides. It prevents rust and after several years hasn't become sticky and it's convenient because I have a gallon of it.

Lubriplate or Mil-Comm Tw25b Gun Grease are other alternatives that I have used with good results.

[GreatLaker]

Dave_K,
Try using the search window there are many posts on this.
Personally here is a link I posted several years ago with my suggestions.

https://mitchellreelmuseum.com/forum/vi ... 64c0#p3069

Kind Regards,
Bill