I tore this 301 all the way down to one single part and cleaned, oiled and greased everything. I put it back together using this video and an exploded diagram. [url] https://youtu.be/SSQEvdpkTqo/url]
The reel makes a grinding sound but only when held horizontally. I know it sounds like the anti reverse but the sound disappears when I take the pinion gear out and reappears when I put it back in. Any ideas about where the sound is coming from?
Here is a video of the problem
[url]https://youtu.be/KvoLFp57mwU/url]
[img]https://alantani.com/index.php?action=d ... ;image/img]
Video of grinding noise
Re: Video of grinding noise
This link, [url]https://youtu.be/KvoLFp57mwU/url], doesn't work on my computer.
Re: Video of grinding noise
My guess is when you cleaned it either a shim was lost, easy to do when cleaning the old grease off or it got put back in the wrong spot
Re: Video of grinding noise
I will agree with Syd, there is a shim (81024) under the rotor head that's easily visible that wears out over time. I doubt it went missing.
It can be tested for play by grabbing the rotor and pulling it away from the body and then pushing it towards the body. There should be very little movement, if any.
Another item to check is to see if the tiny shim (81047) under the pinion gear went awol when you put the pinion gear back onto the shaft. It's very easy to miss.
If you need the schematic for reference, there's one available at https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=29929.0. Also the folks over there have some very experienced folks there who can help you diagnose the issue.
It can be tested for play by grabbing the rotor and pulling it away from the body and then pushing it towards the body. There should be very little movement, if any.
Another item to check is to see if the tiny shim (81047) under the pinion gear went awol when you put the pinion gear back onto the shaft. It's very easy to miss.
If you need the schematic for reference, there's one available at https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=29929.0. Also the folks over there have some very experienced folks there who can help you diagnose the issue.
- GreatLaker
- Posts: 281
- Joined: Sat Jun 12, 2021 1:05 am
Re: Video of grinding noise
CDK, Welcome to the Mitchell Reel Museum Forum.
First let me say that I do not recommend any of the YouTube video's on servicing Mitchell 300 reels. The only exception would be the videos Wallace Carney made via the Mitchell Reel Museum years ago. Here is a link to them:
https://www.youtube.com/@Mitchellreelmuseum/videos
It will be very difficult to tell what the problem is not being able to see the reel and examine it.
Here is what I would do if I were in your shoes:
Are you the original owner of the reel? If not where did it come from?
We will be looking forward to your response.
Kind Regards,
Bill

First let me say that I do not recommend any of the YouTube video's on servicing Mitchell 300 reels. The only exception would be the videos Wallace Carney made via the Mitchell Reel Museum years ago. Here is a link to them:
https://www.youtube.com/@Mitchellreelmuseum/videos
It will be very difficult to tell what the problem is not being able to see the reel and examine it.
Here is what I would do if I were in your shoes:
- First I suggest you post a few clear close-up photos of your reel. We will need photos of the side of the reel where the handle is (showing a clear view of the cover plate); we need to see the opposite side of the reel (opposite handle side), also a photo of the rotor positioned so that we can see the bail and line guide, a photo of the inside of the rotor (without the spool) showing the baffle plate, and spool axle.
- Next, we need to know what the serial number is for your reel, if possible. This helps us determine when the reel was made. The serial number is located either on the bottom of the reel foot or on the side of the housing, opposite the handle. It can be very difficult to read the letters and numbers and I frequently use a magnifying glass to do it.
Are you the original owner of the reel? If not where did it come from?
We will be looking forward to your response.

Kind Regards,
Bill
