Shimano 250 gold ?

**bigfly55** · #1 05-21-2012, 06:53 AM

I have a calcutta 250 that I think I bought in '98 or '99 and it is finally starting to have some issues. I do a basic clean/light oil of the reel after pretty much every trip (even though it has never taken a full salt bath), and it will sing like noones business for the first 50-75 casts on the next trip. However, it will shortly start to make a very unpleasant noise while being cast. Almost like a grinding/catching kinda sound. At this same time, it will take a noticable amount more effort to reel in. The cast control knob is tightening up, so I just have to re-loosen it every 5 casts or so. This happens for about 20-30 casts, and then it will go back to working just fine for the rest of the day.... Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Possible solutions?

**bigfly55** · #2 05-21-2012, 07:02 AM

I do not "overoil" as any oil is applied with a q-tip then wiped with the other end of said q-tip. I use X-1r grease on the worm shaft, and that does stay on, but only use enough to lightly coat it.

**Mike in Friendswood** · #3 05-21-2012, 09:31 AM

You may have a bearing that is going bad. When it is working fine its acting like a bushing (not turning) and when it breaks free it sounds terrible. Just a guess. Also if you are applying oil with a Q-tip, you may not be getting any oil into the bearing. Take out the bearings and spin them on a pencil. They should spin freely and quietly. That would be my best guess.

Mike

**TopWaterPlugger** · #4 05-21-2012, 11:43 AM

could be your anti-reverse bearing. Sometimes they will get a little rust on the rollers and will have that grinding sound. depending on the type bearing it is, it could be taken apart and repaired. otherwise, simply replace it.

**Dipsay** · #5 05-21-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike in Friendswood

You may have a bearing that is going bad. When it is working fine its acting like a bushing (not turning) and when it breaks free it sounds terrible. Just a guess. Also if you are applying oil with a Q-tip, you may not be getting any oil into the bearing. Take out the bearings and spin them on a pencil. They should spin freely and quietly. That would be my best guess.

Mike

X2...Dip

**neale** · #6 05-21-2012, 03:27 PM

Might try replacing the "O" ring on the cast control as it seems to give tension to keep the control knob in adjustment. If that doesn't work try replacing the cast control knob. Know it is metal, but over time it may have split or expanded. Have a Calcutta 250 of the same vintage, used a lot, and still smooth as silk. I did replace the bearings with the anti-rust bearings.

**bigfly55** · #7 05-21-2012, 04:18 PM

thanks everyone. Just did a full tune with replacement bearings that i had and will give it a test run this wknd. There appears to be no corrosion inside any of the replaced bearings. Still roll nicely and no rust or noise of any kind / slight corrosion on certain non-function areas (reel foot, around edges of screw holes) of the reel, but just as would be expected (and probably less than would be expected) for a reel that has lived 15 +- years in our salt environment.

**BustinTops** · #8 05-21-2012, 10:04 PM

What were the old bearings' condition? Just curious.

Edit- woops.....its been covered.

**BustinTops** · #9 05-21-2012, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neale

Might try replacing the "O" ring on the cast control.

X2 on this if the tension knob is not keeping the setting. The pinion gear could be corroded on the inside diameter, especially if its not been looked at in awhile. That can cause some noise on a cast.

**bigfly55** · #10 05-21-2012, 10:28 PM

spellingThere is absolutely no rust to be found on the reel or any parts thereof. The bearings look like new and make no sound whatsoever. Took o-ring off and it is still soft and pliable and not dry or cracked in any way whatsoever. There is slight corrosion where the reel foot attaches to the frame and the screwholes. It looks like what I would consider normal/typical eloctrolosys and does not affect the performance in any way.

I did a full takedown and looked at every little piece and could find nothing out of the ordinary. As I said, I replaced the bearing anyways since I was going through one of my old tournament bags and found an emergency replacement/maintenance baggie and had backups for everything in there. Will report back after the wknd to see if that solved it. Thanks

.

ooohhh...also thought of this. The reel has only ever had monofilament and nothing over 12 pound test. It has caught numerous jacks and I have no idea how many reds/trout and has always performed flawlessly.