Alvey Side Cast Reel

[NormC]

I've got an Alvey Star Drag 650 reel that I've had for over 30 years. Used to get heaps of use in it's early days, but pretty irregular for the past 15 years or so.

I'm heading for Fraser for a week in early Oct, so got it out to give it a service. Pulled it apart, sprayed everything with RP7 to lift the dirt and old oil. Cleaned it off and sprayed it with Lanoguard, then wiped off the excess so a bit remains on all the moving parts. Is that a reasonable service?

Can't believe how freely it runs!
I'll respool it with new 20 or 30 lb line and I'm in business.

This is all good, but I do have a question.
Several of the washers are 'non metalic'. Not sure what they are made of. I'm wondering if after all this time, they should be replaced. They seem fine, though from memory some are a bit thinner than they were 30 years ago (or perhaps it is just that I'm a bit thicker)

Anyone know whether these washers should be replaced regularly (like ever 30 years or so). Or do I just keep using it for another 30 years.

Thanks
Norm C

[mylestom]

NormC,

Hard to say unless you are looking at the washers.

But with alveys if its working, I think it will hold together for another 10 years or so.

Some of the old reels that we have would go back 40years and still go fine.

Great reels and most of the maintenance is just a clean with fresh water.

Side Note-

While we were at Awoonga in May an old fellow with alvey and surf rod with 16lb mono caught a metre plus barra. Wanted to know what all the fuss was with barra outfits and 50lb braid. Go Figure.

Trev

[CHRIS_aka_GWH]

Norm they'd probably be compressed-fibre washers red / or the rubber black ones. Either way they apply a "sprung-pressure" between the "true" working washers that are the metal ones or the compressed fibre washers provide a limited degree of slip so that as the drag is tightened or put under pressure the metal washers don't grab and rip each other. A washer kit from your closest bait & tackle shop (not tackle supermarket) is the way to to if you want to re-washer - only costs a few bucks and you'll find your drag settings will be a lot more sensitive to minor adjustment.

But as the other guys said - I've got reels 20 years old that have only been rewashered once -

I always rinse in fresh - store out of the sun - back the drag off and never use lubricant sprays. Alveys work best with minimal lube - a little grease on the base of the axle - a touch of machine oil on the head of the handle bolts - thats it.

chris

[Feral]

I've got one exactly the same & similar age. Yours has had more of a service than mine, mine got a bit more reel grease added under the centre nut the other month, respooled it with 12lb at the same time. Thats all the servicing it has ever had and it works perfectly.