Hardy LRH and SA System 6 Maintenance

[NJpatbee]

I have a Hardy Lightweight and Scientific Anglers System 6 that have been unused for over 10 years. I have been unable to find any information on lubrication and maintenance. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Pete]

They're very similar reels...

I still have the booklet that came with my SA System 9:

Cleaning and lubrication

Remove the spool from the frame. Flush away contaminants under a stream of hot water-the hotter the better. Let dry. Wipe all parts with a clean dry cloth and lubricate all moving parts with a thin film of light machine oil. If you prefer, use a dab of light grease on the large spool gear.

Less frequently, and only when necessary, removal Pawl, Regulator Cam and spring housing (refer to page 10). Do not try to remove the Spring housing without first taking out the Regulator Cam. Wipe parts clean with an oily rag and reassemble.

Note: Page 10 has an illustration of the pawl and regulator mechanism.

In another paragraph they recommend basic cleaning and lubrication after every use in salt water. Or at least a daily rinse with weekly lubrication.

I'm not sure if the smaller sizes (or the Hardy) have a regulator cam, but you should be able to adapt.

Disclaimer: The apparent grammatical error was in the booklet. I copied it verbatim.

BTW: I'm assuming this is the old SA series when they were marketing a separate reel (and rod) for each line weight. If so, the booklet also mentions that it was made (handcrafted) by Hardy.

 

[NJpatbee]

Thanks for the information, and yes, the SA 6 was made by Hardy.

 

[Fishin Technician]

The reels that I use are Orvis C.F.O.'s mine were made by Hardy, they are of the spring and pawl system for drag. Once a year, I use Hoppes #9 gun cleaning liquid and degrease the innards of the frame and drag assy, and the gear on the rear of the spool..be careful hoppes and flylines do not get along at all...then I take a lite reel oil in a applicator such as abu-gargia sells and lube the s&p and the drag adjustment area. Do not forget the inside of the spool where the release is and do the release lever on the outside in the middle of the hub. I use a lite synthetic grease like super-lube for the shaft and gear assy, and finally wipe the reel down with a silicone coated gun cloth.....my reels are 25+yrs of age they work like new and look used....because that is a normal aging process I guess. I think of the scratches as battle scars. F/T

 

[topwaterflies]

I have a hardy flyweight I treat it like my muzzleloader soap an water cleaning good wipe down gun oil the workings as not too collect dirt I also dry wipe the outer case inside where my line might come in contact with oil not a good idea too mix I belive

 

[NJpatbee]

Thanks for the tips. I will definitely seek out the silicone grease for the reel shaft and the silicone cloth.

Hoppes #9 or soap and water - any strong opinions or preference?

 

[Pete]

I don't know the chemical composition of Hoppes, so I cant say much about that.

I general, Solvents (naptha, toluene, gasoline & etc) don't play nice with bearings. Most industrial bearing manufacturers won't honor the warranty on a bearing that's been degreased with an aromatic hydrocarbon. Even what appears to be a plain brass or bronze bushing, might actually be sintered metal with lubricant "built in".

Soap or detergent could be a problem if any remnants remain. If you must use it, follow with enough hot water to get rid of it all.

I'd stick with plain hot water, (under pressure if necessary) unless you have a contaminant it won't remove. If any moisture remains, moderate heat or a water displacing product (like WD-40) can be used before applying the oil and/or grease....Do not get any WD-40 on your line.

 

[NJpatbee]

Thanks - I'll play it safe