Hardy Altex No3 - a reel conundrum!
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2019 3:39 pm
Afternoon All,
I've spent the last few weeks rescuing an Altex No3 MkV originally purchased for spares, but I took pity on it. Hours have been spent de-greasing, flushing, cleaning, etc. New springs and a new line guide roller fitted (the latter courtesy of a Dam 330 - perfect fit). Where the screw head for the circular inspection plate was sheared off (not drillable, nor retrievable) I've cut and filed an original screw head and stuck it on so to offer an edge to the plate (as it were).
Having studiously read all posts relating to these reels (thank you all), I decided not to attempt to get at the bearings despite being pretty competent at reel restoration. The Altex is now a 'user', but the problem is lubrication of the bearings. The reel was a dog when I bought it, and the bearings were rusted, with a nice bone tingling crunch in there somewhere. Copious amounts of flushing and cotton buds behind the rotor on the spindle have alleviated this, but in comparison to my other ones it sounds dry and isn't as smooth. As well as gun oil on both ends of the spindle, I've tried a bit of chainsaw oil as it is designed to stick (and I appreciate this isn't usually recommended, but nothing to lose!). As you will appreciate if you've played around with an Altex, the spindle from the cup side has a spiral groove to help oil through.
Any suggestions to further 'wet' the race greatly appreciated. I imagine the bearings were rusted to the degree of near disintegration when I received it (and it was cheap)!
Regards Cat
I've spent the last few weeks rescuing an Altex No3 MkV originally purchased for spares, but I took pity on it. Hours have been spent de-greasing, flushing, cleaning, etc. New springs and a new line guide roller fitted (the latter courtesy of a Dam 330 - perfect fit). Where the screw head for the circular inspection plate was sheared off (not drillable, nor retrievable) I've cut and filed an original screw head and stuck it on so to offer an edge to the plate (as it were).
Having studiously read all posts relating to these reels (thank you all), I decided not to attempt to get at the bearings despite being pretty competent at reel restoration. The Altex is now a 'user', but the problem is lubrication of the bearings. The reel was a dog when I bought it, and the bearings were rusted, with a nice bone tingling crunch in there somewhere. Copious amounts of flushing and cotton buds behind the rotor on the spindle have alleviated this, but in comparison to my other ones it sounds dry and isn't as smooth. As well as gun oil on both ends of the spindle, I've tried a bit of chainsaw oil as it is designed to stick (and I appreciate this isn't usually recommended, but nothing to lose!). As you will appreciate if you've played around with an Altex, the spindle from the cup side has a spiral groove to help oil through.
Any suggestions to further 'wet' the race greatly appreciated. I imagine the bearings were rusted to the degree of near disintegration when I received it (and it was cheap)!
Regards Cat