I have a Shimano Sienna 4000 that acted up on me last sunday. The reel "squeeks" when i turn the handle. My question is would it be ok to use the oil lube that came with my abu garcia 6501C3 to oil my shimano? I don't want to take my reel into the shop and have to shell out money. The reel has taken a few dunkings though and every time that happens, an oil slick appears on the water. Since I only use this reel for river fishing do I still need to hose off the reel after each use?

Using Abu Garcia oil on a Shimano reel will cause the reel to malfunction at best, and at worst, possibly explode, killing all life within a 3 mile radius. Do not under any circumstances use Abu oil!

Go to whatever lengths it takes to obtain the proper Shimano oil. If Shimano oil is unavailable, carefully wrap your reel in cheesecloth and hermetically seal it in a Tuffies garbage bag (note, do NOT use Glad bags or you will suffer dire consequences!!)

Once hermetically sealed, drive it in your boat at least 32 miles offshore and gently lower it into the water after saying the appropriate prayers.

Proceed to the nearest sporting goods store and purchase another Abu Garcia product.

Good luck.

AS

I use Penn oil on my Shimano Spinning rod, and it seems to work fine.

This is Really Old Penn oil too. Like from before my time old. I really should use the Abu Oil that came with my other reels.

What I am curious about is the fancy designer oils people have mentioned. (Something like "super Yeti Red Racer reel lube") I may be off a bit on the name. Are they worth finding, purchasing and then remembering to use?

BTW: John's Sporting Goods, auth Shimano Abu repair, tells me to NEVER rinse my reels off in water after using them in the salt. Just spray them down w/ WD40 and wipe off excess. (at least that's what he said about my baitcaster)

I don't know why he would tell you not to rinse your reels off after using them in salt water. Salt is water soluable not oil soluable. There is a chance of getting water into the internal workings of your reel but hopefully there is oil in there which is not soluable in water. That same chance exists when you fish. The water that may get into those areas will run out taking some of the possible salt contamination with it. JM2C

For what it's worth.....I would shell out $5 and buy Shimano oil (although I'm sure the other stuff would work, if it's not THAT old. Don't hose off reels. Run water (low pressure) over them (avoid getting water inside them). I only do this if the reel can't be wiped clean, which is rare. Dunking reels ruins them (unless they are cleaned and re-lubed afterwards). Yes, I know you can dunk them, but they won't last nearly as long if you do.

I agree with New Guy. I didn't mean to sound like you should use high pressure to clean your reel it is best IMHO to use low pressure and wipe as you rinse using little water and more elbow grease. You really should avoid getting water inside your reel if possible.