I have two ABU Cardinal 66 reels which I very occasionally use for pike fishing. They have never been serviced and have become stiff. How can I remove the grease (without taking them totally apart) and not damage the paint (stove enameled?)?
If you can remove the side plate then you can use a cheap artist's paint brush and Q Tips dipped white spirit to remove the gunge. Then let the diluted gunge drain out and repeat until the gunge is totally removed. To re lube I use a mixture of lithium grease and sewing machine oil mixed up in an old split shot container. Then use a different brush to apply the grease.
Take the spool off and spray GT85 on the central spindle. Wined it a few times and repeat the process until the reel becomes smooth again. Or take the side plate off (1 screw) spray GT85 in the works put the plate back on and give it a good wined, should make it smooth again.