Product Description
Mitchell 81428 Drive Gear – Heavy-Duty Saltwater Component for Model 403
Restore the raw cranking power and smooth transmission of your heavy-duty Mitchell saltwater reel with the Mitchell 81428 Drive Gear. As the primary power-transfer component in the legendary 400-series saltwater chassis, this drive gear is engineered to handle the high torque and corrosive environments encountered in surf fishing and deep-sea angling.
Over decades of use, the internal gears of a saltwater reel can suffer from tooth wear or "pitting" caused by salt intrusion. Replacing a compromised main gear with this genuine-specification 81428 model eliminates the "gritty" feel during the retrieve and ensures a perfect mesh with the pinion gear, returning your reel to its original French-engineered performance.
Product Specifications
-
Part Number: 81428
-
Alternate Part Numbers: 9081428, 81-428
-
Component Type: Main Drive Gear
-
Material: High-strength marine-grade alloy for maximum durability and corrosion resistance.
-
Orientation: Specifically designed for Left-Hand Retrieve (Right-Hand Wind) models.
Compatible Mitchell Models
The Mitchell 81428 is a specialized gear specifically manufactured for the left-handed version of the famous 402 saltwater series. It fits:
-
Mitchell 403 (Saltwater High-Speed Lefty)
-
Mitchell 403A
Technical Note: This gear is distinct from the 402 drive gear (Part #81427). Because the Mitchell 403 retrieves with a counter-rotation, the gear teeth on the 81428 are cut at a specific angle to accommodate the "Lefty" mechanical configuration.
Maintenance & Lubrication Guide
Due to the heavy loads placed on saltwater drive gears, proper lubrication is the single most important factor in preventing gear failure. We recommend the following professional-grade lubricants:
-
Deuthlon Reel Grease: Apply a generous, even layer to the main gear teeth and the oscillation cam. This high-pressure grease provides a "boundary layer" of protection that prevents metal-on-metal contact, even when winching in large fish.
-
Deuthlon Reel Oil: Use a drop of oil on the drive gear shaft and the handle bushings to ensure a frictionless rotation and to provide an additional moisture barrier against saltwater spray.
For a detailed view of the internal gear stack and shim placement, you can access the original PDF schematics at www.reelschematic.com.
Why Choose This Part?
-
Saltwater Ready: Built to withstand the extreme pressure and corrosive conditions of coastal fishing.
-
Precision Mesh: Designed to provide the exact gear ratio required for the high-speed 403 series.
-
Mechanical Integrity: Restores the "like-new" feel of the reel, preventing handle back-play and gear slipping.
