Product Description
MITCHELL 81891 BODY – Mitchell 497 Series Housing
The Mitchell 81891 Body is the primary structural frame for the Mitchell 497 heavy-duty saltwater spinning reel. This main housing is engineered to accommodate the Right-Hand Wind (RHW) configuration, providing a rigid and perfectly aligned foundation for the drive gears and oscillation components. Replacing a cracked or salt-corroded housing with a genuine 81891 body is essential for maintaining the gear precision and mechanical integrity required for demanding saltwater angling.
Product Specifications & Compatibility
This body is precision-cast for the large-body, skirted-spool saltwater series. It serves as the main chassis for the gear train and anti-reverse system.
This part fits the following Mitchell models:
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Mitchell 497 (Standard Right-Hand Wind)
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Mitchell 497AP
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Mitchell 497PRO
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Mitchell 496 (Note: 81891 is the specific body for the Right-Hand Wind version of the 496 series)
Technical Reference: For a complete exploded view of the internal gear seating and side plate alignment, please consult the official PDF diagrams at www.reelschematic.com.
Cross-Reference & Alternate Part Numbers
In the Mitchell catalog, part numbers for the 496/497 series often appear as sequential pairs to differentiate between left and right-hand wind frames. When sourcing this component, refer to the following:
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Primary Part Number: 81891
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Alternate Part Number: 81890
Maintenance & Performance Optimization
As the central housing for the entire drivetrain, the 81891 body must be properly sealed and lubricated to prevent internal wear and saltwater intrusion.
We recommend Deuthlon Lubricants for all high-performance Mitchell service:
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Deuthlon Power Gear Grease: Apply a generous layer to the internal gear tracks and the main bearing seat inside the body to ensure a water-resistant barrier and ultra-smooth gear mesh.
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Deuthlon Reel Orchid Oil: Apply to the external handle entry points and the anti-reverse lever pivot to maintain responsive operation and prevent corrosion in marine environments.
Key Features
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Heavy-Duty Construction: Built to handle the stress of high-drag saltwater battles and heavy surf fishing.
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OEM Precision: Ensures perfect alignment of the pinion and drive gears, preventing gear "binding" under load.
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Corrosion Protection: Finished with a marine-grade coating to resist oxidation and pitting from salt spray.

