SHIMANO 333......Good or Junk?

[Chips_Mahoy]

I picked this up recently without knowing anything about them. I just wanted it because it was a 3-spd hub. I read on Sheldon Brown's site that he didn't particularly care for them except for maybe a few early years in their production. How can I find out what year/era mine is? I dont plan on using it on anything that will see heavy duty use. More of a show bike and occasional cruiser. Thoughts??

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

I have a couple of those. Both of mine work fine. However, I don't know how to determine the year.

That's good to hear. This one seems dry. Is the white plastic cap covering a lube spot? I didn't want to take it apart w/o knowing.

 

[deorman]

That white thing's an oil port. They're dandy for casual fair weather street use.

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

That white thing's an oil port. They're dandy for casual fair weather street use.

Is it a cap that comes off or does it get oil in it? This one looks broken.

 

[deorman]

There's usually a little flap that keeps the little center portion from getting lost, looks gone in your pic. Pry the tiny little bump on top off with a fingernail or a not-razor-sharp tool edge.

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

There's usually a little flap that keeps the little center portion from getting lost, looks gone in your pic. Pry the tiny little bump on top off with a fingernail or a not-razor-sharp tool edge.

Okay....thanks!

 

[outskirtscustoms]

I've had a few over the years and I've never had a problem with them. I still like sturmey archers better but these work too.