When is a reel dead?

[BassB8Caster]

I have a black max reel (the first bait caster i owned) that is messing up on me. It did it once or twice last time out, but today it was several casts in a row to where i stopped using it. I would cast it out, go to engage the reel and nothing. Handle just spins. After messing with the drag/tension knob it finally engaged. But it took a while. Anyone know whats going on? No signs of any issues. Just cast it out and would not engage. I know its a cheap reel, but its been pretty good to me at the price i paid. Thanks guys.

[WRB]

There is a device you push down to disengage the spool and when you turn the handle there is another component that engages the spool and returning the device that disengaged the spool. What may have happened is the spring that return the engagement part came off or broke. If you bought the reel and still have the parts schematic, look at how those components should be assembled. Take the crank side of the reel off the frame by loosening the side plate screws and inspect the reel for broken or missing parts.

Bottom line is it's repairable.

Tom

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

It's probably just dirty and sticky but repairable if need be. Given cost of replacement I would encourage you to send it in but if you get into it and need help reach out. 

[Angry John]

No better reel to learn on.  If you make a huge mistake then your not out a bunch.  I feel that cleaning bait casters is easy if your mechanical at all.  If you have ever worked on a dirt bike or tore a gun all the way apart then your good to go.  take pictures so you can see where and how things went as you break it down.  Put the parts down in the order they come off...

[BassB8Caster]

Yeah thats pretty much my thinking. Worth a try vs throwing it out. Im usually very meticulous and careful. Just a bit apprehensive with something new like this. Nothing dramatic happened with the reel so it shiuldnt be missing any parts. If there were a spring that broke, where would i get parts? Thanks guys

[burrows]

Time to for an upgrade black Friday is around the corner?

[Turtle135]

You can get a schematic diagram for your reel here: http://www.abugarcia.com/AbuGarcia-reel-schematics.html

 

and it looks like you can order a part if you need one here: http://www.abugarcia.com/AbuGarcia-parts.html

[BassB8Caster]

3 hours ago, Turtle135 said:

You can get a schematic diagram for your reel here: http://www.abugarcia.com/AbuGarcia-reel-schematics.html

 

and it looks like you can order a part if you need one here: http://www.abugarcia.com/AbuGarcia-parts.html

Nice. thank you very much, greatly appreciated. 

[j_blaze14]

theres a gear under the main gear with big teeth, make sure its lining up with the clicky part that engages the spool.  i noticed putting mine back together the teeth line up right on the edge of it and it theres 1 or 2 mm of play it will do what you are saying.

[Angry John]

Your talking about the drive gear for the worm drive.  It's not that big of problem.  Most likely tabs on the back of the gear that mate with the main gear.