Reel Handle Spins backwards

[losslakelunkers]

I am looking to see if anyone could give me insight into what might be causing the spool and consequently the reel handle, on my Lew's Tournament Mb to spin backwards. 

 

One time I was working my jerkbait and on about the 10th twitch, the handle and spool spun backwards. I am wondering if my reel is salvageable or not. Anyone else have this issue?

[MN Fisher]

Sounds like an issue with the AR bearing. Could be oil/grease on the bearing is making it slip, or the bearing itself is shot.

[losslakelunkers]

14 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Sounds like an issue with the AR bearing. Could be oil/grease on the bearing is making it slip, or the bearing itself is shot.

Possible solutions?

[garroyo130]

Does it always do it? 

 

First step is to determine what is causing it. I would wager that its probably grease getting cold and solid. 

 

To test, put reel in freezer for a bit then try again. It should spin backwards. Then warm up the reel and try to spin it backwards. It should no longer spin backwards.

 

If thats what you find then just take out the AR and its sleeve, clean it and oil it with a light film of oil (not even a drop).

 

If it slips both cold and warm then you need a new AR bearing. 

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, CB5 said:

Possible solutions?

Tear-down  and clean of the reel - there's plenty of YouTube instruction videos on cleaning a BC reel. Re-assemble and test it. If that doesn't correct the issue, them replacing the AR bearing might be the next step. If the reel is still under warranty, shipping it back is what you need to do. Otherwise, check with DVT here to see if he's got an opening...a lot of guys here have him do their reels for them.

[losslakelunkers]

Thanks guys?

[kayaking_kev]

@Delaware Valley Tackle knows reels inside and out. He should be able to tell you the exact mechanism that is responsible, but you will most likely have to open your reel up or send it in to him.

 

Did you drop it recently or do you hear anything loose inside when you shake it? 

[losslakelunkers]

Just now, kayaking_kev said:

@Delaware Valley Tackle knows reels inside and out. He should be able to tell you the exact mechanism that is responsible, but you will most likely have to open your reel up or send it in to him.

 

Did you drop it recently or do you hear anything loose inside when you shake it? 

No I never dropped it or nothing is loose. However to what @garroyo130 said, it was about 50 degrees outside when it last happened. It might be difficult to test it right now since it is -5 in Minnesota with 18 in of ice lol

 

 

[garroyo130]

1 minute ago, CB5 said:

No I never dropped it or nothing is loose. However to what @garroyo130 said, it was about 50 degrees outside when it last happened. It might be difficult to test it right now since it is -5 in Minnesota with 18 in of ice lol

 

 

 

Just try spinning it backwards by actually turning the handle backwards. Then warm it up lightly with just your hands or a hair dryer on low setting and try again.

[MN Fisher]

Just now, CB5 said:

No I never dropped it or nothing is loose. However to what @garroyo130 said, it was about 50 degrees outside when it last happened. It might be difficult to test it right now since it is -5 in Minnesota with 18 in of ice lol

 

 

You can bench-test it in the house without needing to actually 'use' it.

[losslakelunkers]

Yep thats what I was thinking. Thanks again. @MNfisher and @garroyo130

 

[kayaking_kev]

DVT is here now, but I have found two possible answers by doing a web search of the same problem and I will post them anyway.

 

An anti-reverse (one way clutch) should engage 100% of the time. If it only engages 10% of them time, then your reel probably needs new parts or a very good cleaning or proper installation of the anti-reverse mechanism.

 

If it needs new parts, I'd suspect your reel only need a new spring for the anti-reverse mechanism. In many reels, you could bend or stretch the old spring to extend the life of the reel a little.

 

A dirty reel or an improperly cleaned reel could have this problem too. Old grease gumming up parts inside the reel could cause this problem. Excessive grease inside the reel could cause this problem. Dust and debris build up could cause this problem. Even dried WD-40 could gum up parts. A proper cleaning of the reel will solve the problem.

 

If you have taken the reel apart for cleaning, then improper installation of parts might be the cause. If someone had taken the reel apart before the failure, then this is most likely the cause of the problem. Parts might appear to be in right places but the spring activating the anti-reverse might not have any tension on it.

 

It doesn't matter what the problem is, it doesn't sound like a very serious problem to me. If you don't think you could fix the problem, you should take the reel in to a shop for a service. A reel service usually cost between $10 to $25 depending on the model and make.

 

Please note: I have not seen the reel. So, I am only offering suggestions for possible solutions.

 

------------------------------------------

 

the anti reverse bearing on most reels is on the large gear post where the handle attaches (usually covered up by the drag star and reel casing).  The biggest thing with these is they get oiled or greased - sometimes by the factory and sometimes by guys just excessively applying oil/grease to anything that moves.  Either way - any kind of grease in the reverse bearing will cause it to intermittently fail - the bearings turn one way but have a latch that keep them from going backwards - too much oil/grease/grime and these latches don't catch. There could be mechanical failure that requires replacing the bearing as well.

Try thoroughly cleaning the bearing with acetone or brake cleaner to remove any oil/grease - hit it with a tooth brush to make sure it really clean. Apply very sparing amount of oil.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

99% the AR clutch is dirty/greasy. If you’re comfortable tackling it diy it’s a matter of getting the side plate off, soaking the assembly in full strength simple green and flushing with hot water. Let dry and swab with lite oil, reassemble. Let me know if you need help or want to send it in for full treatment. 

[losslakelunkers]

@Delaware Valley Tackle and @kayaking_kev very helpful guys. I will attempt to tackle it myself and I will let you know if I need any help!

 

[TnRiver46]

18 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

Does it always do it? 

 

First step is to determine what is causing it. I would wager that its probably grease getting cold and solid. 

 

To test, put reel in freezer for a bit then try again. It should spin backwards. Then warm up the reel and try to spin it backwards. It should no longer spin backwards.

 

If thats what you find then just take out the AR and its sleeve, clean it and oil it with a light film of oil (not even a drop).

 

If it slips both cold and warm then you need a new AR bearing. 

A couple of my reels do this in winter, although I never knew exactly why. Thanks for the explanation! 

[roadwarrior]

20 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

Does it always do it? 

 

First step is to determine what is causing it. I would wager that its probably grease getting cold and solid. 

 

To test, put reel in freezer for a bit then try again. It should spin backwards. Then warm up the reel and try to spin it backwards. It should no longer spin backwards.

 

If thats what you find then just take out the AR and its sleeve, clean it and oil it with a light film of oil (not even a drop).

 

If it slips both cold and warm then you need a new AR bearing.