Casting reel not fully disengaging on cast

[stk44]

Hi all, 

 
I have an older revo mgx ( I think the mgx2) that I have used quite a bit over the years. I noticed last season that occasionally, it seemed as though the thumb bar would not push down crisply like it always did and on occasion would make a whining or sputtering noise on the cast, which would usually end in a minor backlash. I did my annual reel cleaning hoping to fix the problem, but it actually is much worse. Probably 7 out of 10 casts result in a minor backlash. 
 

The thumb bar seems like there is some play in it, and I am having a hard time diagnosing the problem. Any ideas/ suggestions? 
 

thanks,

Steve 

[MickD]

Can you tell if the thumb bar is coming back up properly, all the way up,  when you start the retrieve cranking?

 

If not, the "linkage" that makes that happen could be worn and not giving full travel.

 

And look to see if you can figure out how  the thumb bar disengages the reel when pressed, see if the "linkage" that makes that happen is positioned properly, working properly, not worn. 

 

On some reels how this all happens is pretty obvious and troubleshooting is pretty easy.   You just have to get into it in detail.

[newapti5]

It sounds like the pinion gear isn't fully pushed back in when thumb bar is pressed, a situation causing the spool pin still have some contact with the pinion gear tip, hence the sound and backlashes.

 

A month ago, some other member was having similar problem with his reel as well. A deep cleaning fixed his problem, I mean a down-to-the-bone cleaning, followed by re-greasing.  When doing that, you can also check for any wears on the parts of thumb bar/pinion gear mechanism, and change them if needed. 

 

 

[Deleted account]

Magic 8 ball says worn or cracked part #21.

[stk44]

1 hour ago, Deleted account said:

Magic 8 ball says worn or cracked part #21.

Part #21 from the schematic above, or for the actual revo mgx schematic? 

11 hours ago, MickD said:

Can you tell if the thumb bar is coming back up properly, all the way up,  when you start the retrieve cranking?

 

If not, the "linkage" that makes that happen could be worn and not giving full travel.

 

And look to see if you can figure out how  the thumb bar disengages the reel when pressed, see if the "linkage" that makes that happen is positioned properly, working properly, not worn. 

 

On some reels how this all happens is pretty obvious and troubleshooting is pretty easy.   You just have to get into it in detail.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, the thumb bar comes back up on the retrieve. I might pull it apart again. What’s odd is that my casts seem to get better by backing off the brakes completely and leaving the spool tension set as normal. 

[stk44]

16 hours ago, newapti5 said:

It sounds like the pinion gear isn't fully pushed back in when thumb bar is pressed, a situation causing the spool pin still have some contact with the pinion gear tip, hence the sound and backlashes.

 

A month ago, some other member was having similar problem with his reel as well. A deep cleaning fixed his problem, I mean a down-to-the-bone cleaning, followed by re-greasing.  When doing that, you can also check for any wears on the parts of thumb bar/pinion gear mechanism, and change them if needed. 

 

 

Thanks. You might be on to something. Here is a picture of the yoke (part no. 38 on abu schematic) that appears to be cracked. Do you think this is causing the issue? 

[PhishLI]

If it is, then yes. A problem. Take a pic and blow it up.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I want to say the line in the yoke is a manufacturing mark but canine certain with the resolution of the pic. If the reel has ever been apart be sure the yoke is right side up (bevels down). Baring that, deep cleaning would be my first step. 

[stk44]

[stk44]

Looks like it is time for a replacement. I have a similar revo stx so I can confirm this is definitely a crack and not a notch from the manufacturer. I hope this is the solution.

[newapti5]

1 hour ago, stk44 said:

 

Oh yeah, this is a crack for sure, and I'd bet this is the culprit. When you press down the thumb bar, the two arms of the yoke are pushed in, along with the pinion gear sitting in the middle of the yoke. But due to this crack, it's quite possible that the deformed yoke couldn't push the pinion gear all the way in, leaving a little contact between pinion gear and spool pin. 

 

 

[Tatulatard]

19 minutes ago, newapti5 said:

 

Oh yeah, this is a crack for sure, and I'd bet this is the culprit. When you press down the thumb bar, the two arms of the yoke are pushed in, along with the pinion gear sitting in the middle of the yoke. But due to this crack, it's quite possible that the deformed yoke couldn't push the pinion gear all the way in, leaving a little contact between pinion gear and spool pin. 

 

 

This is it.  You can also see the wear on the face of the pinon from the spool pin.

 

[stk44]

Awesome, thanks! Now if I could just get pure fishing to give me a call back so I can order the parts….

[stk44]

Just to close the loop, the yoke was like $3 plus shipping and that fixed the reel. Casts as smooth as butter now. Thanks for all the help everyone!