Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: penguinabc123 on January 14, 2012, 01:11:02 PM
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Hey everyone,
I did a quick search for baitcaster problems on here and did not find what I was looking for.
I have an Abu Garcia Kalex 61. I really like it and it works great otherwise (except for some user errors resulting in a few bridsnests)
Anyhow this morning when I was out when I would cast out I noticed when I would reel in to mend the line the thing that draws the line across the spool (the guide on the reel?) stopped on the far right side causing a large section of line to accumilate. It would not go across the spool until I either pulled out a few feet of line and started again or freespooled down stream until it had unwound. It would not do this everytime, but often enough to put a damper on my morning. Im wondering if anyone knows why this is happening, what I can do, and how serious of a problem it may be.
Hopefully its nothing a few tweaks can't fix, I deffinatley won't be opening it up on my own (Probably take it to a shop).
Any feedback is really apprecaited.
Thanks!
-Andrew
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First thing I would do is to use some light oil and to lubricate the worm gear. Don't over do it but see after lubricating if the line mender will start tracking better from side to side. If that does not help could be a worn worm gear or pawl that needs to be replaced.
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It's probably a blown worm gear. Abu reels (those made in Korea or China) are famous for this.
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If that does not help could be a worn worm gear or pawl that needs to be replaced.
Second that
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make sure your pawl screw is tight, might have backed off a turn.
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Like everybody else already told you, it's a problem with the worm gear. Take it apart, clean it up, put it back together. If it does not fix the problem, drop it off at Express Reel Service. He moved to 5 min away from the Vedder Canal. I had the same problem with 2 of my old Abu's, Kevin fixed and serviced both reels for 30$ ish each. Another reason why I am happy that I made the permanent switch to the CP, I will never have a problem like this again..
http://www.expressreelservice.com/
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It's probably a blown worm gear. Abu reels (those made in Korea or China) are famous for this.
My thoughts exactly.
What I would do is get a new worm gear, and while you are at it, get also a new pawl.
Then, put your Kalex in the drawer as a back up, and get yourself a C3 or C4 made in Sweden, or even better, a Record.
Or, ask KenD on the forum if he would customize a nice lefty Ambassadeur for you.
It will save you money in the long run.
Those BCX and Kalex reels are disposable crap. A waste of reel money for anyone but the occasional angler, IMO.
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Hey Thanks for all the advice guys I will tinker around with it and see if what I can make of it once I open it up. Id love to upgrade my reel let me tell ya but as a full time student I am deffinatley short for funds.
Most likely ill take it somewere to get fixed if some small adjusting doesn't get it working again.
Thanks again!
-Andrew
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make sure your pawl screw is tight, might have backed off a turn.
Either the pawl screw is loose or the pawl itself is bent or worn and needs to be replaced. Unscrew the pawl screw, the pawl will drop out and you can examine it. Most tackle stores will stock it if you need to replace it.
(http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7FODURzTfi9JSuTwxjXUYpoRNBM0OYfByn0StKAHndsDrqgC8Iw)
Picture of the cap (left) pawl (right)
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OK so I got the pawl and the pawl cap out and they look alright i suppose but I cant make it fit back onto the reel it doesn't screw on or push in. I tried lining it up with the bars but I can't seem to get it right, any tricks?
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Andrew - where are you located ? if your not far from me i could help free of charge.
if you buy the parts i can show you how to replace them. I have taken tons of Abu's apart. I even fixed my dad's river side when his spring snapped inside (older 5001) I myself own 3 6500 C3 Abu's and service them myself.
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OK so I got the pawl and the pawl cap out and they look alright i suppose but I cant make it fit back onto the reel it doesn't screw on or push in. I tried lining it up with the bars but I can't seem to get it right, any tricks?
Turn the reel upside down and slowly turn the handle. The pawl should pop in as the skinny part of the pawl needs to ride in the grooves of the awl.
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just a heads up but if you can put together $80 this reel is alot better quality and will last longer ;D
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=29106.0
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Alwaysfishing - I did that and it fits in but when i turn it right side up it falls out, it wont stay in.
Hook - Thanks for the offer I think I might just end up swinging by riverside fly and tackle tomorrow morning since that is where I purchased it from and I just live over on coast meridian/prarie area, so hopefully they can give it the once over. I've only had the kalex for just over a year and was hoping to get a bit longer out of it before getting a new one. Plus grad school isn't cheap.
Ill post after and see how it goes. If its going to be to much money at riverside maybee il buy that one though, or take you up on your offer :)
Thanks,
-Andrew
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put the screw back in before you turn it right side up... ::)
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Im also having a back and forth tracking problem on some of my old baitcasters, It will get stuck shortly when it hits the end of the track. What would be the solution to fix this? Also where is the best place to get a reel serviced and price?
How complicated is it to figure out how to service a baitcaster yourself? thanks
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Express Reel service just off of No. 3 Rd in Abbotsford would be the closest. Look up his website for his rates. Kevin does good work and has a fast turn around time. The other good thing is he can share with you tips to keep your reel in good working condition.
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Express Reel service just off of No. 3 Rd in Abbotsford would be the closest. Look up his website for his rates. Kevin does good work and has a fast turn around time. The other good thing is he can share with you tips to keep your reel in good working condition.
x2
You have a worn pawl...it doesn't take much to have them off spec.... Kevin is a great guy and he takes his craft very seriously...you're looking at about $30 for parts and full tuning service.
He also sells good refurbished reels at very reasonable prices.
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I think that Andrew's Kalex 61 is a lefty reel and comparable in size to the 6501, so that is what he should be looking at.
Andrew, I know how it is to be a student on a tight budget. But if you are serious about your fishing, you can't afford to have a cheapo reel that is going to pull a number on you every year. It simply ends up costing much more than having a better quality reel.
If you like the look and feel of an ABU baitcaster on your rod, try to find a new Ambassadeur 6501 C3.
This eBayer ships to Canada cheap and his prices are great:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ABU-GARCIA-AMBASSADEUR-6501-C3-Baitcast-Reel-LEFT-HAND-MADE-SWEDEN-/370576142562?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56480f30e2#ht_5917wt_974
I am in Burnaby. If Hook is out of your way, give me a shout and I will fix your Kalex free of charge - you just buy the spare worm gear.
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Way to go guys for willing to help the guy out. Karma (steelhead gods) will be good to you guys this steelhead season. ;D
Silex-user
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BigFisher - you probably have the tiniest spot worn on one point at the end of your worm gear which is why it sticks briefly then starts to track. relace the wormgear AND the pawl
Andrew - the parts should be around $20 if i remember correctly. If searun wont do the quick fix for free let me know because your actually only about 10-15mins across the bridge and im serious it will only take a few mins normally
someone asked how hard it is to service your own reels - its not hard but be damn careful when you take it apart that you dont allow ANY parts to just fall out unless you already know how it goes back together. It seems that each model has different insides as well so be prepared for that, my dads older Abu's are way trickier to put back together than the newer ones and they really need to have things sitting perfectly in order to fit together and work properly.
here is the best tip for when your reel stops tracking properly. ALWAYS replace BOTH the wormgear and pawl. An improperly worn pawl will screw up your wormgear quicker and a worn wormgear will wear your pawl wrong fairly quick. I always replace them both, last time i replaced any of them was about 5yrs ago and these are used for BBing which is very long casts and alot of reeling each day out which is alot of wear on the reel.
good luck with your reels everyone
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here is the best tip for when your reel stops tracking properly. ALWAYS replace BOTH the wormgear and pawl. An improperly worn pawl will screw up your wormgear quicker and a worn wormgear will wear your pawl wrong fairly quick. I always replace them both, last time i replaced any of them was about 5yrs ago and these are used for BBing which is very long casts and alot of reeling each day out which is alot of wear on the reel.
Excellent advice.
An alternative would be to get a ceramic pawl, only available form Mike's reel repair:
http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/ceramic-pawl-repl-pn5176-p-86458.html
The advantage of the ceramic pawl is that it doesn't wear out and it makes the reel even smoooooother when casting and cranking. :)
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thats very true Milo, i have the ceramic upgrades in the wifes reel and she loves how easy it casts, damn thing is almost to smooth. smoother than my little Calcutta >:(
if we are BBing she can almost outcast me which is why i did the upgrading for her ;D
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wow thanks for all the kindness everyone.
I wish some of this had been posted in the morning as at about 930am I took it back over to riverside fly and tackle and they said it is both the pawl and the worm gear. They quoted me $38 to have them both fixed so hopefully that seems reasonable. I just hope I can make it through steelhead season and start putting aside some money for a new one.
Hook - thanks again for the offer, next time I break something Ill be sure to ask you if you know about it first!
Milo - I am starting to get the hint that I should shell out the money for a 6501 of some type, or maybee a more high end reel. I am hoping this fix can get me through until November (my birthdy) and either by that time or inbetween now and then I can put some cashola together for one. Thanks for the tip though and for the offer to help!
Thanks again to everyone for all the advice and tips I seriously didn't even expect two responses let alone two pages!
-Andrew
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Riverside does god work. More importantly it's local, don't have to ship it to Abbotsford and points east to have it repaired.
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$38 sounds reasonable however they are definately charging you labor costs. How long will they have the reel for is the other thing when it could have been done right there at the counter in about 5mins, that is if they dont just fix it right then and there.
years ago i called Mike's reel repair about fixing my reel and they said 6weeks or more wait time. This was the reason why i started fixing them myself because i fish way to much for that. Now i could wait because i have enough spare setups that i could just grab something else in the meantime ;D
its always a good tip for a fisherman to have a backup rod and reel, backups are normally the cheaper stuff that was replaced by the higher end gear upgrade
glad you got it sorted out Andrew
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Ya thanks I am hoping to know just how long it will take to get done by tomorrow. If it is going to take too long I may jump on the earlier posted ebay deal or I saw a 6500c4 posted in port moody on craigslist brand new I may check out.
but with any luck it will be done fast and I won't need to worry, I really like the backup idea though, gives me an excuse to save up for a new toy :)
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Ya thanks I am hoping to know just how long it will take to get done by tomorrow. If it is going to take too long I may jump on the earlier posted ebay deal or I saw a 6500c4 posted in port moody on craigslist brand new I may check out.
but with any luck it will be done fast and I won't need to worry, I really like the backup idea though, gives me an excuse to save up for a new toy :)
The Kalex 61 reel that you are having fixed is a lefty.
The 6500C4 is a right-hand retrieve.
When purchasing any Ambassadeur baitcaster, make sure you look at reels whose number ends in "01" (5001, 5501, 5601, 6001C, etc...), as reels ending in "00" (5000, 5500, 5600...)are all set for right hand retrieve and can not be modified. Shimano reels are also numbered in the same way. (e.g. A Calcutta 250 is for right-handed retrieve, whereas the 251 is a lefty).
Make no mistake, you WILL end up with more than one reel...and soon. So you better start learning the nomenclature before making a wrong purchase, especially off Craigslist. ;)
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UPDATE:
Just got a voicemail from Riverside saying that it is going to cost $77.43 to get the worm gear/pawl/line guide all replaced and put back together.
Now is it just me or does that seem pretty high. I can buy a brand new Kalex for $80 give or take so why would I fix this one? And it's unfortunate I had to wait 10 days before they let me know it would be so much more, I could have picked up a used reel by now.
I'm kinda frustrated, any thoughts?
-Andrew
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Personally it seems pretty high for what is required. On a popular auction site you can get a new Kalex reel shipped for about the same price the others are asking to repair. I'd personally look around for other options on a reel if that repair is for that price... If you look around you can find a good deal on a used 6600c4 or 6500c3 abu. I was just on vancouver island last week and poked my head into a pawn shop and saw a few 6500s for under $45 and took a few apart and they looked good so I scooped two of them up. All up to you though in the end!
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Andrew - call them back and ask them these two questions
Why do they need to replace the line guard ?
i have never needed to replace a line guard not even on the reels that have close to ten years of braided line usage
what is the cost of each part needing replacement (pawl, wormgear, and if it does infact need a lineguard then that too) ?
get them to quote you the after taxes price of each part individually and then an all together cost. This will show you how much they are charging for repair cost then you can decide to go with it or just buy the parts and have someone do it for you or figure it our yourself.
I would also call another repair shop like Mike's reel repair or Express reel service for cost quotes. That price is WAY to high !! I had a complete overhaul done on my Shimano Catala through Express and it cost me around $30 and it had several parts replaced.
I would also look out for a 6501 (left hand) and then you can use the Kalex as a backup if it ever needs fixing. the 6500/6501 series are also very easy to work on ;)
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Andrew,
Do what HOOK says ,and then bring the reel to me or him and we will get it fixed for you. $78 dollars for fixing a Kalex is outrageous.
Don't even bother buying new parts. A Kalex reel doesn't deserve that kind of investment. It's a disposable reel good for the occasional fisherman, not a passionate angler.
Instead, shop around for a nice Ambassadeur c3 or c4 (you can find them quite cheap).
I may have some usable used parts to fix your Kalex with, and if I don't, I know where to get them cheap.
Whatsmore, I am willing to lend you one of my (many) older workhorse Ambassadeurs to tie you over until you get a new reel and/or your Kalex is fixed. Warning: you may want to end up wanting to buy one of my reels...that's how smooth they are. :D
I don't trade in reels nor do I fix them for a living. I am just a passionate ABU collector who is only beginning to understand the innards of the Ambassadeurs. I am offering to do this as a one-time favour to you.
Cheers,
Milo
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Buy a good used Abu 6501 (should be about what you would have paid to fix the Kalex).
Use your Kalex to practice taking apart and putting back together.
If you do any amount of fishing at all in the future, it would be beneficial to learn how to service your own reels
You can get the Schematics off of Mike's Reel Repair site.
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Agree with others the Kalex is junk get a better one, I had two and they both bit the dust quickly, more fool me.
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One word "shimano", my Calcuttas have outlasted my ambassadeurs by many years, this is under the daily grind of working guiding reels, a true test of performance.
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again with all the generosity folks wow thanks.
Yesterday I found a good 6501 on craigslist and picked it up for $60 so i think im ahead of the game now. I will be grabbing my Kalex back tonight and then maybee on the weekend sometime I can try to bring it to Milo or Hook to take a peak at and see whats going on with it. Im not sure when/where might be a good place to meet, I live in port coquitlam so let me know what works best.
Thanks again for all the tips, I think if I didn't have this forum I most likley would have paid to get it fixed, and then next year paid to get it fixed again lol. Thankfully that was not the case and now that I have a working reel I can get back out fishing.
Thanks!!
-Andrew
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This weekend I am out of town, but I will be available during the week or next weekend.
I live on Capitol Hill in Burnaby, so it's a short drive for you to bring your Kalex over.
I have a used but not abused worm gear and pawl that we can put in your Kalex, gotta see what's happening with the line guard.
Assuming that your 6501 is mint, you made a great purchase for the price. Bring that one too to check the innards and maybe do some preventative maintenance.
We'll be in touch.
Cheers,
Milo
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One word "shimano", my Calcuttas have outlasted my ambassadeurs by many years, this is under the daily grind of working guiding reels, a true test of performance.
Which Ambassadeurs?
I always get a laugh when people compare Calcuttas to Ambassadeurs C3s or C4s because they are comparing a high end 300-dollar reel to a 100-dollar workhorse. In other words, for one Calcutta, you get to buy three Ambassadeur C3s.
But compare the Calcutta series to ABU's high-end Ambassadeur Morrum series (similar price), and the Morrum reels will kick Calcutta's butt all around.
Each to their own.
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Hey that sounds great Milo let me know which day next week works and a time that I can swing by with both. Thanks again for the help!!
-Andrew
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I have ambassadeur 6500 "the rocket", which were apparently the bomb which broke down slightly slower that the other 6500's I had, which were the blue model, again not a low end 6500.
I have no affiliation with any reel company, just stating facts about reel perforamance.
My Calcutta 400's were $210 when I purchased them a decade ago, they are still running original parts with cleaning every other year.
I also have had endless trouble with Ambassadeur 7000's as well, they sit in boxes waiting to be sent to be fixed, I peplaced those with Shimano Tekotas and am still yet to have a failure.
To be honest I have tried Penn reels, Okuma reels and others and realized quickly trips to reel repair shops eat up the difference in costs very quickly.
These are my opinions, others have theirs, not interested in arguing about it.
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Milo - not sure how to PM you but I just got back from riverside fly/tackle and spoke to Gary there who after I explained my reel situation said he would send it off to get warranty repair no charge, as long as I wasn't in a rush to get it back. So I said yes and its on its way
So thanks so much again for the offer to help fix it up but it looks like I won't have to bother ya anymore. and at least i have my 6501 going so i can fish in the meantime!!
-Andrew
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Glad to see the shop stepped up and dealt with it the way it should have been from the beginning. ;D
also happy you have another reel to fish in the meantime
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Is 80 bucks a fair price on a baitcaster service with replaced level wind parts?
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Is 80 bucks a fair price on a baitcaster service with replaced level wind parts?
depends on the parts and make of the reel...my opinion...most components that need replacing are relatively cheap so 80 bucks sounds a little steep.
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$80 is way out to lunch seeing as you can just buy another reel used for the same price or even less ::)
I still say that everyone should learn to service their own reels be it levelwind, spinning, center pin, fly reels (click/pawl or disc drag)
of course there is always going to be a few things you cant do at home but there are usually going to be more of a major fix then just parts, lubing or an adjustment. for example having the post on a center pin repaired, replaced or fixed because it is loose, bent or broken.
I think places charging that much are trying to offset the fact most people can and do repair/service their own reels nowadays
HOOK - this thread reminds me that i should order the spring for my dads reel i fixed river side by creating a new ring on the spring end after it ha broken clear off but hey why bother when it actually works better now ;D