Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Trout_Bum on December 20, 2013, 12:44:30 PM

Title: Tuning a Levelwind
Post by: Trout_Bum on December 20, 2013, 12:44:30 PM

I was getting my gear ready for the upcoming Steely season and looking into my Ambassadeur 6500 C3. As this is an older model I have 2 centrifugal brakes that I keep in the off position. I also keep my freespool brake in a very light drag position. Trout Bum Jr has an Ambassadeur 6600 C4 with 6 centrifugal brakes. All these are currently in the off position. We don't seem to get many backlashes and are able to cast well enough to reach far drifts on the Vedder. I am pretty happy with this set-up, but wondered what others are doing.

Anyone have any good tune up tips for levelwinds?

Trout Bum

Title: Re: Tuning a Levelwind
Post by: typhoon on December 20, 2013, 01:07:17 PM

Ceramic ABEC7 spindle bearings and ceramic pawl replacement (from Mikes Reel Repair).
My cast distance increased by 50% with these upgrades.
Also check your drag washers. If you fish chum or springs they may be thin.

Title: Re: Tuning a Levelwind
Post by: Dogbreath on December 23, 2013, 09:03:23 PM

Not a big fan of noisy expensive fragile ceramic bearings but I do support changing out the stock ones for something faster and using Rocket Fuel to lube them-careful though it doesn't like freezing temperatures.

http://www.bocabearings.com/

http://www.therocketreelcompany.com/en/3-rocket-fuel-reel-lubricant Note-I use Red

New drag washers is standard

http://www.smoothdrag.com/

Title: Re: Tuning a Levelwind
Post by: Trout_Bum on December 25, 2013, 07:31:30 AM

Thanks for the info. I will definitely be upgrading my reel components this year.

Merry Christmas, and tight lines!

TB