Cardiff Help Needed
IlliniMuskie
Posted 8/13/2012 1:27 PM (#577804)
Subject: Cardiff Help Needed





Posts: 149


First off, I know next to nothing about the ins and outs of baitcasting reels. I am gearing up to start muskie fishing, so I decided to get a Shimano Cardiff 400a based on the recommendations of many on this board. I bought one on an auction site.....never used, still in the box. I got it this morning and everything seems to be in order, except for the handle.

I don't know the proper terms to use, but the handle is sticking too far out. It will not engage the gears when I turn it. It looks as though it needs to be pushed into the reel and all will be well, but I can't get it to budge. I'm sure it's a simple fix, but I can't seem to come up with the solution. Does anyone have any suggestions? Do I need to provide more details?
TJones
Posted 8/13/2012 10:32 PM (#577913 - in reply to #577804)
Subject: RE: Cardiff Help Needed


Sounds like your drag may be backed the whole way off... Spin the drag star forward to tighten up the drag. See if that helps.
Propster
Posted 8/13/2012 11:53 PM (#577925 - in reply to #577804)
Subject: Re: Cardiff Help Needed




Posts: 1901


Location: MN
I would have said the same T, and his explanation of not engaging the gears makes sense if that were the case, but when he states he can't get it to budge, that doesn't sound like merely a star drag that's backed off too far.
IlliniMuskie
Posted 8/14/2012 8:32 PM (#578180 - in reply to #577925)
Subject: Re: Cardiff Help Needed





Posts: 149


When I tightened the star drag the handle did move further in towards the reel and it would actually engage when I turned the handle. However, the handle is still sticking too far out and is very unsteady (wobbly). Something is still obviously not right. This is my first experience with a round reel, so I am at a loss.

Propster
Posted 8/14/2012 11:20 PM (#578234 - in reply to #577804)
Subject: Re: Cardiff Help Needed




Posts: 1901


Location: MN
Now we're getting somewhere. Will it still not "budge", or it turns now but is wobbly? Without actually seeing what you are describing, my next advice would be to remove the plastic nut cover from the handle and check the handle nut underneath. It could be simply that the nut needs to be tightened down is all, which will keep the handle from being wobbly. Line it back up so the hole in the nut cover aligns with the screw hole in the handle and you should be set.
horsehunter
Posted 8/15/2012 7:22 AM (#578281 - in reply to #577804)
Subject: Re: Cardiff Help Needed




Location: Eastern Ontario
this dosen't sound like brand new the way Shimano would put it in the box. much to be said for buying from a local dealer rather than an auction site
MartinTD
Posted 8/15/2012 7:32 AM (#578289 - in reply to #578281)
Subject: Re: Cardiff Help Needed





Posts: 1141


Location: NorthCentral WI
horsehunter - 8/15/2012 7:22 AM

this dosen't sound like brand new the way Shimano would put it in the box. much to be said for buying from a local dealer rather than an auction site



Absolutely true. I bought a reel from an auction site too and had problems out of the box. Sent it back and the replacement reel developed the same problem the first day using it. It's been sitting in my basement ever since waiting for me to bring it to the repair shop. I was pretty disgusted. No more reels off ebay for me.
BenR
Posted 8/15/2012 8:42 AM (#578315 - in reply to #577804)
Subject: Re: Cardiff Help Needed


I really like ebay, if you check their feedback and maintain good feedback yourself, no different than going into an actual shop. BR
IlliniMuskie
Posted 8/15/2012 4:38 PM (#578518 - in reply to #578315)
Subject: Re: Cardiff Help Needed





Posts: 149


Good point about taking a gamble on an auction item. I did check the feedback and it was 100% positive, so I thought I was safe.

Does anyone have a recommendation on someone to send it to?
Skyblaster
Posted 8/15/2012 8:49 PM (#578611 - in reply to #577804)
Subject: RE: Cardiff Help Needed




Posts: 190


Location: Savage, MN
Pikemaster could probably help you out, or at least make a recomendation.
PIKEMASTER
Posted 8/15/2012 10:51 PM (#578642 - in reply to #577804)
Subject: RE: Cardiff Help Needed





Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160
IlliniMuskie - 8/13/2012 1:27 PM

First off, I know next to nothing about the ins and outs of baitcasting reels. I am gearing up to start muskie fishing, so I decided to get a Shimano Cardiff 400a based on the recommendations of many on this board. I bought one on an auction site.....never used, still in the box. I got it this morning and everything seems to be in order, except for the handle.

I don't know the proper terms to use, but the handle is sticking too far out. It will not engage the gears when I turn it. It looks as though it needs to be pushed into the reel and all will be well, but I can't get it to budge. I'm sure it's a simple fix, but I can't seem to come up with the solution. Does anyone have any suggestions? Do I need to provide more details?


Can you send a pic of the handle and shaft ?????
Tigerhunter
Posted 8/16/2012 3:53 PM (#578796 - in reply to #577804)
Subject: Re: Cardiff Help Needed





Posts: 283


I have the 401 (lefty) and had the same problem after cleaning it one time, the spool wouldn't engage and the handle seemed too far out. I thought I broke it but it just wasn't setting right when I was putting it back together, take it aPart and try resetting it a few times, that eventually worked for me.