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Posts: 51
| I'm having some issues with two Abu Garcia 6500C3 reels that are 3-4 years old. The drag does not work properly on them so that when I set the hook, line comes out even if I have the drag set as tight as possible. It seems to catch once in awhile, but mostly it isn't working right. I've checked to make sure the line isn't spinning on the spool and I've taken them each in twice where they replaced a drag disc, but the problem persists. Is there anyway to remedy the problem, or should I scrap them? Is there any good reel repair places in the twin cities?
Thanks for any insight.
Joel |
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Posts: 663
| If you've had them to a reputable repair tech twice and he couldn't fix it I'd suggest sending them back in to the Abu Garcia service facility in Iowa. They WILL get to the bottom of this and if it's not fixable they generally will offer you a new comparable reel at a very fair price. If the reels worked ok for 3-4 years and now have a problem with the drag I'm a little surprised that replacing the drag washers didn't fix the problem. Anyhow, that's what I'd do. |
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Posts: 358
Location: London, England | If you're positive the line isn't slipping on the spool it can only be the drag washers or the cupped spring washers. Do you oil the reel yourself? If you put too much oil in the reel the oil can very easily contaminate the drag washers, which reduces their performance radically. |
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| Do you have backing under that braided line? if you dont, that will cause the whole bulk of line on that spool to slip....so it will feel like your drag isnt working. those abu's are relatively easy to fix...one of the benifits of them....if its been to the repair shop, it should be ok. |
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Posts: 663
| If his reels worked fine for three to four years it's pretty unlikely that he didn't have backing or just a line slipping issue. I think Tim is on track with his overlubing scenario. According to reel techs I've spoken with this is a common situation with guys who do their own servicing. Overlubing can sometimes cause more problems than not enough. |
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Posts: 51
| Thanks for the info guys. Its not the line slipping on the spool. I've checked that several times and have backing. The reels worked fine for the first year or so then started having problems, so I think it could have something to do with the lubrication. The repair people I brought it to last year replace the drag washer on each, but it didn't seem to help. If I over lubed the reel can this just be wiped off or should I just bring it in to replace the washers again? Thanks again.
Joel |
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| Who ever took them apart before may not have put them back together correctly. Unless the curved washers are not put back correctly, you may not be tightening the drag down enough. ALL drag washers should be wiped dry, the black and silver washers, and then put back together correctly in the proper order.
Remember, DO NOT oil the gears, grease only; use sparingly. |
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| No need to replace the washers. Wipe them dry, dry, dry. |
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Posts: 531
Location: Hugo, MN | Take it apart and clean the entire drag assembly with some brake cleaner and a dry cloth. This means all the drag washers and the surfaces they mate with. Make sure when you put them back together that the metal washer with the two tabs on it is aligned properly with the brass gear. If the tabs aren't lined up with the notches in the gear, the drag washers cannot be compressed, and will not work. If the drag assembly is clean and tightens down properly, there should be no problems. I've personally never had to replace a drag washer before, and I've got reels that are 15 years old that still work fine.
As far as reel repair here in the Twin Cities.... Trails End Bass Pro Shop on Central Ave in Fridley has a reel guy in the back of the store. I've talked to him a few times, had lots of good info about various reels. What side of town you live on? |
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Posts: 3915
| Replace the two curved washers since you've likely flattened them now. Also I suggest you get a set of Smooothies washers to replace the rest. Don't let any lubricant get on the washers, never put any oil under that adjustment cap. You can get exploded diagrams of your reel at the Abu site, very handy. |
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| Go ahead and put a few drops of oil under the adjustment cap. That is where the bearing or bushing is and the spool axle rides in it. That area needs to be lubricated. Oiling that area has not impact on the drag system. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | Replace the stock drag washers with a set of CARBONTEX WASHERS from SMOOTH DRAGS, also replace the stock metal washers for a set of SMOOTH DRAG SS washers. The drag springs in the handle, replace them with a new set and add one sping so it looks like this ()) this setup will give you 40 % more drag over stock on the top end. I like to apply a light coat of CAL'S DRAG grease to my drag washers, you will loose a little on the top end of the drag , but will have a very very smooth drag.
Edited by PIKEMASTER 5/17/2008 8:21 AM
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Posts: 3915
| Whoops, that's right, the drag system lies under the reel handle not the adjustment cap. Still, I disagree with lubricant in the drag system, per the installation instructions from the parts supplier where I buy Smooothies.
I've never used the drag washers mentioned by Pikemaster, maybe those can handle lubricant. Adding a third spring washer is a new one on me, I'm going to give that a try. |
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Posts: 130
Location: Chicago | PIKEMASTER is on the right page, I have used his info before he knows what he's talking about my Abu's perform flawlessly. |
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