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[penguinabc123]

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

[dennyman]

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.

[chironomidking]

It's probably a blown worm gear.  Abu reels (those made in Korea or China) are famous for this.  

[Fish Assassin]

If that does not help could be a worn worm gear or pawl that needs to be replaced.

Second that

[brysonk]

make sure your pawl screw is tight, might have backed off a turn.

[TheChumWhisperer]

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/

[milo]

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.

[penguinabc123]

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

[alwaysfishn]

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.

Picture of the cap (left) pawl (right)

[penguinabc123]

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?

[HOOK]

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.

[alwaysfishn]

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.

[HOOK]

just a heads up but if you can put together $80 this reel is alot better quality and will last longer 

http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=29106.0

[penguinabc123]

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

[brysonk]

put the screw back in before you turn it right side up...