RussBert

Darn Kids : Why bother even asking for advice if you're just going to do your own thing anyways?

braided line by any chance?

ABU, Daiwa, Quantum, Pflueger, Shimano... it really doesn't matter as long as the color of the reel matches the rod ;D

All the Cool Guys fish Shimano 8-)

Fine job you did there Jimzee 8-)

Although not specific to your particular reel, this info is very good none the less. It covers all the basics in detail with excellent pictures to boot http://tackletog.com/blog/category/maintenance/ http://www.tackletour.com/articlereelmaintenancedaiwatdsol.html http://www.shawnsreels.com/

Words to live by. That would make an excellent sig line!

Have you dis-assembled the reel and found the problem? If so, what specifically is worn? On the bright side, replacement parts are reasonably priced. Order them direct from Pflueger

Wear There is no "screw adjustment" Some reels have a shim (or two) in the pawl cap which adjusts the pawl's engagement., some don't

I am always amazed at the depth of your fishing experiences. With all the time you spend here on the 'net, when do you ever get to fish? ;D

EXCELLENT! 8-) Me thinks that the oil you used in the bearings may have been a bit thick which initially slowed down the spool. After fishing a while the oil came out of the bearings and freed things up. that's my wild-azzed guess

When the levelwind system is binding up would be a good time But I'm one of those guys that takes apart a brand-new reel to see how it's built, and see's if there's anything I can do to make it "better"

ksbasser, Thanks for posting the info. I for one appreciate the straight talk about reel bearings. It cuts through the hype and BS that is often encountered when looking at bearings 8-)

That comment leads me to think you have not dis-assembled the reel. You must to thoroughly clean and check the levelwind system. The pawl engagement is pre-set when the reel is assembled. Being a used reel, who knows if a previous owner ever messed with it? The pawl is the part in the line guide that rides in the worm gear. It sits under the cap in the line guide

Read what this fellow has to say about bearings. Good stuff, no BS http://www.shawnsreels.com/

How's the condition of the worm gear and the pawl? Any visible wear? Does the pawl bind in the line guide? Is there too much pressure being applied to the pawl when the cap is screwed on? Was there a shim under the cap that may have got lost? (which would then make the pawl too loose)

You need to get a girlfriend ;D

Bummer I would contact Shimano and let them deal with it, assuming you haven't opened up the reel and caused the problem

...and for the record, I never run spool bearings dry

A (spool) bearing upgrade can make a significant difference in the reels ability to cast. Much depends upon, 1. the condition of the existing bearings. If your factory bearings are worn, corroded or very low quality, you'll see a big difference replacing them 2. the overall condition of the reel. If the reel is all clapped out, it's not prudent to sink more money in it. 3. the type of reel. Some reels will respond better that others If you're going to install new spool bearings, I would recommend having the entire serviced which includes a thorough cleaning and re-lubrication along with the replacement of any worn parts. Boca ABEC 5 hybrid bearings are great performing bearings for about $19 a set. The difference between them and the orange seals ($30 a set) is minimal

your steez are belong to us

Is the guide on the reel or rod damaged?

David P, I see what you see, the swirls are created when an end mill cuts the steel that is used to manufacture the mold cavities. The gold circles are the bottom of the studs that the pinion carrier rides on I've been a toolmaker (fancy name for a machinist) for 31 years, and I spent 9 of those years building plastic injection molds here, http://www.conntool.com/ For the record, my Curado E7 has those marks as well

The sideplates are injection molded from a polymer material mixed with graphite fibers. The molds that these sideplates are made in have multiple "cavities". Each cavity produces one side plate, and molds will have multiple cavities in them so they produce many sideplates each time the mold cycles. Each cavity is somewhat unique, and slightly different than the other ones. What you are seeing are the tooling marks made from the end mill that machined that particular cavity. That surface that has the toolmarks is non-functional so surface finish isn't as important as the outside of the reel, where a very smooth and polished finish is required.

Those marks are from the manufacturing process. They were not made by your spool. Personally I would flush out the spool bearings and re-lubricate them with a light reel oil (like the Shimano supplies with the Curado's)