I am trying to fix my dad's reel for him.  I can take them apart and put them back together, but as far as knowing what does what or when problems arise I am clueless.

 

The problem is the handle will spin but it won't spin the spool?

I am sorry Mods.  Rookie mistake.  Only been here 6 years.  Please move to the correct section.   

is the drag tightened down? is the spool locked in to the (i'm terrible with part names) gear on the handle side? When you drop the spool and shaft back into the reel , the spool shaft has a cross that locks into place in the gears under the handle side so the spool will mesh with the handle. If you can close the side place this is probably not the problem.  the reel won't engage if the drag is too loose.

Anyone with KU is their user name gets a free pass.

X2 on the aboive

Well I don't know what the deal was.  I took it apart and put it back together and all seems well now.  Nothing seemed out of ordinary.