My reel (Lews Tournament MG) hit the sand last week, and was in desperate need of a details cleaning.  I stripped it down, cleaned, lubed, and reassembled.  Once assembled, the worm gear seems to be locking up on the left side.  I can reel a few times and it moves back and forth as normal, then for some reason it will hit the left end of the gear and come to a complete stop.  Any ideas what could be causing this??  I searched the forum, and couldn't find anything similar.

 

Thanks, Zach

Be sure that the line guide pawl is seated properly.

 

 

 

If it is then replace the line guide pawl. It's probably worn enough so that it won't engage the worm gear properly.

 

 

Tom

Make sure the pawl cap is tight and that the worm gear was reinstalled correctly with all spacers etc in place. Since the issue cropped up after disassembly I doubt whether wear has anything to do with it but If the reel was cranked with sand in the level wind it's possible that either or both took damage. My preference is to replace the worm gear and pawl as a set anyway. If one is worn to that extent the other piece is likely showing signs as well.

Thanks guys.  It's a relatively new reel, and I tried not to use it as much as possible the rest of the day, so I doubt it's a wear issue.  I will pull it apart and verify everything is in place again.  How tight do you guys put the pawl cap?  I've heard hand tight, but also seen people use screwdrivers.

Zach, if in doubt send the reel to a professional who can take it apart properly and put it back together after fixing the problem.

 

We invest too much money in our rods and reels to try to fix them ourselves if we are not proficient.

 

Delaware Tackle does a great job.

 

If you want to find a local person check with the local tackle shops in New Harmony area.

 

It is well worth the money to have a professional do the cleanup and repair work.

Zach, if in doubt send the reel to a professional who can take it apart properly and put it back together after fixing the problem.

 

We invest too much money in our rods and reels to try to fix them ourselves if we are not proficient.

 

Delaware Tackle does a great job.

 

If you want to find a local person check with the local tackle shops in New Harmony area.

 

It is well worth the money to have a professional do the cleanup and repair work.

 

I don't mind doing the maintenance on them, and have cleaned them many times in the past, this one is just giving me issues for some reason!  I do plan on sending some off to DVT at some point to get "the treatment" at the end of the season.

Zach, just snug is all you need. If you want to send it in I'll be glad to take care of whatever you need. Include your BassResource.com screen name and I'll apply a members discount

Zach, just snug is all you need. If you want to send it in I'll be glad to take care of whatever you need. Include your BassResource.com screen name and I'll apply a members discount

 

Sounds good, thank you!  If I can't get it, I'll send it off your way.  I've heard nothing but good things!

Make sure the pawl cap is tight and that the worm gear was reinstalled correctly with all spacers etc in place.

X2  

Found the problem (in case anyone else has it and runs across this thread).

 

Pawl cap was tight, but pawl was not seating all the way.  The back side of the pawl was dry, so the small washer was slipping off to the side just enough to catch the edge of the threaded portion, and prevent a proper seat.  After putting a drop of oil to hold the washer in place, I reassembled, and everything worked as expected.