I have an Abu-Garcia 4600 CL3, which I've had a couple of years, and decided it was probably time to give the ol girl an oil change and grease job before I get to go on my anuual trek to Canada. I took the side plate screws loose and backed the spool assembly away from the crank assembly as careful as possible. Now, I'm ready to put the thing back together, and am having a kinda tough  time getting everything to line up just right.I had a couple of strokes a few years back, and am  pretty spastic. I don't want to force the darned thing and ruin something. Any hints at easiest way to get everything aligned would certainly be appreciated.

Exactly which end of the reel are you having trouble with?  If you're speaking of the palm plate side and sliding the spool back in I've found removing the spool tension knob helps.

Thanks for the tip.I had tried that and was able to get the spool assembly back in place but  can't get the cranking mechanism to engage nor the spool to turn freely. I'm doing something wrong and have one heck of a time trying to straighten it out, particularly with one good arm,and the other available more or less just as a brace.Thanks again

doublest,

If you have the reels schematic put it in front of you..

I had tried that and was able to get the spool assembly back in place but  can't get the cranking mechanism to engage nor the spool to turn freely.

Getting the spool to turn freely: What I am getting here is your trouble with the spool assembly is the brake blocks are hanging up in the race. Back the Cast Control Cap off about half way (no need to remove it). Then set the 2 white brake blocks to the center of the spool engagement key, now slide the spool onto the spool shaft making sure the 2 white blocks are inside of the brake race (the ring), and the engagement key has engaged the slots in the pinion gear. ..

Getting the cranking mechanism to engage: Now when you goto replace the crank side plate. The reason your not getting the crank to engage is that when you place the side plate back onto the frame you need to lift the thumb bar so that the small tab slips into the hole in the side plate that it belongs in. This pin engages the release arm inside the crank assembly.

It is really hard to get the proper setup typed here as it is an automatic assembly process for me when the reel is in front of me. Take your time, and go slow. If you have more trouble PM me..

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!

doublest PM me........