Stuck freespool lever on 114h tank

[Capt. ahab]

I'm deep into my 4 senator upgrades, and I have run into a problem. The freespool lever stops just before reaching the freespool position. I almost have to force it back to freespool, but I'm afraid of breaking something. When the side plate is detached, it will go into freespool if I help it by pushing in the pinion gear.

I read somewhere that the stainless yoke will hang up, and that you must install it with the smoother side up. Tried it, and improvement was marginal. I can get it into freespool, but only about 75% of the time. There are still hang-ups where it just won't go all the way back.

Is it ok to use the original brass yoke with steel gears? Will I run into wear issues with the two different metals rubbing against each other?  Is the stainless pinion really necessary?

[Shark Hunter]

Captain,
You need to smooth the tabs of the jack where the yoke rides. I have found if I don't do this, it will hang up, just as you are describing.

[foakes]

Hi Captain --

Daron is more than likely -- exactly right about the tabs on the jack.

Another easy check is the eccentric spring being perhaps bent in a wrong position or warped out of shape somehow.

This can be easily verified if it is a problem -- by operating the free spool lever with the sideplate off of the reel.

If it operates properly, then it is the jack tabs.

Good luck,

Fred

[Capt. ahab]

Do I hit them with a file or brush with steel wool or something like that?

[Alto Mare]

The yoke is stamped, make sure the side with the eased edges is facing up,  see if that helps any.

[foakes]

A fine file will do -- just take it easy, until you get it just right when dry -- then plenty of good grease will do the trick.

Best,

Fred

[Alto Mare]

Thomas, you got a bunch of good suggestions from the guys above, if all fails, try some steel wool on the spool shaft and clean the inner side of the pinion as well.

[Shark Hunter]

Do I hit them with a file or brush with steel wool or something like that?

I just use emery cloth. A piece of fine sandpaper.

[Keta]

Sometimes the end of the eccentric spring 20-114 is too long and can also cause problems if it sticks out of the eccentric too far.