Tiburon 332 Conversion to 322 - the spool shaft is catching in free spool

[gallegn]

I did a Tiburon upgrade to my 332 earlier this year with the both the Tiburon Frame and Spool assembly.  It looks great and feels solid, but one issue that I haven't been able to fix is that the spool shaft still catches in free spool if I tilt the reel to the right.  I thought I could correct it with adding new spacers to the right bearing cap, but it doesn't help.  The reel still spins like a top when centered or tilted to the left.   I didn't notice this until my last trip when I was fly-lining a sardine and while ducking under someone the spool caught when the bait was being picked up.  I lost the fish so I'm trying to get this kink worked out before it happens again.  I know some people said the Tiburon spools occasionally have some issues with rubbing against the frame, but I haven't read about any issues about it catching on the gears in free spool.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I would call Tiburon, but the upgrade was done 7 months back and the spool has a scratch so I doubt they will offer a replacement.

Thanks

[Newell Nut]

A couple of thoughts and the first is based on past experience with the 322 spool from Tiburon. It took a few attempts to get a spool that works. One of our members has that spool now since I acquired some 322s and decided to make my 332 a 332 again.

It could be possible that the shaft sticks out a few thousandths to far to the right. This can be adjusted since the shaft is simply a very tight press fit. With the spool sitting on a block of wood with a hole drilled in it, you can tap the end of the shaft with a hard plastic device. Do this gently and measure to see if you moved a couple thou.

If the shaft sticks out just a couple though too much you end up with the locking lug touching the pinion when out of gear.

Without it in my hand I am simply guessing from your description. Another option is to buy a 322 which comes with a metal spool and then install the 322 Tib frame and then you will be very happy. Keep or sell the 332.

No I am not interested in selling one of my 322s. Good Luck.

[gallegn]

Thanks Newell Nut.  I had an idea you would be the one to respond.  I will try what you mentioned since I have nothing to lose if I make a mistake.  the initial reason I did the conversion was so that I couldn't find a decently priced 322 in usable shape.    Do you know if a Penn 501 spool will work with the 322?  The Tiburon spool says it's a replacement for the 322 or Penn 501.  I can find one of those priced decently.