Okuma Makaira 15 2 speed

[phishxxii]

I was given this reel to work on . The issue was no free spool when the lever was in that position. The reel would stay in gear regardless of the lever position. Took the reel apart and worked on the spool assembly first. Everything seemed ok as per your tutorial.Checked everything else for lubrication,etc.All looked good. Put the reel back together and had same problem . I need some advice

[alantani]

Normally, with the lever in the free position, this problem happens when the cam is not nested properly in the lowest position.  That is not possible with the makaira.

The second cause is the metal drag pressure plates getting stuck and not releasing. The reel stays in gear. Usually you can wiggle the spool back and forth,  and you get freespool back. Cleaning up the spool shaft and new bearings Usually takes care of that problem. 

Usually... 

[Gfish]

I had that issue with a Shimano Speedmaster-II. Didn't occur to me though that it was the 2nd thing, but that makes sense; the pressure plate was sticking, cause I jiggled the spool and it let-go, giving me free spool again.
BTW, while a relatively inexpensive reel, I don't think this one is worth what I paid for it 👎.
I'll take recommendations for a small 2-speed lever-drag, preferably with very few and relatively minor plastic parts?...

[boon]

BTW, while a relatively inexpensive reel, I don't think this one is worth what I paid for it 👎.
I'll take recommendations for a small 2-speed lever-drag, preferably with very few and relatively minor plastic parts?...

Off topic a bit, but the Okuma ones... Alijos and Cavalla - almost no plastic parts internally.

[gary760]

If the reel has been stripped down and the carbon drag plate re greased it is possible that one of the steel drag plates may have been put back together the wrong way round. This reduces the gap between the steel plates so the carbon washer is never free. Check out a post about a Makaira 80W that had the same issue and this was the cause of the problem - I gave a more detailed response on that post
Regards Gary

[gary760]

I had that issue with a Shimano Speedmaster-II. Didn't occur to me though that it was the 2nd thing, but that makes sense; the pressure plate was sticking, cause I jiggled the spool and it let-go, giving me free spool again.
BTW, while a relatively inexpensive reel, I don't think this one is worth what I paid for it 👎.
I'll take recommendations for a small 2-speed lever-drag, preferably with very few and relatively minor plastic parts?...

small very light aircraft grade aluminium and stainless parts , american made. Avet make some very good reels. In my humble opinion