Zebco Cardinal 3 troubleshooting

Started by Spoons and Spinners, November 04, 2024, 09:05:41 PM

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Spoons and Spinners

Hi, I'm new to the board and could use some help.  I picked up a Zebco Cardinal 3 on an auction site for my son.  It is really good cosmetically after a thorough cleaning. I have two issues though...

- I can't get the side plate screw loose.  I've tried WD40 and penetrating oils to no avail.  I've also tried every screwdriver I have including an Isuzu remake of the Cardinal tool and even fatter coins. I am just starting to bugger the screw head and I'm out of ideas. 

- The bail opens and closes without issues most of the time.  Once or twice out of every ten casts the bail is a little hard to close.  If you reel backwards just a smidge, it gives you enough leverage to reel normally and close the bail.  I don't see anything catching with the spool removed and it seems to catch regardless of where the bail is oriented around the rotor.  I had to remove older grease from this reel and I assume there is still some on the internals but see above. What could be causing the bail to catch every once in a while?

I use an earlier model 3 but I'm still fairly new to these reels. Thankfully my reel has been flawless.  Any help is appreciated.


Midway Tommy

With regard to the side plate screw, you might want to get a thick bladed stubby screw driver with a decent handle for leverage and file the tip to fit the side plate screw slot perfectly so it doesn't bugger the head/slot. With good downward pressure lightly work the screw back and forth. Most times the tightening motion will break a stuck screw loose. If that doesn't work you could put it in the freezer for a little while and then heat it with a hair dryer and use the same back and forth motion. The expansion/contraction should break it loose.

With regards to the bail trip issue, more than likely the nylon block on the bail trip lever needs a thorough cleaning and lubrication. The block actually pivots a little so it needs to move freely. The trip stud on the body may also need a little lubrication (grease).

BTW, there is a complete ABU/Zebco Cardinal 3 tutorial in the Zebco section here: https://alantani.com/index.php/topic,28172.0.html
Love those open face spinning reels! (Especially ABU & ABU/Zebco Cardinals)

Tommy D (ORCA), NE



Favorite Activity? ............... In our boat fishing
RELAXING w/ MY BEST FRIEND (My wife Bonnie)

foakes

Welcome aboard, Matthew —-

Tommy is our local expert on Cardinals!

Best, Fred
The Official, Un-Authorized Service and Restoration Center for quality vintage spinning reels.

D-A-M Quick, Penn, Mitchell, and ABU/Zebco Cardinals

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Spoons and Spinners

Thanks Tommy.  I back the nylon block screw out a tiny amount and I think that did it.  I did clean and lube it while it was loosened but having fussed with the springs in those blocks before, I didn't remove it completely.  It's unlikely it will get fished again until spring but I've been checking it regularly and it hasn't hung up.  I appreciate the guidance.