Shimano Calcutta 251. Spool release button issue and more.

[Fishgolfman]

I must be a sucker for reel deals. Got 251 calcutta that button wont depress. Figured it was a yoke problem but i can mechanically move and turning handle to engage. The reel is missing a side plate screw , bearing and pawl cover is cracked. All easy parts to find. Seems that the post on button cannot reach and depress the yoke system. What part do I need to find?Enclosed is a schematic and pictures of reel

[oldmanjoe]

  I think the trick here is to remove the side plate ,manually move the free spool lever in the side plate to free spool .  Than install side plate to frame .

[Fishgolfman]

I did engage side plate to free spool. it still won't engage and stay locked down or pop up easily . Makes me think something is worn

[oc1]

Calcuttas are famous for that.  I was into CT50s for a while and fought the problem a couple of times.  The trouble is often in the clutch bar itself (part number BN 1803) , especially the metal rod that sticks out the side of the plastic bar.  It gets loose over time.

https://www.reelschematic.com/wp-content/uploads/schematics/Shimano/Calcutta/CALCUTTA%20CT50.pdf

Shimano doesn't keep parts available for long and the thumb bar for the CT50 was already impossible to find a decade ago.

[Fishgolfman]

Thanks. I wonder if Alan t has the part or a solution

[Fishgolfman]

Perhaps i can repair bnt1803 clutch button if worn or loose?

[oc1]

Perhaps i can repair bnt1803 clutch button if worn or loose?

I tried injecting epoxy around the embedded shaft, but the entire plastic button seemed to have softened and became more squishy over time.  That allowed it to deform when the shaft tried to push the release lever. 

The solution would be to carve, cast or 3D print a new one.  There seem to be a lot of old Calcuttas with the same problem out there.  Perhaps there is enough demand to make it worthwhile to set up to reproduce them.

The handle knobs on those reels were also prone to becoming squishy or sticky.  Some have said it is the result of being exposed to mosquito repellent spray which reacts with the plastic. Or, maybe it's just age.

[Fishgolfman]

Mystery solved. Why would a hardly used 251 have clutch problems??? The clue is in pictures. The travel path of bar with eclip was gummed up with a sandy gunk.The travel path of clutch bar was bottom out on packed gunk. Appears that maintenance of the clutch was overlooked and the dirt of years accumulated. Now to finish job with a new bearing and pawl cap. Found small screws for handle plate!