1st gen Calcutta 200 thumb bar issues

[Steelynorm]

My backup Calcutta 200 thumb bar is sticking or not engaging when i add drag tension.

It has been awhile since I have serviced it, I am hopeful that i put together something  wrong, figured i would ask here before tearing her down.

thanks.

[JasonGotaProblem]

What's the setting like on your spool tensioner? My other easy thought would be crud on the spool shaft and the pinion is sluggish. Just trying to rule out the easy stuff.

[Steelynorm]

spool tension good, and handle spins like buttah.

[JasonGotaProblem]

The pinion slides back and forth on spool shaft when the clutch lever is activated. So if there's sand or salt or something gumming it up. It won't slide smoothly.

I bet if you take it apart and clean it (and by "it" I mean the whole reel) out really well it'll work just fine again.

I really think Shimano started the often -repeated rumor than Calcutta reels are hard to work on (makes them sound like a bit of precise and advanced machinery, which adds to their mystique). IMHO These first gens are no trickier than an average ambassadeur.

[oc1]

On a Calcutta, the first think to go is always the clutch bar and associated guides and hardware.  I think the problems is more about the materials/plastics used than the design configuration.  New parts are not available.  Used parts are just someone else's problems.

Out of curiosity, check the metal pin protruding from the plastic thumb bar to see if the plastic is deformed when pressure is put on the metal pin.

Hedgehog Studios in Japan now has an aftermarket machined aluminum clutch bar.  It is expensive (even before the tariff) and I don't know if it's the ultimate fix for an old problem.

[alantani]

i'm hoping it's just gummed up.   

[oc1]

you'd hope.  Getting gummed up and putting extra resistance on the clutch release might also be the root cause of the materials problem.

[Steelynorm]

Well i believe i found the problem.
clutch pawl was worn out and does not move in the correct orientation when the thumb bar is depressed.
it wobbles a bit.
I was able to take my clutch pawl from my Calcutta 250 and install it. seems to work fine.. might need to add a tiny washer.
 
ordered a new one on EBay.

[alantani]

nice!!!!!