Akios shuttle problem...

[Fish-aholic]

Hi guys, I hope you can be of help?!

I have an issue with my friends Akios shuttle reel. The problem is, when the drag is set towards the high end of it's drag setting, the drag becomes jerky with a noticable grinding sound of the spool rubbing against the inside of it's cage. I know this for certain because the spools lip on the right hand side has ground down the orange anodised coating to show the alloy underneath. The left hand side of the spools lip is intact.

I found the reel operates perfectly fine when the reels drag is set in it's low/medium drag range, with the spool rubbing/grinding ceasing aswell.
I checked the spindle and as far as I can see, it doesn't look 'out of sorts'. I guess if the spindle was bent, it would effect the reels performance throughout the drag range and not be a problem singled out when the drag is set towards the high end of it's drag range?

Here's a short video of the problem:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW3OmgYnf5U&feature=youtu.be


Thanks for looking!

Fish'aholic




 

[Bryan Young]

What is the drag setting for that reels?  Per the spec sheet, I believe that it's a 15# test reel, but notes that the reel is capable of 17# of drag (which my be true but could have other consequences).   It's still a max 15# reel, so drags should not exceed 7#.

[Fish-aholic]

What is the drag setting for that reels?  Per the spec sheet, I believe that it's a 15# test reel, but notes that the reel is capable of 17# of drag (which my be true but could have other consequences).   It's still a max 15# reel, so drags should not exceed 7#.

Hi Bryan. Thanks for a swift reply!

I just checked the drag setting at it's max (star buttoned down) and it's a few oz's shy of punching out 7# of drag (digital scales as I haven't got spring scales). For a reel of this size (just like an abu 6500), as you said, that's more than enough drag, considering the mainline will not surpass 15#. My problem is still there even when the drag is set at around 5#, though, the problem is to a lesser extent.

The Akios reel has factory stock washers. The 3 drag washers found inside the main gear are carbon fibre with one nylon fibre washer found below the main gear. I have also applied cal's drag grease to all the drag washers. I just feel the tolerance of the cage and spools lip on the right hand side is very tight and I'm guessing the surge on the spindle is causing the spindle to slightly give and causing the rubbing of the spools lip into the cages frame?!  
 
I totally understand setting a drag to either a 1/3rd or 1/4th of the mainlines strength - done whilst line is rung through the eye guides. I also understand the anti reverse mechanisms failing with too much drag set against anti reverses that can fail way below the drag range reels have available. I don't fancy having a knuckle busting experience, lol  

[Bryan Young]

Your assessment sounds correct to me.  On other thing I would check are the bearings.  If the bearings are damaged, then there will be a slight play in the spool and can cause rubbing under pressure. 

Frame alignment may also be the issue as well.

You should contact Akios as that model is still being carried.  Tell them your situation and reference your video.  I'm sure they would like to remedy the situation esp. since there is a video on youtube.

Bryan

[Nessie Hunter]

IS the wear on Spool & Frame at one Quadrant??? Or all the way around (the frame)??

My 'best guess' from the video and your explanation is that the Spool Bearings/Bushings are worn Or the holder/seat of them is worn - slop.  
High drag pulls the spool to side (out of center) as you pull out line???

I am not familiar with that Reel at all...  
I have seen some Abu that have a Bushing on Left side that is a Silicone?? with a small bushing pressed in center..  
That could be an issue with pulling the Spool out of Center with High Drag setting?


??


.

[Fish-aholic]

Thanks for the replies!

I've checked the spool bearings and both seem fine. The bearings are ceramic hybrid and these are the stock bearings with this model reel.

By testing, I have run the bearings on the spindle and gave it a spin and I can't feel any roughness and get about 30-40 seconds spin time. I've also put pressure on the inner races and roatated both bearings and didn't feel any roughness.


Here's a pic highlighting the wear caused to the inside of the Akios frame:



I'm leaning towards the problem being the frame alignment  The Akios reels has a brass bullet in the left side plate and a brass bushing under the spool float cap on the right side plate. The spool float is set so there is minimal spool float (under 1mm) that is heard knocking but can't be seen.

Can I ask, what will I need to look out for/how to test to see if it's either the brass bullet or the brass bushing being the cause for the misalignment?

The reel was purchased 2nd hand from 'that action site' so it's not under warranty 

Akios need not worry, Bryan. The video is not available to the public using the search facility. It's only made public via a link posted from my account

I appreciate both of your help so far!

[Bryan Young]

If it's not the bearings, this' probably a tolerance issue with the reel.  The spool (and spool shaft) is moving ever so slightly forward thereby contacting the frame.  I'd still contact Akios.  Who knows, they may want the reel back to study while they send you a new one.

[Fish-aholic]

thanks again, Bryan. I suppose a phone call wont hurt 

Fish'aholic 

[willybendit]

is the reel used for tounament casting or just fishing   sounds like the cage is bent  seen this happen on the Field

[Nessie Hunter]

Very possible the spool is out of round, Happens easily....
When Drag is high it pulls just far enough forward to rub the frame in that location (assuming that the front of frame-forward)....

[PimpMyReel]

Hi
I do custom versions of Akios 656 reels and I have come across this before, the problem was the cage being twisted slightly but that was an Akios 656 CS level wind cage. This should not happen with a shuttle cage although the symptoms are the same. Hope that helps.