Removing the drag washer on an SX 5.3:1

[Bucktail]

I am trying to remove the carbon fiber washer in this reel but it doesn't seem to want to come out.  I have tried prying it with a screwdriver but I have only succeeded in tearing it up on the edges.  In Alan's tutorial it seems to come out easily.  What am I doing wrong?

Note:  The tutorial shows a retaining ring.  This reel does have have a retaining ring.  Could it be glued on?

[alantani]

it's glued on!!!!!!!!!!  you have to just slap a thick coat of grease on it, make sure you get all the edges, and call it done. 

[alantani]

it's glued on!!!!!!!!!!  you have to just slap a thick coat of grease on it, make sure you get all the edges, and call it done. 

crud, you have a retaining ring.  you're certain?  ok, then it's not glued on.  you're sure it has a retaining ring?  that must mean that it is totally corroded onto the spool.  get a chisel if you have to, then call avet for a new drag washer.  you're sure about the retaining ring?

[Bucktail]

Sorry for the confusion.  I wrote "This reel does have have a retaining ring."  But I meant to write "This reel does NOT have a retaining ring."  So I guess it's what you said first huh?  It's glued on?  Doesn't seem very convenient.  What is the purpose of that?

[Keta]

Glued on drag washers is what caused me to quit buying Avet reels.

[AJ]

The glued on drags are an attempt to stop salt water from getting between the spool and the washer, which can cause corrosion.  It works better if you put a little grease around the edge of the drag washer.  This keeps water out if the glue, it works but is not perfect.

[alantani]

if it needs to be redone.   http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=2630.0

[Bucktail]

I didn't do too much damage to it.  I think it will be OK.  I will just grease it up with some Shimano drag grease, as Alan and AJ suggested, and leave it at that.

Thanks again for the help guys!