TLD 25 won't go into freespool

FatTuna · October 31, 2016, 03:46:52 AM

I have an old well used TLD 25. The reel appears to work fine except it has one significant issue. When I back the lever down, the reel doesn't always go into free spool. I appears that the spool isn't shifting over as it should. If I give it a tap, it will shift over and start working.

What do you guys think the issue is? Swollen graphite frame? Perhaps I need to replace the spool springs and belleville washers?

MarkT · October 31, 2016, 04:23:15 AM

I'd look at the drag plate bearing (part 170) on the sideplate side of the drag spring to make sure it slides easily on the spool shaft. If the spring can't push the drag plate away when it does into freespool you get the problem you report.

FatTuna · October 31, 2016, 05:07:46 AM

Thanks Mark.

The spool shaft is new but the bearings are the originals.

Bryan Young · October 31, 2016, 05:25:56 AM

If it's not the bearing and shaft then I would check the mating of the shaft and T in the sideplate on the left. The frame might have swelled a bit. I have filed the T-slot I. The past so the shaft slides in and out smoothly.

If it slides smoothly then you may need a stronger spring between the lever cam and the pre-set knob.

FatTuna · October 31, 2016, 05:33:40 AM

I was thinking it could be the T on the non-handle side plate. If Mark's suggestion isn't the cause, I'll try filing it down.

The frame on this reel is all faded. Wouldn't surprise me if it swelled a bit.

The spring between the cam and pre-set knob is brand new. The cam, pre-set knob, and washer under the lever are all new as well. The lever is the original.

Bryan Young · October 31, 2016, 05:44:14 AM

The TLD reels use a pull system which means the spool is pulled from left to right when the lever is engaged. The drag plate stays stationary with the pinion gear. The only thing that are subject to moving the shaft, pressure plate bearing, shaft going though the pinion, and cam. It has to be one of those.

FatTuna · October 31, 2016, 06:03:20 AM

Thanks for the write up Bryan.

I'm going to open her up again tomorrow.

FatTuna · November 01, 2016, 02:46:24 AM

So I tore down the entire reel.

I inspected the T on the non-handle side plate. The spool shaft was moving in and out no problem.

I opened the spool and inspected all the bearings mentioned. The spool shaft was able to move through but I added a drop of ReelX inside each bearing just to play it safe.

I also added a few drops of oil along the edge of the pinon guard.

Seems to be working now. I think the pinon guard was a little sticky.

I almost sold this reel for peanuts because I thought it was a parts reel. Now I'm going to fish it. Thanks for the help.

Bryan Young · November 01, 2016, 04:02:01 AM

Success. I love success