Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Ambassadeur Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: Jon_Kol on August 25, 2015, 09:49:51 AM

Title: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 25, 2015, 09:49:51 AM
Well, this will be interesting.. :)

(http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo221/stadjon/bilde%201_zpsroq0v1ky.jpg)

(http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo221/stadjon/bilde%202_zpspki3fj03.jpg)

Hopefully it'll look better the next time you see it. :D
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: RUSTY OLD COLT on August 25, 2015, 11:58:48 AM
HOW OLD IS THIS REEL ? WAS IT EVER RINSED OFF AFTER USING ?
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 25, 2015, 12:13:32 PM
Based on what I know about it, maybe 4-5 years old. Probably never washed, cleaned or been through any kind of maintenance. When I opened it, I couldn't get the spool out cos it was stuck in the gear. Finally it came loose, then it started "raining" fine bits of sand and larger particles out of a draining hole on the opposite side.

I wonder how this reel will turn out in the end..
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Reel 224 on August 25, 2015, 12:34:04 PM
That is one sad looking reel, I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Joe
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Steve-O on August 25, 2015, 04:16:42 PM
WHOA! is right.....the title might read better as  " after long use in saltwater and then buried on the beach"  :D

Makes me wonder how it was doing the last few times it was fished.

Does it even have a weep hole in either side plate?

Looking forward to seeing what miracle you pull off.

Good luck
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Tile on August 25, 2015, 08:43:03 PM
This reel is so full of crud. I hope that engineers at ABU designed it right.
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: johndtuttle on August 25, 2015, 08:57:00 PM
Only see a little obvious pitting...my guess is other than probably needing new bearings it is totally salvageable.

That will buff right out!  :D
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: ReelClean on August 26, 2015, 09:43:38 AM
Have you got the LHS sideplate off yet?  In my experience that is a task without munging up the plastic.  I have seen a few almost as bad, but I think you get the gold.
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 27, 2015, 10:11:35 PM
In progress.. :)

(http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo221/stadjon/revo_zps0l7ibef9.jpg)
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Alto Mare on August 27, 2015, 10:15:18 PM
Wow, great improvement already Jon...nice job!
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 27, 2015, 10:28:13 PM
Quote from: Alto Mare on August 27, 2015, 10:15:18 PM
Wow, great improvement already Jon...nice job!

Nice to hear, thank you!
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Reel 224 on August 28, 2015, 04:09:45 AM
Jon that is an outstanding improvement!
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Steve-O on August 28, 2015, 04:50:38 AM
Very surprising the battle damage on that side is so light. i almost expected to see daylight after the sand, salt and gunk was removed. Keep going!
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: johndtuttle on August 28, 2015, 05:26:51 AM
Looks great so far Jon!  ;)

Are those bearings salvageable?
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: ReelClean on August 28, 2015, 06:00:51 AM
Quote from: johndtuttle on August 28, 2015, 05:26:51 AM
Looks great so far Jon!  ;)

Are those bearings salvageable?

I'd change and charge accordingly just as a little reminder to maintain it in future  ::)
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 28, 2015, 07:32:02 AM
Quote from: ReelClean on August 26, 2015, 09:43:38 AM
Have you got the LHS sideplate off yet?  In my experience that is a task without munging up the plastic.  I have seen a few almost as bad, but I think you get the gold.

Funny you should ask.. the LHS doesn't have a stain on it on the inside. Really strange. It came right off when I gave it a turn, and apart from a little salty touch along the edges, it's as good as clean. Imagine that..
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 28, 2015, 07:42:56 AM
Quote from: johndtuttle on August 28, 2015, 05:26:51 AM
Looks great so far Jon!  ;)

Are those bearings salvageable?

So far it looks like the owner has been lucky. The IAR sleeve was seated very tight against the IAR, but without being stuck. This had probably worked as a form of barrier against the saltwater and thereby also against corrosion - the IAR had very little discoloration and the pins move nicely. I even got the Brake Knob bearing to spin nicely after cleaning it with a few nice fluids that we have at work, that don't damage plastic, rubber, metal etc. So I'm hoping for the best. The true test will of course be when the reel is put back together, hopefully it will feel and preform well.

A little sidenote - there was so much crud inside that the dog had actually been lifted off and was laying next to the gear. :D Undamaged, luckily.
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 28, 2015, 07:46:22 AM
And thank you all for the positive comments. :)
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: handi2 on August 28, 2015, 04:49:39 PM
I seem to get many reels like that and they do usually clean up to live again. Sometimes they look great on the outside but like this on the inside.
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: johndtuttle on August 28, 2015, 05:37:29 PM
Quote from: Jon_Kol on August 28, 2015, 07:32:02 AM
Quote from: ReelClean on August 26, 2015, 09:43:38 AM
Have you got the LHS sideplate off yet?  In my experience that is a task without munging up the plastic.  I have seen a few almost as bad, but I think you get the gold.

Funny you should ask.. the LHS doesn't have a stain on it on the inside. Really strange. It came right off when I gave it a turn, and apart from a little salty touch along the edges, it's as good as clean. Imagine that..

With no drain holes the LHS do remarkably well it seems. It's pretty well sealed when closed up. Also, most guys set the reel handle side down, and when they rinse they introduce water into the gear box through the thumb button holes (conversely protecting the left side). Just a possibility.

Abu has said that their High Performance Corrosion Resistant (HPCR) bearings are really corrosion resistant, if that pinion bearing survives I am impressed.
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 28, 2015, 08:45:15 PM
(http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo221/stadjon/revofail2_zpsdfpml64d.jpg)

What I'd give for a Shimano-style C-clip on the opposite side of the reel frame, and just a quick solution right now..

The Main Gear Shaft is utterly and completely stuck, the underlaying bearing being the guilty part, I guess. I've had a go at it for some time now, but I've soaked in various liquids and I'll let it sit until tomorrow. Hopefully something will find its way down there and ease up some of the corrosion that is holding the bearing and shaft.

This one might be a tough cookie to fix if it doesn't ease up, it is reeeeeaally stuck in there.
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Steve-O on August 28, 2015, 09:57:38 PM
Boil it!  :o. Then freeze it!  ??? Then boil it again.... ;D.  Sautee it in goof off and break free...Should taste great when done ::).


Just some out of the box ideas. ;)
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Reel 224 on August 28, 2015, 10:32:58 PM
You are working miracles so far. Keep up the good work.

Joe
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: johndtuttle on August 28, 2015, 10:35:32 PM
Quote from: Jon_Kol on August 28, 2015, 08:45:15 PM
(http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo221/stadjon/revofail2_zpsdfpml64d.jpg)

What I'd give for a Shimano-style C-clip on the opposite side of the reel frame, and just a quick solution right now..

The Main Gear Shaft is utterly and completely stuck, the underlaying bearing being the guilty part, I guess. I've had a go at it for some time now, but I've soaked in various liquids and I'll let it sit until tomorrow. Hopefully something will find its way down there and ease up some of the corrosion that is holding the bearing and shaft.

This one might be a tough cookie to fix if it doesn't ease up, it is reeeeeaally stuck in there.

This is a bit of a sticky wicket as it were...the bearing is usually held on the end of the Shaft by an E-clip so the bearing has to come out to remove the shaft.

It will come out, it is a question of how much time you have to soak it in a penetrating oil and do the regular hot/cold cycle thing. Vinegar soaks may be ok....but I don't know if the Abu finish is up to that...Unfortunately the bracket that stabilizes things is in the way of your efforts too. :(

YOU CAN AND MUST DO EET.  ;D

Every tutorial I have ever done emphasizes this as the problem area in all of these reels that use the same system of housing a bearing in a natural "sump" for salt to sit in.
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Shark Hunter on August 28, 2015, 10:45:14 PM
Reminds me of the sand trap, but I didn't struggle as much as you are.
We are cheering you on. You can do it. ;D
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: SteveL on August 28, 2015, 10:50:51 PM
Quote from: Jon_Kol on August 28, 2015, 08:45:15 PM

The Main Gear Shaft is utterly and completely stuck, the underlaying bearing being the guilty part, I guess. I've had a go at it for some time now, but I've soaked in various liquids and I'll let it sit until tomorrow. Hopefully something will find its way down there and ease up some of the corrosion that is holding the bearing and shaft.

This one might be a tough cookie to fix if it doesn't ease up, it is reeeeeaally stuck in there.

If you suspect that the stuck part is due to rusted steel, you might try a product called Evapo-rust, which is a non-acidic chelating solution that dissolves iron oxides while leaving non-oxidized iron intact.   It seems to have no effect on nonferrous metals and plastics, so long soaks are possible.  It may leave some black material where the rust was, and that is the carbon that used to be in the steel.  (Corrosion X makes a similar rust remover). 

Evapo-rust will do absolutely nothing to help remove corrosion from brass, aluminum or other nonferrous metals, so if it isn't rusty steel, it won't help.

After a good soak, you could go back to your other penetrating liquids, or maybe try one of the freeze off sprays like Loctite Freeze & Release (http://www.henkelna.com/industrial/product-search-1554.htm?nodeid=8797940809729 (http://www.henkelna.com/industrial/product-search-1554.htm?nodeid=8797940809729))


Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: alantani on August 28, 2015, 11:51:31 PM
i have a frankford arsenal rotary tumbler.  i'll bet 3-4 hours there would fix it right up!

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41%2BIWm4WY9L._SY450_.jpg)
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Shark Hunter on August 29, 2015, 12:04:31 AM
 :D I bet it would shine it right up!
I reach a point where its coming out in one piece or in pieces.
The right method will win. Just have to think it through. ;)
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 29, 2015, 05:17:19 PM
Ooooooooh yes...

(http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo221/stadjon/revomainshaftout2_zpsjqhzqjae.jpg)

A lovely mix in the end - various spraycan lubes, protective oil spray, anti-corrosion spray, freezer + hot water, and repeat..

But I believe that the most important component was the one I thought of using after seeing that I could not "attack" the bearing from any side, due to that it is sitting fairly deep in its place, plus that bracket really made it annoying not being able to really get to it.

So after looking at various tools etc, I decided to go for a tool that has helped me a lot - a scalpel. Not one of those crazy sharp ones, this one has seen it's fair share of harder materials. But the tip is thin and sharp enough to slip between really tight corners and rims. I worked the tip of the blade carefully around the entire visible section of the bearing, and each time I was able to remove small amounts of crud and stuff. Then after pulling, pulling, pulling and puuuuuuulling some more, suddenly I was convinced that the bearing had moved. That was enough inspiration to give it a few more pulls, and *POP* there it was! What a lovely feeling hehe! :D

Here's a pic showing some of the stuff that was around and underneath the bearing, looks kinda like tiny flakes of silver.

(http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo221/stadjon/shaftopening_zpst3x5dbmq.jpg)

Thank you all for your comments and support, it's really nice to refresh the topic posted here and see so many replies.
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: johndtuttle on August 29, 2015, 05:47:02 PM
YAY!  ;D
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Reel 224 on August 29, 2015, 05:48:32 PM
Necessity the mother of invention! Very good idea and great results.

Joe
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 29, 2015, 09:02:14 PM
Well, it's a fact:

(http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo221/stadjon/revoapart2_zps893efafs.jpg)

That Worm Shaft bearing sure stuck well to the frame as well, thought I was going for round #2 there for a while. Luckily it popped out after some kind words and a not-so-kind pull. :D

Now the Revo is in bits! Feels great. I'm gonna rinse the reel housing to make sure all of those micro sand grains will be gone once I start putting the reel back together. Or maybe I should just send it all back to the owner in a plastic bag..  8)
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 29, 2015, 09:25:15 PM
Cleaning done - "you sand demons, out!!"  :D

Here's a before-picture, right after opening the reel but without removing any parts:

(http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo221/stadjon/bilde%201_zpsroq0v1ky.jpg)

And a now-picture, after all parts are removed and the housing fully cleaned (but not yet greased):

(http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo221/stadjon/revoinside_zpskiikyci6.jpg)
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: johndtuttle on August 29, 2015, 10:31:03 PM
How about that last bearing, still functional?
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 29, 2015, 11:09:57 PM
Quote from: johndtuttle on August 29, 2015, 10:31:03 PM
How about that last bearing, still functional?

You mean the ones on the Worm Shaft? No, they're gone. At least one of them.. feels like a grinder when I turn it.
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: MarkT on August 29, 2015, 11:11:28 PM
Looks like they're able to function as fishing weights!
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: johndtuttle on August 30, 2015, 12:10:19 AM
Quote from: Jon_Kol on August 29, 2015, 11:09:57 PM
Quote from: johndtuttle on August 29, 2015, 10:31:03 PM
How about that last bearing, still functional?

You mean the ones on the Worm Shaft? No, they're gone. At least one of them.. feels like a grinder when I turn it.

No, I was wondering about the one under the main shaft?
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Shark Hunter on August 30, 2015, 12:19:46 AM
Great Job Jon! Congrats on the battle! You Win! ;D
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 30, 2015, 09:42:50 AM
Quote from: johndtuttle on August 30, 2015, 12:10:19 AM
Quote from: Jon_Kol on August 29, 2015, 11:09:57 PM
Quote from: johndtuttle on August 29, 2015, 10:31:03 PM
How about that last bearing, still functional?

You mean the ones on the Worm Shaft? No, they're gone. At least one of them.. feels like a grinder when I turn it.

No, I was wondering about the one under the main shaft?

Oh, that one. Well, it has got a bit of a griding feeling to it, so I'll replace it to be sure. Could be that it didn't approve all that pulling and yelling. :D
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on August 31, 2015, 10:24:33 PM
(http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo221/stadjon/wormshaft_zpsevtxnruz.jpg)

Do any of you know if these bearings are pressed on? They are extremely tight, haven't gotten around to really work with them yet, but they seem to have a very tight fit to the Worm Sharft.
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: alantani on August 31, 2015, 10:29:30 PM
like all reel bearings, it should be a slip fit.   :-\
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: johndtuttle on August 31, 2015, 10:43:01 PM
Yep, they should come off.  :)
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on September 01, 2015, 06:22:17 PM
Gaaah I feared those answers. :D Guess it's back to pulling and turning again..
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Reel 224 on September 01, 2015, 08:08:16 PM
Quote from: Jon_Kol on September 01, 2015, 06:22:17 PM
Gaaah I feared those answers. :D Guess it's back to pulling and turning again..

You need to get yourself a small bearing puller.

Joe
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on September 01, 2015, 08:56:51 PM
Quote from: Reel 224 on September 01, 2015, 08:08:16 PM
Quote from: Jon_Kol on September 01, 2015, 06:22:17 PM
Gaaah I feared those answers. :D Guess it's back to pulling and turning again..

You need to get yourself a small bearing puller.

Joe

Never thought about that, actually. Can you recommend a version which handles the sort of bearings that we reel-heads often encounter? :)
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Reel 224 on September 01, 2015, 10:25:49 PM
Quote from: Jon_Kol on September 01, 2015, 08:56:51 PM
Quote from: Reel 224 on September 01, 2015, 08:08:16 PM
Quote from: Jon_Kol on September 01, 2015, 06:22:17 PM
Gaaah I feared those answers. :D Guess it's back to pulling and turning again..

You need to get yourself a small bearing puller.

Joe

Never thought about that, actually. Can you recommend a version which handles the sort of bearings that we reel-heads often encounter? :)

You might try http://www.mscdirect.com or Harbor Freight for a start, maybe some of the others here can help. Look at this one at MSC  #00077305

Joe

Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: Jon_Kol on November 11, 2015, 02:42:13 PM
Hi guys!

Just thought I'd give you a quick update on this reel. Yesterday, I sent it by mail to the owner. I was handed this reel at the start of August, so it's taken a while.

All in all, this is what was replaced:

* Star Wheel drive (the threads were busted)
* Clicker Spring + Clicker Spring Holder (corroded to pieces)
* Kick Lever - was snapped off (thanks to Alan Tani, who sent me the last one he had for this kind of reel)
* Replaced the drag washers with Carbontex via Smooth Drag
* Replaced the bearing situated beneath the Main Gear Shaft (all the other bearings were good!! :O)
* Spool Break Cap

That's about it, I guess. Here's a few of the maaaany pictures I took during the service.

(http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s297/jonkolst/12194878_10156188105500263_4867084593523663197_o_zps2dsl8qb1.jpg)

(http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s297/jonkolst/11048727_10156188105570263_2559772717503643268_o_zpstrpp7yf9.jpg)

(http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s297/jonkolst/12194797_10156188105260263_159935290411696444_o_zpslqcrtfdl.jpg)

(http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s297/jonkolst/12189479_10156188102160263_356886552464731445_o_zpsjs7udjhf.jpg)

(http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s297/jonkolst/11707926_10156188105490263_7247421348926344619_o_zpsyak7ubcg.jpg)

Here's how it looked after the job was done:

(http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s297/jonkolst/12189373_10156188104645263_8522467212624481056_o_zpsz0o1durn.jpg)

It was really nice getting this reel to function again, and a happy owner is looking forward to using it again come spring 2016. These days my tables are full of reels, so it's out with one reel, in with the next. :)
Title: Re: ABU Revo - after long use in saltwater
Post by: johndtuttle on November 11, 2015, 06:27:27 PM
Great work Jon!

Abu has touted for years the quality of their bearings and that so many were rehabable is a testiment there being some truth to that. Honestly it is remarkable that the reel survived at all.  ;)