I've just been overhauling a couple 235's and a c220. I noticed a plastic flat washer in behind the left (clicker) side bearing. That is behind the bearing in the bottom of the bearing cup. What's this for and is it needed. I'm finding that even if I back off the spool side play nut aka. The bearing cup, I still don't get that little click of side play in the spool. The bearing cup is made of plastic on this mod. And is that upgradeable to a metal bearing cup??
The Plastic Washer centers the spool. Alan posted how to get the best free spool. Look in the Newell Thread.
I think ReelSpeed has made new Bearing Cup. Check his thread. If not someone did in Colors
I have found that I need the spacer on some models and I don't need it on others. The nut is upgradable to stainless. Try Gregg Chow at chowderpuff7@yahoo.com. They are also listed on ebay and cost about $18.
If you should lose the little spacer, you can find SS washers at Lowes and ACE that are the exact same OD and work great.