Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => General Questions and Trouble Shooting => Topic started by: coelaecanth on October 03, 2023, 04:56:02 PM

Title: Alcedo Micron- Taking Apart Line Roller
Post by: coelaecanth on October 03, 2023, 04:56:02 PM
Hi ya'll,

I finally got around to servicing my Alcedo Micron, but ran into an issue when trying to take apart the line roller. In the schematics, it appears that this can be taken apart, but it seems fused to the screw that holds the bailwire together.

Does anyone have an idea on how these should be taken apart?
Title: Re: Alcedo Micron- Taking Apart Line Roller
Post by: foakes on October 03, 2023, 05:11:43 PM
If it needs to come off because it is corroded or screwed up —

Just soak in penetrating oil for awhile (overnight) —- then attempt a removal with a small pair of ignition pliers with vinyl or tape covered jaws.  If it breaks apart —- replace it.

If it is not corroded —- just clean it and the bail in an ultrasonic cleaner or a solution of lacquer thinner —- do not remove it —- and put the reel back together.

Either way will work just fine on these Microlight-sized reels.

I always try to take everything apart when cleaning and restoring a reel.  However, on some vintage reels where parts are not easily replaced —- and it doesn't affect the performance or appearance of a reel —- just clean up and leave well enough alone.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: Alcedo Micron- Taking Apart Line Roller
Post by: Midway Tommy on October 03, 2023, 05:51:52 PM
If pentrating oil doesn't work try soaking that end & line roller in vinegar. Vinegar works well desolving galvanic corrosion. 
Title: Re: Alcedo Micron- Taking Apart Line Roller
Post by: coelaecanth on October 03, 2023, 06:36:38 PM
Quote from: foakes on October 03, 2023, 05:11:43 PMIf it needs to come off because it is corroded or screwed up —

Just soak in penetrating oil for awhile (overnight) —- then attempt a removal with a small pair of ignition pliers with vinyl or tape covered jaws.  If it breaks apart —- replace it.

If it is not corroded —- just clean it and the bail in an ultrasonic cleaner or a solution of lacquer thinner —- do not remove it —- and put the reel back together.

Either way will work just fine on these Microlight-sized reels.

I always try to take everything apart when cleaning and restoring a reel.  However, on some vintage reels where parts are not easily replaced —- and it doesn't affect the performance or appearance of a reel —- just clean up and leave well enough alone.

Best, Fred

It's fairly corroded, but I did soak this in vinegar the other week... I'll give the JB blaster a shot, hopefully that'll do it. If not, then I'll likely leave it as is.

Thanks y'all,
Jason
Title: Re: Alcedo Micron- Taking Apart Line Roller
Post by: coelaecanth on October 04, 2023, 02:45:48 PM
After soaking in PB blaster, I wrapped the part in some felt and managed to unthread it with some needlenose pliers! Thanks for the help with this y'all.
Now all that's left is to fix the sticky drag...
Title: Re: Alcedo Micron- Taking Apart Line Roller
Post by: coelaecanth on October 04, 2023, 03:10:13 PM
Quote from: foakes on October 03, 2023, 05:11:43 PMIf it needs to come off because it is corroded or screwed up —

Just soak in penetrating oil for awhile (overnight) —- then attempt a removal with a small pair of ignition pliers with vinyl or tape covered jaws.  If it breaks apart —- replace it.

If it is not corroded —- just clean it and the bail in an ultrasonic cleaner or a solution of lacquer thinner —- do not remove it —- and put the reel back together.

Either way will work just fine on these Microlight-sized reels.

I always try to take everything apart when cleaning and restoring a reel.  However, on some vintage reels where parts are not easily replaced —- and it doesn't affect the performance or appearance of a reel —- just clean up and leave well enough alone.

Best, Fred

Fred, you wouldn't happen to have the thin metal drag washers for the Alcedo Micron, would you? These are looking a little worse for wear, figured they would benefit from a fresh pair if available.
Title: Re: Alcedo Micron- Taking Apart Line Roller
Post by: foakes on October 04, 2023, 03:35:22 PM
Sorry, Jason —-

I got rid of all of my Alcedo Micron parts about a year ago.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: Alcedo Micron- Taking Apart Line Roller
Post by: coelaecanth on October 05, 2023, 03:25:43 PM
No worries! The drag has a consistent judder to it, I tried to lap the washers but it didn't do much. The felt washer is compressed, so I'm trying to find an alternative outside of carbontex as I hear that it doesn't provide much modulation. Tried some acrylic felt from my local hobby shop, but the juddering issue is still there, I think it may have to do with the inconsistent thickness, but not sure.

I ordered some teflon sheets last night, so will give those a go. Contrary to what people say, I've had great experience with teflon as a drag material on ultralight settings.