Hi, I'm new to the board and could use some help. I picked up a Zebco Cardinal 3 on an auction site for my son. It is really good cosmetically after a thorough cleaning. I have two issues though...
- I can't get the side plate screw loose. I've tried WD40 and penetrating oils to no avail. I've also tried every screwdriver I have including an Isuzu remake of the Cardinal tool and even fatter coins. I am just starting to bugger the screw head and I'm out of ideas.
- The bail opens and closes without issues most of the time. Once or twice out of every ten casts the bail is a little hard to close. If you reel backwards just a smidge, it gives you enough leverage to reel normally and close the bail. I don't see anything catching with the spool removed and it seems to catch regardless of where the bail is oriented around the rotor. I had to remove older grease from this reel and I assume there is still some on the internals but see above. What could be causing the bail to catch every once in a while?
I use an earlier model 3 but I'm still fairly new to these reels. Thankfully my reel has been flawless. Any help is appreciated.
With regard to the side plate screw, you might want to get a thick bladed stubby screw driver with a decent handle for leverage and file the tip to fit the side plate screw slot perfectly so it doesn't bugger the head/slot. With good downward pressure lightly work the screw back and forth. Most times the tightening motion will break a stuck screw loose. If that doesn't work you could put it in the freezer for a little while and then heat it with a hair dryer and use the same back and forth motion. The expansion/contraction should break it loose.
With regards to the bail trip issue, more than likely the nylon block on the bail trip lever needs a thorough cleaning and lubrication. The block actually pivots a little so it needs to move freely. The trip stud on the body may also need a little lubrication (grease).
BTW, there is a complete ABU/Zebco Cardinal 3 tutorial in the Zebco section here: https://alantani.com/index.php/topic,28172.0.html
Welcome aboard, Matthew —-
Tommy is our local expert on Cardinals!
Best, Fred
Thanks Tommy. I back the nylon block screw out a tiny amount and I think that did it. I did clean and lube it while it was loosened but having fussed with the springs in those blocks before, I didn't remove it completely. It's unlikely it will get fished again until spring but I've been checking it regularly and it hasn't hung up. I appreciate the guidance.