Picked up a really nice Langley 870 but the anti-reverse doesn't work. Before I tear it completely apart can anyone give me what parts I will need to fix it. If the parts are no longer available it would be pointless to rip it apart. Thanks for any advice. Roger
Parts for those are tough to come by since they were bought out by Zebco 60 years ago and Zebco quit making them 50 years ago. You may have make the part, or parts, or find a donor reel to cannibalize.
Tommy of course is Right on the availability of Parts .However you may just need to clean the lever and spring to get it wotking again if the parts are still there and just Gummed up .
Here is pic and part numbers
(https://alantani.com/gallery/36/20463_25_02_22_10_33_58_365691242.jpeg)
Hi Roger —
Henry and Tom are right in the information they gave you —
As they were responding to your questions — I went out to one of the outer shops where I have a few of these old 870's.
On a 60 to 65 year old reel like this — even though parts are tough to find without a donor reel — it is generally dried-up grease that is causing the A/R to not engage.
A simple partial disassemble — inspection — cleaning out the old grease — relubing with modern lubes — and reassembly — very well might be the remedy.
Be careful taking the reel apart — old parts like these are easy to break — and hard to source.
Remove the sideplates (6) screws — remove the spool shaft by taking out the cotter-like retainer at the bottom end of the shaft, remove the semi-hidden "C" keeper on the pinion gear, gently and carefully pry the pinion off of the rotor shaft, remove the rotor assembly.
Now you can see if either the dog still on the frame is engaging properly with the Spring-loaded A/R Mechanism on the under-side of the rotor.
If all appears unbroken — clean up the old grease — relube — and it should work.
Great old reels.
Best, Fred
Nice view of the mechanics, Fred. Those Langleys are pretty simple, not too much to go wrong in there if they're maintained regularly. I'm sure more than one old spinner has been ditched over hard crusty old grease through the years when all it would have taken was a decent servicing.
Thanks a lot guys. Looks like a snowy day job. To take it apart and clean everything. Really appreciate your time and expertise. :Roger
Interesting, the AR system engages the rotor. That might be the first time I've seen that. Usually if it's not the main gear, it's the pinion. Weak areas on spinners, especially older ones, have been for me, AR mechanisms, crank arms and bail systems. Like the idea on that Spinator...
Yipee. Got it fixed. Thanks to all of the great information I figured I should try the easiest fix first so I took out the spool and used WD-40 into the holes in the bowl on the anti-reverse screws. Worked it back and forth and started hearing clicks. Sprayed some more and it started working. Now it works like a charm. Glad I didn't have to rip it apart but all the great information I got from you guys was so great I feel I could have done that if necessary. THANKS ALL. Roger
Well, good work, Roger —
You basically got it temporarily fixed.
If left unattended for a spell — the WD-40 will likely become stiff and also mix with the previous lube to become stiff once again.
WD-40 is a mild solvent, a good cleaner, and a very poor lubricant.
But any type of lubricant — is better than none.
It's all good!
Best, Fred
I pretty much agree with Fred, but they're so easy to service I would take it apart and completely clean & service it. That should make sure it works as intended for quite a long time.
My AR switch was frozen when I got mine. I soaked in WD40 nothing, so tried kroil and was able to hammer it out and it was all gunked up. All good now, but has other issues. Bail spring more or less shot and missing washers and handle is all ugly with the chrome flaking off and pitted real bad. Did notice the bail lever has 3 holes in it. I'm assuming this is to adjust the bail trip tension. Spools is great shape though!
Thanks
Jeff
What's the difference in the smooth paint finish and the wrinkled finish ones? I'm assuming the years made, but curious if it's the difference after Zebco bought Langley.
Thanks
Jeff
The Zebco 870 was always shiny smooth black, as was the Zebco 822. Some Zebco 830s were shiny smooth and some were textured. All Zebco 777s, 850s and 860s were textured black. The 707 was all an plastic body.