Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Hello all,

Recently, I sent my reel to one of the repair shop locally to have some work done. I had the bearings replaced, re-lubed and cleaned. The reason why I sent it in for him to repair is, there were sands in the reel and it was not smooth. The repair guy has been working on my reels many times and I never have had complaints.

After I got it back, I took it out for a "test" drive. It retrieved very smoothly. So, I was happy with that. However, I noticed as I reeled my line in, the lines was not evenly "layed" out. The top of the spool got more lines than the bottom part. This has never happened before. So, when I cast, I will get a bird nest (this happens on every cast).

I have never had this happened for this reel. So, I googled on this issue and some had suggested that adding a washer under the spool helps.

Does anyone have a suggestion?

Thanks,
Peter

Yes.  There is a good chance the person who repaired your reel may have lost one or more of the washers that go under the spool.  If you still have the box they may be in a little plastic bag in there.  Otherwise, you can call Shimano and they will send some out to you.

Under the spool on the shaft is a set of spacers/hardwashers.
These spacers (hard washers) keep the spool adjusted to center..
If the line is laying heavy at top of spool an added spacer/washer or two will allow the line to center itself on the spool.... By raising the spool on retrieve....

Stella may have extra set in the box for adjusting it, many high end reels do...

If not, any spacer that fits will do the job (temp or permanently) while you wait for some from Shimano Service..

Let your service guy know also, he may have just left one or two out when he put it back together???  If he is close he may just fix it in a minute.....



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From Shimano:



How to adjust winding shape of line
Upon delivery, the line is set to wind to an optimum shape. However, with the help of attached washers, the winding shape can be adjusted as illustrated below to suit individual preferences. With lines made of fluorocarbon and other hard substances, it is best to set the line to wind more to the front of the spool to avoid the problem of backlash.

A. Setting upon delivery
B. To set to wind more to the front Reduce the number of washers on the spool shaft
C. To set to wind more to the back Increase the number of washers on the spool shaft

Wow!!!! Thank you all for your quick replies.

Thank you Bucktail for the diagram. My problem falls into B. Ok, I think I can do that.

Nessie Hunter: Unfortunately, the repair guys lives a little far from me. He moved his business recently.

I'm having the same issue with uneven line lay.

Just want to be sure I'm doing the right thing, the adjustment washer is part no RD8208 in the schematic?

http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/schematics/albums/shimano/Shimano_stl_8000fa.pdf

That should be them.  On the smaller Stellas (like the 5000) they go directly on top of the spool bearing, between the bearing and the spool.  You might want to call Shimano to be sure. (877) 577-0600