5500c 1978 issue with spool release

Millerrep · November 16, 2024, 06:08:13 PM

Hi all, new guy here. Needing some help with one of my 5500c bait casters. The spool release does not engage 100% of the time. When it doesn't, it's right where I leave the crank after I'm finished winding. With the main gear out it works 100%. When it fails, I just move the crank and press it again. Ps, I couldn't figure out how to load a video on the issue.

oc1 · November 17, 2024, 04:32:31 AM

Often time that happens because there is grit or grime under the two release gizmos. They are the two things with a brownish tint in your first photo above; one on each side of the gear shaft. They are riveted and cannot be removed for cleaning but you may be able to soak them in solvent or penetrant and work them back and forth manually until they free up.

alantani · November 17, 2024, 05:53:39 PM

i do not see obvious wear at any of the points of contact. that is usually the problem. as mentioned above, the gear stack and drive shaft assembly has to seat down as low as possible so that the rivets engage properly. it also has so stay down. if the entire assembly is allowed to "ride up," then the rivets might not engage properly. there is usually a screw or c-clip holding the assembly in place.

Millerrep · November 18, 2024, 02:54:37 PM

Video of the action.

Millerrep · November 18, 2024, 02:55:17 PM

alantani · November 18, 2024, 03:29:19 PM

i'm pretty sure that this is normal. $:-\$

Gfish · November 18, 2024, 05:35:19 PM

Yeah it may be. In your 2nd picture, those 2 "knobs" on the bottom of the main gear might have to be positioned away from the kick levers, so that they don't interfere with the needed movement. Press the free spool button a few times with the gear removed, so you can see how the kick lever needs to move.

Millerrep · November 19, 2024, 06:32:34 PM

Quote from: Gfish on November 18, 2024, 05:35:19 PMYeah it may be. In your 2nd picture, those 2 "knobs" on the bottom of the main gear might have to be positioned away from the kick levers, so that they don't interfere with the needed movement. Press the free spool button a few times with the gear removed, so you can see how the kick lever needs to move.

You may be right, I'll look at another that I have stored away. Seems they should be 90 degrees, they are not.